Dorothy A. Bradley

Stoughton- Dorothy Ann Bradley, age 90, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, February 21, 2012. She was born in Janesville, on May 21, 1921, the daughter of Edwin and Mayme (McKibbon) Vogel. Growing up in Janesville, Dorothy attended St. Mary's School K-9 where she learned to play piano from the nuns. She graduated from high school in Janesville. Her dear friend, Fr. Cox former pastor at St. Ann's was one grade behind her. She loved playing piano, singing, roller skating and ice skating. Dorothy met the love of her life, Ralph "Bud" Bradley at the Ace High Roller Rink in Janesville. On September 21, 1945 they were united in marriage and enjoyed 65 years together. In 1957, the family moved to Stoughton where Ralph managed Stoughton Lumber Company and they formed BFS Corporation. Dorothy worked alongside of Ralph on all the building projects and was their bookkeeper. Together they also owned and operated the Norse Chalet restaurant where she was hostess and bookkeeper. Dorothy had an immense love for her children. She was the neighborhood life guard for the family pool, she treated all children like they were her own. Dorothy loved golfing, her needlework, cross stitching...[more]

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ardanger and making many beautiful quilts. She earned many awards over the years. Dorothy and Ralph enjoyed traveling, golf, swimming, dancing, listening to big band music and enjoying winters in Arizona. Dorothy is survived by her children, Carol (Jim) Quale, Tom (Beth) Bradley, Mike (Susan Barber) Bradley, Doug (Debbie) Bradley, Jeff (Linda) Bradley, Shannon (David) McKichan, Tim (Laura) Bradley and Joel (Theresa) Bradley; many, many grandchildren and great grandchildren; and sisters: MaryAnn (Ed) Langer, Judy (Don) Hanson and a sister-in-law, Harriett Merritt of South Carolina. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph "Bud", on October 20, 2010; her parents; brothers; Edward Vogel, Tom Vogel, Richard Vogel and sister; Jane Murphy; infant son, Scott; sons, Dick Bradley and Kim Bradley; a daughter-in-law, Candi Bradley; and grandson, Nicholas Bradley. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 AM on Saturday, February 25, 2012 at St. Ann Catholic Church, 323 N. Van Buren St. Stoughton, with Monsignor Gerard Healy officiating. Friends and relatives are invited to a luncheon in Healy Hall immediately following the Mass. Burial will be held at St. Joseph Cemetery in Edgerton. Visitation will be held from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM, with a prayer service at 4pm, on Friday, February 24, 2012 at Cress Funeral Home in Stoughton and from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service on Saturday at St. Ann's Church. The family requests that all memorials be made to St. Ann's Catholic Church. Jeff followed the instructions of Ralph to make it possible for Dorothy to live out her life in their favorite home. We would like to give special thanks to the many caregivers: Peggy, Sarah, Millie, Samantha B, Cindy, Debbie, Diane O, Tammie, Diane C, Beth, Samantha P, Phoebe, Jane and Carrie for their excellent care. Also to Msgr. Healy for his many home visits as her Catholic faith was a very important part of her life. Also to the many doctors, nurses, and social workers from Agrace HospiceCare who assisted in her medical care. No matter how life changes, No matter what we do, A special place within our hearts, Is always kept for you.