Dulcene (Dollye) Frances During
Dulcene (Dollye) Frances During
Dulcene (Dollye) Frances During, 62, of Black River Falls, passed away Monday, Jan. 22, 2024, in her home with family. She was born May 10, 1961, in Black River Falls, WI, the daughter of Joan Dickey and John Radcliffe. She was later adopted by Dennis Gilbertson.
Dollye enjoyed many interests and hobbies over the years. She had a true passion for learning and trying new things or ideas. She had a gift for taking a vision and making it come to life. Her creative talents were endless, from power tools and woodworking to baking and cake-decorating, to crocheting and sewing, the list goes on and on; there simply was nothing she could not do. She took greatest pride in her sewing, frequently working without patterns and shaping dreams into reality. The incredible quality of her seamstress work won many awards, including “best of show” on multiple occasions. She will be most remembered for the outstanding Halloween costumes and endless dresses, Christmas, prom, bridesmaid, baptism, and even a few wedding gowns, that her family and friends had the honor of wearing.
She had begun her working years in her teens as a carhop at a root beer stand, before finding her true calling later in life as an adult caregiver. She worked at various group homes and facilities. No matter where she went, the residents loved her as much as she loved them. Her sense of humor and open mind allowed her to relate to anyone. And that mutual respect created bonds and friendships that went above and beyond just work.
Her love for her family was unconditional. And of all the hats she wore, being a grandma was her favorite. She loved spending time with the kids doing all their favorite things and making special memories. She encouraged and nurtured their creative sides, always having a special project up her sleeve to do with them. She was looking forward to welcoming her first great-grandchild this summer. Her spunky and fun-loving spirit will be missed by many.
She is survived by her father, Dennis Gilbertson; children Miki Suchanek (Joe Duquaine), Jessica (Sam) Bush, Katie (Chris) Olson, Tess Puttbrese (Travis Peardot), Matthew Puttbrese, Ashley Gilbertson (Hunter Scott); grandchildren Kacie and Carlos, Madison and Aidan, Carter, Hana, Riley, Elliot, Vivian, Kenzie, Brayden, Owen, Theo, Braelyn, Maize and Wynstin; siblings Gail (Al) Whitegull, Kevin Gilbertson, Paul (Kris) Gilbertson, Gunder Gilbertson, Cindy Goronja, Julie Oppelt and Ann (Jesse) Ceballos; numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, many of which she shared special relationships with as their favorite Auntie B., most recently Hunter Gilbertson who was her caregiver and companion.
She is also survived by her cousin and life-long best friend, Wendie (Kelly) Libert.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Jon During; mother Joan Dickey; father John Radcliffe; stepmother Gail Radcliffe; a brother born sleeping, along with her beloved brothers Brad, Todd, Charlie and Billie. She is welcomed home by many grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews and a niece.
Funeral and visitation services will be held at Torgerson’s Funeral Home in Black River Falls, WI, Feb. 2, 2024. Visitation will begin at 3 p.m. with services immediately to follow at 4 p.m.
“Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming ‘Wow! What a ride!’” – Hunter S. Thompson