Dorothy “GiGi” E. Kleinschmidt, age 68, of Merrill, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Thursday July 31, 2025, in Merrill Wisconsin, after a courageous battle with cancer. With profound sorrow, we mourn the passing of a woman who embodied strength, grace, and unconditional love.
Born to Richard and Phyllis Toppel (Lindahl) on April 26, 1957, in Elgin, Illinois. Dorothy was raised by her Granny Minnie Badger in Owen, WI. She graduated from Medford High. She married David Kleinschmidt in 1974, a union that lasted 20 years and created 4 beautiful children.
Known to many as Dorothy, but lovingly called “GiGi” by those closest to her, she was the heart and soul of her family. GiGi was a fierce and selfless matriarch who single-handedly raised four children: Jeremey, Angela, Jonathan, and Josh Kleinschmidt, and later stepped in to lovingly raise three of her six grandchildren: Shelbi Webster, Savanna and Scarlet Higgins. Her home was forever open, not only to her family, but to countless children and adults needing comfort, stability, or simply a place to belong. Dorothy’s heart for others led her to send kids to bible camp and transport “a car full” to church every Sunday. She was the glue that held her family together, a steady presence in times of joy and in times of hardship. Gigi lived her life filled with warmth, generosity, and an unwavering devotion to her family and faith. No one was ever alone on the holidays, because GiGi made sure of always hosting, always including, always making room at the table for someone in need, especially members of her church community who had no family of their own.
Dorothy spent a lot of time re-modeling her beautiful home, which she was very proud of. She always dreamt of making homemade ice cream on the porch! She enjoyed taking her Great Grandchildren on vacations to the Wisconsin Dells, The Trans-Siberian Orchestra, and the Nutcracker Mansion. She also enjoyed her annual trip with her granddaughters. Dorothy was a dedicated GiGi, and even as her illness progressed, she remained a passionate supporter at her great-grandchildren’s sporting and school events and was still taking them to church on Sunday mornings.
She expressed deeply how proud she is of all her children and grandchildren, and they knew this was all thanks to her. She often looked forward to her facetime calls every night with Shelbi and her children, and every Sunday she facetimed her son Joshua and his wife Jordan. She loved spending time with her sons Jeremey and Jon when they came over and cooked dinner on Sundays. Dorothy was happiest when she was surrounded by her family.
Dorothy dedicated 26 years to her work at the Advanced Foot and Ankle Center where she handled billing and multiple other tasks for the clinic and met some of her life-long best friends. She cherished her Dr. Who group, who would come over weekly and binge watch the show and eat dinner together. GiGi was an avid reader and was constantly collecting antique books to add to her beloved home library.
Survivors include her Mother Phyllis Honeyman of Illinois; Children: Jeremey Kleinschmidt of Merrill, Jonathan Kleinschmidt of Merrill, Joshua (Jordan) Kleinschmidt of Minneapolis. Grandchildren: Shelbi (Kyle) Webster, Savanna Higgins (Eddie), Scarlet Higgins (Timothy), Ben (Skylee) Kromanaker of Appleton, and Devon Weinkauf of Florida, Amelia Eder of Merrill, and Caitlyn Smallwood (Kohler) of New Orleans.
Great Grandchildren: Sawyer Rajek, Addilyne Rajek, Maddox Harding, Langdon Harding and Brooklyn Harding.
Siblings: Roxanne Hetfeld of Merrill, Alyce Honeyman of Illinois, and Kaschlina (Karen) Anderson of Chicago, and many nieces and nephews and cousins.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her father, Richard; her daughter Angela Kleinschmidt; brothers Ricky Toppel, and Mark Honeyman; brother in laws Ross Hetfeld and Kevin; her Nephew Andy Immel; Aunt Sandy; and her infant granddaughter Stormy.
GiGi was more than a mother, grandmother, or friend, she was a beacon of love, resilience, and compassion. GiGi was truly an inspiration to all who had the blessing of knowing her, and her legacy will continue to live on through the many lives she touched.
We would like to thank Aspirus Hospice for the care they provided for our family in the last several months. Nurse Jen, social worker Jen, and Tonya - your hard work, compassion, and support did not go unnoticed. Additional thanks to nieces Nayda Hetfeld, Jasmine Hetfeld, and Liz Immel for their care and support.
A letter from Dorothy, “I want to thank my Granddaughters Shelbi Webster and Scarlet Higgins for taking care of me for so long. You amazed me every single day, and I will continue to be proud of you every day now and forever. ‘Kiss Kiss!’”
A Celebration of Dorothy’s remarkable life will be held on August 9, 2025 at Hillside Fellowship in Merrill, officiated by Pastor Brandon Wade. Visitation from 9am-10am. Funeral at 10am, with a lunch to follow.
“There will be joy in the morning.” In her memory, we will continue to carry her legacy of kindness and welcome.
