Dorothy Donette Barr

On July 13, 2026, Dorothy Barr, age 102, passed away peacefully at her home at Three Pillars in Dousman, Wisconsin.

A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Dorothy lived a life filled with adventure, laughter, and joy.

Born in 1924 in Racine, Wisconsin, to August and Clara Jensen, Dorothy was the oldest of five children. She graduated from Park High School at just 16 years old before attending the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where she studied mathematics.

She met Bill, the man who became the love of her life, on a blind date at Madison's Cuba Club. They married in 1943 while Bill was serving as a Marine Corps pilot during World War II. Together they built a wonderful life in Racine, raising four children—Russ, Tom, Barbara, and Bonnie—in the home Bill built with his own hands.

Together they also built Barr Homes, where Dorothy served as Vice President and Office Manager. While raising four children, she somehow also found time to serve on the local school board, belong to the Racine Women's Club and the Lutheran High School Ladies Guild, participate in two bridge clubs, serve on the board of the local orphanage, entertain family and friends, and still keep Bill pointed in the right direction.

In 1988, Dorothy and Bill retired to their beloved log cabin near Ogema, Wisconsin. Dorothy could often be found making friends with the deer, birds, and other wildlife outside their door. She also helped establish the Ogema Public Library and proudly served on its board for many years.

Bill may have been the pilot, but Dorothy was his lifelong co-pilot—in a SeaBee, Cessna, Jeep, canoe, rowboat, and on countless adventures. They loved to polka dance, spend time at their retreat on Two Sisters Lake, snowmobile and travel together, exploring the United States and 38 countries. Whether zip-lining in Guatemala, parasailing in Mexico, rafting through the Grand Canyon, driving through Central America in their Jeep, or floating over Turkey in a hot air balloon, they embraced every opportunity with enthusiasm and curiosity.

In her later years, Dorothy flourished at Three Pillars in Dousman. She enjoyed her many friends, weekly worship and devotions with Pastor Therese, Penny Bingo, Sudoku, dot-to-dots, The Lawrence Welk Show, and reminiscing through the many scrapbooks she lovingly created to preserve a lifetime of memories.

When interviewed on local television last year and asked the secret to a long life, Dorothy smiled and said, "Be positive, thank the Lord for all He has given us, and enjoy each day." She might have added one more secret: never miss Happy Hour.

No day was complete without a Brandy Dry Manhattan (one olive for Dorothy, two for Bill), four crackers with Swiss Almond "spready" cheese, and half a smoked string cheese.

Dorothy's zest for life, unwavering faith, deep love for her family, and joyful spirit touched everyone who knew her. She taught those around her to embrace each day with gratitude, persevere through life's challenges, and truly enjoy life's adventures. Though she is no longer with us, we like to imagine her once again beside Bill, smiling down on all of us as they enjoy Happy Hour together.

Dorothy is survived by her children, Russ Barr (Patti) of Montrose, Colorado; Barbara Zuhlke (Kim) of Oregon, Wisconsin; and Bonnie Barr of Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin; her grandchildren, Amber Zuhlke, Kristi Stewart (Robert), Jeff Zuhlke (Breinne), Nate Bolyard (Hope), and Kali Behlmer (Kurt); her great-grandchildren, Chase and Charley Bolyard, Harriet and Graeme Stewart, and Reid and Jory Behlmer; her sister, Loraine Osuldsen; and sisters-in-law, Alice Jensen and Carol Jensen.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, William "Bill" Barr; her son, Thomas J. Barr; newborn twins; her brothers, Lloyd and Jim Jensen; and her sister, Lois Jensen Kurhajec.

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers at Compass Point Home at Three Pillars for the loving care they provided Dorothy during the past 10½ years, and to the compassionate staff of Allay Hospice for their exceptional kindness and support.

Memorial donations may be made to Three Pillars Compass Point, 365 Sunset Drive, Dousman, WI 53118, or to Allay Hospice (please make checks payable to Allay Cares, Inc.), 325 N. Corporate Drive, Suite 260, Brookfield, WI 53045.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at Ewald Chapel at Three Pillars, 375 Highway 67, Dousman, Wisconsin, beginning at 12:30 p.m., followed by the funeral service at 1:30 p.m. A reception with light refreshments and an open microphone for sharing stories and memories of Dorothy will immediately follow.

Guests should enter from Highway 67 and use the main entrance and parking lot directly ahead.