Obituary

Dorothy A. (Blish) Schuetz nee Fabitz

Dorothy A. "Dottie" (Blish) Schuetz of West Bend, WI, passed away peacefully on April 4, 2025, at the age of 85, surrounded by the piney woods of East Texas and the love of her devoted husband and son. Born in Milwaukee, WI on July 9, 1939, to the late Edward and Mary Irene Fabitz (née Gilford), Dottie graduated from Rufus King High School in 1957. She spent many years working in the claims department at Blue Cross Blue Shield, where she made lifelong friendships. In 1967, she married the love of her life, Robert "Bob" Blish, whom she met at the Longbranch Saloon in Barton. After years of hoping, they welcomed their son Nicholas Robert in 1980-a moment Dottie often called her greatest blessing. Dottie dedicated her life to caring for others, especially children. She worked as a daycare provider and later earned her certification through Moraine Park Technical College. She had a natural warmth and gift with kids, many of whom stayed in touch well into adulthood. After Bob's passing in 1995, Dottie eventually found love again. She met Richard "Richie" Schuetz at dollar burger night at the VFW in 2010, bonding over their shared love of wintering in East Texas; after joking she should "hitch a ride" with Richie to Texas, they married on December 28, 2013, in Holly Lake Ranch, TX.

Dottie will be remembered for her generous spirit, witty charm, and infectious kindness. Dottie had a talent for finding "treasures" on her bargain hunts and loved giving thoughtful gifts "just because." Her trademark "Midwest goodbyes" were legendary—she was always the last to leave, never in a hurry when it came to people she loved.

She never forgot a birthday or milestone, and her warmth extended to everyone she met. Whether it was family, friends, or new acquaintances, Dottie made everyone feel special. Her grandchildren, Oliver and Everly, lovingly called her "Gagoo," and she embraced the title with pride and joy. Dottie is survived by her beloved husband, Richard Schuetz of West Bend, WI, her only son, Nicholas Blish (Kelly) of Greenfield, WI and her cherished grandchildren Oliver (10) and Everly (7). She is also survived by her sister, Christine Paape (Dave), her brother Daniel Fabitz (Cathy), both of West Bend, WI, and sisters-in-law Carol Fabitz and Barb Fabitz, as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces/nephews, cousins, other family members and friends.

Dottie is preceded in death by her parents, her first husband Robert J. Blish, and her younger brothers, Thomas and John Fabitz.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the Holly Lake Ranch community in Texas, the dedicated medical staff at Christus Good Shepherd Hospital in Longview, TX, and the ministry and congregation of First Christian Church in Longview. The kindness and generosity shown during Dottie's time in the hospital-especially the church congregation's heartfelt gesture of offering her family a place to stay at no cost—will never be forgotten. In honor of Dottie's strength as a breast cancer survivor, the family kindly requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the Cancer Center at Froedtert West Bend Hospital.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Saint Francis Cabrini Catholic Church in West Bend, WI at 11:00am on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. Burial will follow at Washington County Memorial Park. Visitation with the family will be at the church on Tuesday, April 22 ^nd from 9:30am until 10:45am.

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