Dorothy L. (Dotty) Biesanz

Dorothy L. (Dotty) Biesanz, 92, of Rockford, IL, passed away Thursday, February 21, 2019.

Dotty was born in Easton, PA on February 10, 1927, daughter of Duane and Ethel (Speer) Hormell. She graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a Bachelor’s degree in psychology and later received a Master’s degree in education from Winona State University. Dotty lived much of her life in Winona, MN where she was an active member of the 1st Congregational Church and participated in the choir and Sunday school education. In her work, Dotty was the Advising Coordinator for the Southeastern Minnesota Education Consortium. Later, she moved to Rockford, IL where she was a member of the Rockford Women’s Club. Dotty was an avid reader and lifelong learner who enjoyed spending time with her friends in the neighborhood. Most of all, she loved her family, especially her children and grandchildren. Dotty will always be remembered for her generous and caring nature.

Surviving relatives include her son, Robert (Holly) Lembkey Jr. of Rockford, IL and daughter, Terry (Pete) Wollison of Lexington, KY; 9 step-children; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She is predeceased by her parents; husband, Robert Lembkey Sr.; husband, Frederick T. Hubbard; husband, James Theodore Biesanz Sr.; son, Richard Lembkey; step-daughter, Marsha Gibbs and one brother, Duane C. Hormell Jr. The family would like to give special thanks to Dotty’s caregivers, Marsha Sheley and Sue Hayenga.

A private family ceremony will be held in Easton, PA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the American Cancer Society or the American Heart Association.

Arrangements entrusted to Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Rd., Rockford, IL 61108. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.fitzgeraldfh.com