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Melodee Dorr 08/11/2022

Melodee A. Dorr, age 63, died on Thursday, August 11, 2022 at Westfields Hospital in New Richmond, WI after a valiant battle with cancer. Melodee faced life head-on with unwavering tenacity and lived her life precisely how she wanted. Her family was so proud of her strength, character, and devotion to her family.
She worked tirelessly to achieve her education and career goals. She also had a passion for gardening and became a Master Gardener given her special talent for growing beautiful flowers, herbs, fruits, vegetables, etc. Her creativity in arranging and cultivating her garden and flowerbeds embodied her spirit in so many profound ways.
She was so proud of her children and grandchildren, cheering them on at every turn. Her joy and happiness were infectious, making those around her feel the same. She made sure her loved ones knew how proud she was of them.
Melodee is preceded in death by her father, Clarence Kempenich. She is forever remembered and cherished by her mother, Kathy; her brothers, Randy (Cheryl), Joe (Lorri), Jerry (Jennifer), and Jeff (Kristi); husband, Del Dorr; children, Jason (Shauna) Gustafson, Jonathan (Laurice) Gustafson, and Jennifer (Jayson) Rice; and seven grandchildren, Jack, Vaughn, Shelby, Maya, Reis, Simon, and Eden.
A Memorial Gathering was held on Saturday, August 20, 2022 from 1:00PM-4:00PM at Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services (728 S Knowles Ave) in New Richmond. Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.

3 Comments

  • Don LaCroix Posted August 16, 2022 5:49 pm

    Having grown up with the Kempenich Clan at their cabin on Green Lake, I cherished every moment of the fun, laughter, volleyball playing, riding the death Tube and having a great time with Mel, her mom, dad, and My Best friend Joe Kempenich. I was lucking enough to have known Melodee in the younger days and my heart goes out to my adopted mom Kathy and the four J’s. all of our love and prayers.

    Don, Noelle and Garrett LaCroix

  • Kris (Younngberg) Cotterman Posted August 16, 2022 9:32 pm

    We lived next to the Kempenichs from 1966 until they moved up north to the cabin and all the kids got married. Back in the day, we could literally talk to each other through our kitchen windows. Our parents were friends and we did a lot with the whole clan through the decades. Their cabin rocked!!! Melodee was like a big sister to me ever since I was 3 until I got married. She was 5 years older and wiser. She was awesome! She always had great advice and definitely cheered me on during hard times. I can see how she’d eventually do that with her kids and grandkids. I have not seen her since Red passed on. Time goes by so fast. I am so sorry to hear of her passing.

  • Merle Posted August 19, 2022 7:54 pm

    I missed the opportunity to see again
    You lived a life filled with what you have.
    Love kindness encouragement and most of all
    you dedication to family to its fullest Rest easy now
    Your pain is gone And prayers to hold your family close
    are bountiful

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