Dorothy Ann (Mura) Halada , 90, of Algoma, passed away peacefully Saturday evening July 1, 2017 at Parkview Manor Nursing Home. She was born January 21, 1927, in the Town of Nasawaupee, Door County, the second of four daughters to Alex and Ann (Laurent) Mura.
She spent her early childhood in the Maplewood area of Door County and told many stories of their lives on the farm and riding the sleighs to one room schoolhouses. During her youth, the family moved to Cedar Corners in Algoma, where her parents owned and operated Red Mura Cedar Corners Bar. The sisters often talked fondly about helping their mom in the tavern kitchen preparing chicken and fish plates for the US Plywood and Plumber's Woodworking factory workers. The family also ran the Rustic Resort south of Algoma for a few years, before returning to Cedar Corners.
Dorothy graduated from St. Mary's Catholic School in 1940, and Algoma High School in 1944. On June 26, 1948, she married Joe Halada, Jr. at St. Mary's Church in Algoma, WI. After the wedding, they farmed on the Halada family homestead in Kodan. Joe preceded her in death on April 11, 1983.
In 1989, she moved to Algoma where she loved her house. She would sit on the back deck telling her grandkids her many stories and guessing who might be the VIPs heading up to Door County. For many years she worked in the office at Katch's Department Store in Algoma. She was always ready for a game of cribbage with her grandkids; and quiz them on their knowledge of current events and world history - her favorite subjects. In the early years of their marriage, Joe and Dorothy enjoyed attending Wisconsin Badger football games at Camp Randall. She was a life-long Badger fan, always listening on the radio or watching Badger football and basketball games on television. For over 20 years, she attended the UW Varsity Band Spring Concert in Madison. She always kept very close tabs on her "Kids"; and they reported to her regularly of their whereabouts.
Dorothy is survived by children: Joe (Mary) Halada, Sturgeon Bay; Holly (Marc) Schmidt, Green Bay, Beth (Mike) DeMeuse, Algoma; Andy (Denise) Halada, Madison. She was very proud of her 8 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren: Carrie (Andy) Hruby, Weyauwega; Katie (Leif) Tolokken, LaCrosse; Thomas (Amber) Halada, LaCrosse; Amy (Luke) Jonet, Green Bay; Sara Halada, Springfield IL; David DeMeuse, Columbia SC; Robby (Helen Powling) DeMeuse, Madison; Joseph Halada, Madison. Great-grandchildren: Jacob and Emma Jonet; Elsie and Aspen Hruby. She is further survived by her sister Joan Mauer, Milwaukee; daughter-in-law Sandy Halada, Ladysmith; brother and sister in-laws: Ed Sticka, Monona; Emil Gohr, Greenfield; Ruby Halada Havel, Wauwatosa and many nieces & nephews.
She was preceded in death by eldest son Mark in 2003, grandson John DeMeuse, two sisters - Verna Sticka and Donna Zimmerman, and parents.
Visitation will take place on Thursday, July 6, 2107 from 9:30-11:00 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Algoma. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11:00 a.m. with Fr. Peter Stryker officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Wiesner & Massart Funeral Homes - Algoma is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolence messages may be shared here .
Dorothy's family wishes to thank all persons who were involved with her care in the past two years. Your kindness, compassion and care will not be forgotten.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Kewaunee County Food Pantry. Other memorials that will reflect her interests are St. Mary's Parish/School, Kewaunee County Historical Society, and Friends of the Algoma Public Library.
