Dolores (Schwartz) Raab

Born in 1930 at the dawn of The Great Depression, Dolores (Schwartz) Raab was the embodiment of "The Silent Generation."

Sandwiched between the courageous, patriotic Greatest Generation and the rebellious, swinging Baby Boomers, her generation came of age during The Depression and World War II, when conformity and stability were emphasized. As a result, they were known for being cautious, respectful, and loyal, valuing traditional family structures, hard work, and maintaining social order.

Hence, it's unsurprising Dolores devoted her life to family and religion. Of course, maybe those twin passions are to be expected when you give birth to seven children.

No doubt if Dolores were reading this description her response would be a signature eye roll, accompanied by a breathless "Oh brother!" Perhaps "humility" should also be mentioned.

Aware of the historical whirlwinds that swirled around her and the many hardships they entailed, she nonetheless shrugged them off. When asked about the travails of The Great Depression, World War II or The Cold War her measured response would be that although times were often tough, they "made do."

Born in her parent's home in Fond du Lac, blissfully free from the comforts of indoor plumbing and electricity, Dolores would go on to live for over 90 years in her beloved hometown. She was a small town Fondy girl to her dying day.

Her high school passions included sports (a basketball squad dubbed "The Pink Poodles"), singing in several school groups ("Triple Trio" ring a bell?), and accounting courses (her nimbleness with numbers led to bookkeeping jobs with F.W. Means and G&L).

She was also fond of roller skating and bowling. The latter often occurred at St. Mary's church (which apparently was the best use for a church basement at the time). Although claiming she was "not that good" at bowling, Dolores was not above sandbagging. Reporter clippings show she routinely bowled in the 500s during league play.

Another high school passion was Tom Raab. The courtship was magical, including the time Dolores shoved an overly amorous Tom off the front porch. Their marriage in 1950 lasted for 45 years until Tom's death in 1996.

After the wedding ceremony at St. Louis church, Dolores embarked on the endeavor that would define her life, building a family. The degree of urgency that consumed young Dolores is not known. However, hospital records show she and Tom welcomed five children to the family in a blistering nine years, with two more added after a well-deserved respite.

Dolores was completely preoccupied with raising her seven children. Although aware of the tumultuous geopolitical, technological, and cultural events and changes occurring in 50s, 60s and beyond, to Dolores they were simply a backdrop to her primary responsibilities to the family.

The importance of family extended to her mother Lucille and two beloved sisters, Judy and Bonnie, who formed the core of her social circle.

When not engaged with family, Dolores devoted a significant amount of time to religion. She was an enthusiastic singer in the St. Louis choir, as well as an active member of the St. Anne Society, Holy Family

Christian Women and Bereavement Committee, and Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary.

Dolores passed away on October 17th, 2025, at the age of 95 surrounded by the children she so loved.

Dolores lived by the values of her generation—steadfast faith, unwavering love, and selfless service. Her family was her greatest joy, and her faith her guiding light. Though we mourn her loss, Dolores leaves a legacy of deafening "silence" that will reverberate on in all who loved her.

Dolores is survived by her children—Thomas (Peggie) Raab of Mountain Home, Idaho; Cathryn (Michael) Roth of River Hills; Nancy (Gregory) Paff of Sheboygan; William (Wendy) Raab of Fond du Lac; Ann Marie (David) Schmitz of Milwaukee; and Robert (Debra) Raab of St. Cloud —along with 14 grandchildren – Edward Raab, Jennifer Malota, Ellie (Kyle Braff) Raab, Anya Chrystal, Matthew Roth, Christopher Roth, Ryan (Laura) Paff, Katie Paff-Vieira, Sarah (Eric) Ellinger, Zachary (Jaclyn) Raab, Lindsay (Phil Adams) Raab, Kari Schmitz (Kevin Smith), Kaitlin (Evan) Johnson, and Joshua Raab—24 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. She is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews. Dolores was preceded in death by her parents, Leonard and Lucille, husband Tom, son David, daughter-in-law Debra, sisters Bonnie and Judy and many brothers and sisters-in-law.

Visitation will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church, 271 4th St. Way, Fond du Lac, WI, 54937, on Wednesday, October 29, from 10:00 AM-12 noon followed by the Funeral Mass at 12 noon. Interment will take place at Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Dolores' memory.