Mrs. Dorothea June Gudex–Hoeft–Stefanski of Wauwatosa, passed away Sunday evening, February 23, 2025 in San Camillus skilled nursing facility. She was born June 8, 1930 in Clark County, WI. The only child of the late Junius H Gudex (1894–1989) and Marquerite Whilhelmine Clara LaPage-Gudex (1895 –1958).
Dorothea married Lester A. Hoeft (1930–2013) of Abbottsford on July16, 1950 in Douglas County, Nebraska. They lived on the Offutt Air Force Base in Sarpy County, Nebraska, while Lester was in the Air Force (1948–1951). They then moved to Milwaukee, WI, where they ended in divorce in 1957.
They had one son Danny L. Hoeft (Janice M. Hoeft); two granddaughters, Treshel L. Hoeft (Jeremy M. Palesh) and Tonya L. Hoeft (Cory M. Patterson). Forever cherished and remembered by her four great-grandchildren, Shontel L. Hoeft (Ra Kouame), Jarad D.N. Stainbrook (Emma R. Koss), Hunter M. Patterson and Tanner J. Patterson; and three great-great grandchildren, Phoenix E. Kouame, Chayton K. Kouame, and Elianna S. Stainbrook. Her passing has left a void in the hearts of her family.
Dorothea married her second husband of 39 years, Ervin Stefanski (1924 – 2000) on July 1, 1961, in which she was preceded in death; they had no children.
Dorothea worked as a model in her 20s and a secretary, but she spent 31 years of her life working at Briggs and Stratton in Milwaukee WI, assembling motors, until she retired.
She loved to travel, and has been to China, Egypt, and many more places. Dorothea lived a wonderful life, full of exploration, and sightseeing, and was loved by many.
