Dorothy Gottschalk, 86, of Hays, Kansas passed away Saturday, Dec. 24, 2022, at Hays Medical Center. She was born Dec. 3, 1936, in Antonino to Mike and Mary (Stecklein) Befort. On Aug. 18, 1956, she married Cecil Gottschalk at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Hays. He preceded her in death on Feb. 11, 2016.
Dorothy worked at Travenol and as a seamstress at Stromgren Supports Inc. She was a member of St. Joseph’s Church, VFW Auxiliary, the Hays Recreation Commission Fitness Center, Ladies Bowling League at Centennial Lanes and the Fort Hays Golf Course Ladies Association.
Dorothy lived a full and simple life. She loved her faith, family and friends above all. She enjoyed attending daily mass, watching her children and grandchildren play sports along with professional and collegiate teams, playing golf, bowling, doing puzzles, playing trivia and most importantly spending time with her family.
Dorothy is survived by four sons, Gregg Gottschalk (Patricia) of Hays, Chris Gottschalk (Krista) of Hays, Galen Gottschalk of Hays and Troy Gottschalk (April) of Westminster, Colo.; two daughters, Jan Meade (Joe) of The Colony, Texas and Becky Serri (Andy) of Sarasota, Fla.; a brother, Jim Befort (Esther) of Broomfield, Colo. Grandchildren, TJ (Megan) and Luke (Jess) Gottschalk, Katie (Nate) Burkman, Taylor and Ryan (Mia) Meade, Shayla (Aaron) Ward, Sarah (Garrett) Stoecklein, Alyssa, Haley and MaKenna Gottschalk, Gabe Serri, Jack and Alex Gottschalk. Great-grandchildren, Teagan, Adilyn, Jonah and Remington Gottschalk, Lily and Miles Gottschalk, Emerson and Donovan Burkman, Adilyn and Ella Ward and Baker Stoecklein.
She was preceded in death by a grandson, Shane Gottschalk; seven sisters, Ida, Olivia, Sr. Fermina, Esther, Mary, Rose Ann and Helen plus eight brothers, Bill, Albinus, Adam, Bob, Mike Jr., Ralph, George and Harry.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 29, 2022, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Hays. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday and 9 to 9:30 a.m. Thursday at Brock's-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory, 2509 Vine, Hays, KS 67601.
A VFW Auxiliary memorial aervice and Rosary will be at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, followed by a parish vigil service.
Memorial contributions are suggested to TMP-Marian High School, St. Joseph’s Church or The Fort Hays Golf Course Ladies Association.
Condolences may be shared by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com