Dorothy Seeley Cared About Seniors, City

Dorothy Seeley cared about those around her, especially senior citizens and the city she lived in her entire life.

With her passing, she leaves big shoes to fill.

Seeley died Feb. 1. She was 96 years old.

Many years ago, Seeley founded the United Seniors of Wisconsin center on 45th and Forest Home Avenue. She raised money through bingo to support a variety of programs, scholarships and to meet charitable needs of many she came in contact with.

“She was concerned about senior citizens,” said Roman Blenski, on the board of directors for the United Seniors of Wisconsin. “She was very concerned that they were getting care, particularly those who weren’t able to take care of themselves.

“That was her legacy.”

Blenski, the director of the Pioneer Bugle Corps, said Seeley was supportive of that organization as well, and she made sure the senior center always had bingo five days and five nights a week, even when at times it was losing money.

“She said people need a place to go. They need an outlet,” Blenski said. “She was very generous, no question about it. She should be remembered more for all the things she tried to do for others.

“She was a good person. It’s going to be a tough act to follow.”

In 1976, Seeley and her husband Harrison helped create the original Greenfield Bicentennial Park at 52nd Street and Layton Avenue, where she held the annual Memorial Day weekend picnic for more than three decades.

“She really cared about the city and she really cared about people,” Greenfield Mayor Michael Neitzke said. “She was always donating money to this cause or that cause.”

According to her obituary, Seeley worked 17 years at Nordberg’s, and in 1968 was the first woman to run for a senate seat in Wisconsin. She served on several boards during her lifetime, and in 1990 was honored as one of the 10 most admired senior citizens of Wisconsin.

She and Harrison had three daughters. Seeley is survived by 12 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and 8 great-great-grandchildren.

Seeley’s visitation will be at Prasser-Kleczka Bay View Chapel, 3275 S. Howell Ave., from 4-8 p.m. Thursday, with a prayer service at 6 p.m. Visitation will also be Friday, Feb. 8, 10-10:30 a.m. at St. Veronica Church, 4001 S. Whitnall Ave. A Christian burial mass will follow at 10:30 a.m.