Dorothy M. Hegenbarth

Dorothy M. Hegenbarth, 92, of La Crosse died on Saturday, August 9, 2025 at Bethany St. Joseph Care Center. She was born in La Crosse on February 17, 1933 to George and Margaret (Halbach) Forer. On June 11, 1955, Dorothy married Clarence Hegenbarth. He preceded her in death on February 2, 2002.

Dorothy spent most of her time outdoors admiring God’s creation. She always thought of others before herself, offering to lend a hand in any way she could. She loved to play cards with her family and friends. Dorothy worked as a cook at Hamilton Elementary School for over 15 years. She also worked for several years as a substitute cook for the La Crosse School District.

Dorothy is survived by her daughter, Linda (Roger) Harvat; 4 grandchildren, Todd, David (Olivia), Amy (Mitch) Meyer, and Seth (Grace Bailie); 5 great grandchildren and one on the way; sister, Lorraine Shisler; sisters-in-law, Charlotte Forer and Monica Forer; brother-in-law, Jerry Hegenbarth; and many nieces and nephews.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence; her parents; siblings, Robert (Patricia) Forer, Helen (Raymond) Springer, Albert Forer, Raymond (Lorraine) Forer, Clarence Forer; and siblings-in-law, Fr. Robert Hegenbarth, Marie (Herb) Meyers, Darlene (Reiny) Kammel, and Harvey Shisler.

Dorothy’s family would like to thank Bethany St. Joseph Care Center and CAPS Hospice for the wonderful care they provided to her.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, August 16, 2025 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church. Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Friday evening at Schumacher-Kish Funeral and Cremation Services of La Crosse and one hour prior to Mass at the church. Dorothy will be laid to rest at Catholic Cemetery.