Obituary for Doris J. Kendhammer-Fuchs

Doris completed the 8th grade and then, with her mom and twin brother Donnie, moved to La Crosse to begin work to help support her mother after her father’s death. Doris worked several jobs: housekeeper/nanny, retail at WT Grant, factory production at Gateway Glass, and a filler at The Garment Co./Company Store.

Doris married Richard Kendhammer on March 25, 1949. They had five children together. Due to the times Doris and her children endured years of physical, mental and emotional abuse. Doris persevered and did her absolute best during that time frame. After Richard passed on March 17, 1981, Doris made her way and created a new life for herself.

Doris would eventually meet and marry the love of her life, James A. Fuchs, on July 21, 1986, in Eminence, MO., with Donnie present to celebrate the union. They enjoyed life immensely, being in nature, spending time with family and friends and of course always dropping off goodies to someone. Jim provided Doris the love and kindness that enabled her to live her best life! Sadly, Jim passed away much too soon on June 4, 2007.

Before Doris was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in May of 2008, she was an avid gardener with roses at the top of her list. She loved baking, making homemade candies and making home-cooked meals for her family. Doris’s greatest joys were her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Doris was in her element hosting all holidays and many family celebrations. Doris was an extremely shy person and lived quietly, but she was a strong woman who always did what needed to be done. Because of her strength, we live on with joyful hearts and deep gratitude for all the years we had her as our beloved matriarch.

Doris was preceded in death by her firstborn daughter, Sandra Kay Mitchell. Doris is survived by her children: Tim (Peg) Kendhammer, Sue (Jack) Hendrickson, Dawn (Marc) Miller, and Dan (Cheryl) Kendhammer. Grandchildren: Kimberly (Mike) Sather, Chad (Carol) Mitchell, Corey (Kari) Hendrickson, Brandon (Kim) Kendhammer, Katie Kendhammer, Matthew Kendhammer, Mark (Laura) Kendhammer, Megan (Austin) Ehlo. Great-Grandchildren: Austin, Mason, and Madeline Sather, Kylie, Rayna, and Rylan Hendrickson, Cassandra and Owen Mitchell, Angelica, Matthew and Julian Kendhammer, Townes and Cyrus Kendhammer, Khloe Kendhammer, Theodore and Dawson Ehlo.

Doris has been reunited with her entire family of 11 siblings and parents, together once again. Hopefully she is skating with Donnie each with their new black skates smiling and laughing as young teens do!

Rather than flowers or donations, please consider celebrating Doris’s life by baking a batch of your favorite cookies and sharing them with another person, just as she so often shared kindness with others.

In accordance with Doris's wishes, no formal public gathering will be held. Fredrickson Funeral Homes and Crematory, Jostad Chapel, West Salem, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at this site.