Caledonia Argus

Posted: 3/31/03

Dorothy M. Lord

Dorothy M. Lord, 79, of La Crosse, died on Friday, March 28, 2003 at the Franciscan Skemp Healthcare Medical Center. She was born in Caledonia, MN, on June 29, 1923 to Joseph and Agnes (Malay) Colleran. She married Earl E. Lord on December 23, 1961, in Waukon, IA. He preceded her in death on July 7, 2002. She was a member of the V.F.W. Post 1530 Auxiliary and Eagles Aerie 1254, both of La Crosse.

Dorothy was proud of the years she spent working at the La Crosse county jail, first as a jailer and then advancing to the rank of Sergeant, the first woman sergeant in the State of Wisconsin. She was noted for being tough, but fair and she fought for the women jailers to get pay equal to the menÖand won. These traits may have been inherited from her Irish ancestors of whom she was very proud. She retired due to a heart attack in 1988, after 17 years of service.

Dorothy is survived by one brother, Robert (Janelle), Caledonia; stepdaughter, Kay Ritchie, Hastings; two step-grandchildren; five step-great grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by a brother and sister-in-law, William and Mary Colleran.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, April 1 at 11 a.m. at Holy Trinity Catholic Church with the Rev. Paul Sankoorikal officiating. Burial will take place in Mormon Coulee Memorial Park. Friends may call at the church on Tuesday from 10 a.m. until the time of services. The Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home of La Crosse is in charge of arrangements.

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