Dorothy G. Ziarnik

Dorothy was born on September 27, 1924, in Manitowoc, daughter of the late Walter and Gertrude (Redlich) Mahnke. She graduated from Lincoln High School with the Class of 1942. On June 14, 1947, she married Arnold Ziarnik who preceded her in death on November 14, 1994. Their lives revolved around family, relatives, and a multitude of friends.

Dorothy held many part-time positions in her lifetime, from CNA at Holy Family Hospital to posing, fully costumed, as the Easter Bunny, at JC Penney, handing out candy to children. She did whatever it took to provide those little extras for her family. When her children were all in school, she sought full-time employment in the office of Team Electronics, followed by 13 years as the assistant to the Administrator of Riverview School. Dorothy was an active member of St. John’s UCC, singing in the choir, sewing quilts as a member of the Sew and Sews, serving on the Women's Guild and the Church Council. She was a volunteer for HFM Adult Care, Meals on Wheels, the Manitowoc Information Center and as a City of Manitowoc Poll worker. 

Dorothy's handiwork skills were phenomenal. She sewed incredibly well, providing clothing and outerwear for her children as well as the most beautiful Baptismal gown which was worn by all of her grandchildren. Each great-grandchild received a hand-sewn baby quilt. She enjoyed knitting, providing her family with lovely afghans and throws. She crafted doll clothes, costumes, ceramic trees and Christmas village pieces. Her baking skills were outstanding. Many Saturday mornings, as children, we watched cartoons while smelling the breads, coffeecakes and kolaches baking in the oven; waiting impatiently for our chance to sample one, only one, of those delicious treats. 

Retirement allowed Mom time for reading, traveling through Europe, caring for grandchildren and involvement in her many card clubs.

She was an avid Bridge player and a Canasta enthusiast.

A very personal look into Mom's life includes a story that epitomizes her personality. I came home from school, one day, to find her sitting on the kitchen floor, a floor mop in one hand and a bucket of water next to her. She was laughing so hard she had a difficult time explaining why she was on the floor. It appears the radio was playing one of her favorite songs by the Supremes so she decided to try out one of the dance moves I had taught her. Apparently, the floor was more slippery than she thought. I helped her up, both of us laughing uncontrollably.

She had an incredible sense of humor and an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. She always had 3 books sitting on her side table, a novel, a World Atlas and a dictionary. In more recent years, her I-Pad joined the books.

She celebrated her 100th birthday in September surrounded by family, relatives and friends.

Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law: Susan and Mark Robertson of De Pere; son and daughter-in-law: Thomas and Mary Ziarnik of Madison; daughter-in-law: Jane Ziarnik; grandchildren: Blake Robertson, Meghan (Tyler) Hischke, Christopher Ziarnik and significant other, Heidi Hansen, Abby (Patrick) Krause; and great grandchildren: Zoey Hischke, Emilia Hischke, Levi Krause and Scott Matthew Ziarnik; along with nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. In addition to her parents and husband, she was also preceded in death by her brother, Harold Mahnke, and two sons: Michael and Scott Ziarnik.

Private family services will be held at Pfeffer Funeral Home followed by burial in Evergreen Cemetery.

Dorothy’s family extends a special thank you to the staffs of Renaissance by Rennes and Unity Hospice for the compassion and care given to Dorothy and her family.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family by visiting www.lakeshorefamilyfuneralhomes.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dorothy G. Ziarnik, please visit our floral store.