Racine- Mrs. Dorothy L. Saaf, 78, passed away at her home, in the loving arms of her husband, on Monday, April 23, 2007 following a courageous struggle with pulmonary fibrosis. Dort was born in Chippewa Falls, WI on May 5, 1928 to the late Eugene and Ida (nee: LaPlante) Bassette. A graduate of Bloomer High School in Bloomer, WI, she went on to fulfill a State indentured apprenticeship in photography. On February 27, 1954 in Bloomer, Dort was united in marriage with the love of her life, Marvin “Mike” Saaf. A woman of profound Catholic faith, she was an extremely devoted member of St. Sebastian Catholic Church where she was forever involved in various capacities – prayer group host, annual parish festivals especially with the Polka Mass, food pantry and Pro-Life activist – just to name a few. Constantly concerned for others, Dort and Mike traveled on several trips to Kentucky, bringing life necessities to the less fortunate in some of the poorest communities of our Country. They also had the opportunity to travel with church family to religion rich locations, including a Medjugorie pilgrimage. Among her interests, Dort was an animal enthusiast to say the least, enjoyed tending to her garden and park-like yard, bowling, and organizing couples dartball leagues over the years. Above all, Dort always placed her God and her family as priority one in life. Surviving are her loving husband of over 53 years, Marvin “Mike”; their children, Patrick (Blanca) Saaf of York, PA and Michelle (Rusty) Saaf of Racine; grandchildren, Brissel and Arlan Saaf; Staci Carlson, Sara Carlson and Joshua Saaf Carlson; great-grandchildren, Aidan Saaf-McBain and Peyton Saaf; sister, JoAnn (Gordon) Clay; brother-in-law, Delmar Marty; nieces and nephews, Andrew Clay, Nancy Fliehr, Karen Hotvedt; Gene Bassette, John Bassette, Paul Bassette, Peter Bassette, Michael Bassette and Mary Streuli; David and Sandy Bassette; Walter Marty, Nancy Marty, Joyce Carroll and Bonnie Merwin; by many other special relatives, church family and friends too numerous to mention by name; and also by her beloved pets Bojangles, Swisher, and Kobi. In addition to her parents, Dort was preceded in death by her brothers, Clifford (Doris) Bassette and Eugene Bassette; and by her sister-in-law, Ruth Marty. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Dort’s beloved St. Sebastian Catholic Church, 3126 95th Street in Sturtevant, on Thursday, April 26, 2007 at 10:30 am with Rev. James Kendzierski OFM and Rev. Robert Konkel OFM concelebrating. Interment will follow in West Lawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be at St. Sebastian Church on Wednesday from 5-8 pm with the rosary being recited at 7:30 pm. Visitation will continue at the church on Thursday from 9:30-10:30 am. In memory of Dort, memorials to St. Sebastian Parish has been suggested. A heartfelt note of thanks to the physicians, nurses and medical staffs for the wonderful care and support that was given to Dort over the years; and to our church family, neighbors and friends for the prayers, continued friendship and hospitality that was so graciously extended in our time of need. May God continue to bless all of you for your kindness and generosity!
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