Doris J. "Dorie" Jankowski Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

(nee Marunowski) Reunited with her loving husband, Ernest A. “Ernie” Jankowski, on Feb 11, 2022. She was predeceased by her mother, Charlotte Marunowski (nee Sieczkowski) and her beloved sister, Barbara "Bobie" (Dobie) Dobson. Dorie is survived by her dearest children, Laura (Craig) Powers and Anthony Jankowski. She was Grandmother to Barbi, Matt (Janelle), Cory (Terry) and Nick Powers, Becca (Joe) Spiewak, Daniel and Stephanie Jankowski, Serena (Kevin) Braaksma, and Great Grandmother to Aiden, Aubrey and Xander Powers, and Trey and Bennet Braaksma. She is also remembered by other relatives and friends. Dorie was raised in the Marble Arcade Bowling Alley family established by her mother, Charlotte, in 1944. She met Ernie, her husband of 58 years, at one of the taverns they patronized. They married in 1957, honeymooned in Las Vegas, and Ernie officially joined the Marble Family while at the same time starting their own. After her mother’s death in 1972, Dorie and Bobie became co-proprietors and, together with their husbands, Ernie and Dobie (both with full time jobs), and with help from the kids, Laurie and Tony, continued the business until the early 90’s. She was the “Chief, Cook and Bottle Washer”, not only for the Marble and her family, but for the various organizations she was involved with. Throughout her life, she volunteered time and donated money to causes dear to her. St. Josaphat was the recipient of her participation in the Home and School Association, many annual church festivals, and from the “Biggest Little Tournament in Town”, the January through April bowling tournament she hosted from 1963 for 31 years, initially established to benefit the school. She was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Ralph Ignatowski Amvets Post #60 where, for many years, her project was the school patriotic essay contest with the winner and runner’s up receiving a U.S.Savings Bond. She volunteered at St. Ann’s, playing Bingo with the residents; Polish Fest, where she organized Notre Dame H.S. reunions; Tin Can Sailors, helping Ernie set up several years worth of reunions for crew and spouses of The USS Putnam DD 757; and St John the Evangelist, manning the beer paddle booth for years. She also sold PRCU Life Insurance and Shaklee products. On May 13, 1981 she finally met her penpal of 37 years, Jean Davis of South Wales, England, whose name she got in 1944 from her Uncle Louie, a Merchant Marine. This long standing overseas friendship earned her and Jean a photo and article in the Milwaukee Journal. Family and friends were the foundation of her life. Early vacations to Miami, Orlando and Mexico were enjoyed with Ernie, Laurie and Tony and Bobie and Dobie. There was even a trip up North which included half a dozen families from St. Josaphat. Later trips to Europe were taken with Bobie and Dobie while casino trips included friends from the Marble. Dorie was always on the go and very friendly, striking up a conversation with anyone she met or was sitting next to. She kept in touch with neighbors, extended family, bowlers and friends; always cooking up the next social event or looking to the next occasion as a reason to get everyone together. She had always been dedicated to her children and, later, was actively involved in raising her grandchildren. She was an exceptional and tireless cook preparing huge spreads for the Marble’s bowling parties or family holidays. She canned stewed tomatoes, pickles and jams and made countless roasting pans full of mock chicken legs, baked a delicious Zwiebac and sugar crusted cheesecake, but her specialty was the Easter lamb cake, baking a dozen or more each year for family and friends. Other than her husband, children and grandchildren, Bobie was her favorite person. They spoke and even saw each other daily. After their husbands passed away, the sisters were inseparable. They “ran errands” and bummed around a lot, enjoying shopping, watching parades, fireworks, going to church festivals and attending theater shows. Their last few years were spent at Clement Manor where they participated in as many daily activities that they could. After Bobie passed away last April, Dorie was unable to fill that void. She had lived a very full and fulfilling life but was ready to join her family in God’s paradise. Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions to Amvets Post #60 would be appreciated. Visitation will be held Friday, February 25, 2022 from 9:45 AM to 11:00 AM at ST. JOHN THE EVANGELIST CHURCH (8500 W. Cold Spring Rd, Greenfield,WI 53228) with the celebration of Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM. Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery (7301 W. Nash St, Milwaukee 53216) will follow at 12:30 PM (PLEASE MEET AT CEMETERY ENTRANCE).

Doris J. "Dorie" Jankowski

February 11, 2022