Dorothy Ann (Kasmarick) Maslanka

BESSEMER, Mich. - Dorothy Ann (Kasmarick) Maslanka, 85, formerly a long-time resident of Bessemer, went home to Heaven to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday evening, Dec. 8, 2017.

She passed away peacefully at the home of her daughter and son-in-law, where she had resided.

Dorothy was born on May 25, 1932, in Ironwood, a daughter of John and Mary (Hrebenar) Kasmarick. She attended Luther L. Wright High School and graduated in 1950.

On June 20, 1953, Dorothy was united in marriage to the love of her life, Walter F. "Wally" Maslanka at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Ironwood. They made their home in Bessemer and celebrated more than 63 wonderful years together.

Dorothy was employed as a secretary at the U.S. Forest Service for more than 30 years.

She was an avid reader and enjoyed sewing. After retirement, Dorothy sewed many dolls and quilts, which she passed on to her family.

Dorothy was a faithful member of St. Sebastian Catholic Church in Bessemer. In earlier years, she was the office manager at the church.

Dorothy and Wally were known as the polka partners by their friends. Everyone enjoyed watching them glide across the dance floor. One of their most memorable dances was in 1980 when they attended a polka fest in Pine City, Minn. There were 12 orchestras playing at one time with more than 12,000 people in attendance.

Dorothy loved animals and always had a dog. She was especially fond of her Pomeranians. Dorothy took great pleasure in gardening and grew beautiful roses.

She was a devoted wife, a cherished mother, a loving grandmother and a beloved great-grandmother. Her family was everything to her.

Dorothy is survived by four children, Doreen (Louis) Raykovich, Michael (Donna) Maslanka, Cecilia (Michael) Pisco and Paula (Tom) VanKuiken; seven grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; her loving companion, Kitty; three sisters, Marge Richards, Agnes "Babe" (Richard) Zalud and Julie (Bob) Ables; a brother, John (Jeanne) Kasmarick; and numerous dear nieces, nephews and friends.

She was predeceased by her parents; her beloved husband, Wally, on July 3, 2016; two sisters and a brother-in-law, Lucille (Sister Dorine) Kasmarick and Mary and Curt Charette; a brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Helen Kasmarick; and other loving relatives.

In accordance with Dorothy's wishes, the family honored her life in a private funeral service.

Rite of Committal and interment will take place in Hillcrest Cemetery, Bessemer.

The family would like to express its deep appreciation to the caring staff at Regional Hospice Services for their loving, compassionate care of Dorothy in her final days, especially to Mary and Courtney; to Rev. Father Robb Jurkovich for his encouraging words of comfort, thoughtfulness and blessings to Dorothy and her family; and last, but not least, for the remarkable, loving and caring services of Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield. Words cannot describe the family's heartfelt gratitude.

Condolences may be expressed online at lakesidememorialchapel.com.