Dorothy Zelzer

Dorothy “Boots” (Kettenhofen) (VanDeHey) Zelzer, Kaukauna, age 93, passed away on Monday, July 12, 2021, at St. Paul Villa in Kaukauna. She was born on November 8, 1927, in Wrightstown to the late Peter and Leone (Krautkramer) Kettenhofen. Lovingly nicknamed after one of her father’s favorite comic strip characters, “Boots” graduated from Wrightstown High School and later worked as a schoolteacher at St. Paul Elementary School. On June 12, 1948, Boots wedded Elzer Van De Hey, and together they raised a family and farmed their land in De Pere until they and their children eventually transformed it in 1964 into Mid Vallee Golf Course. Dorothy and Elzer celebrated 18 years of wonderful marriage before he passed away in 1966.

In 1968, Boots married Lynes “Len” Zelzer of Green Bay. They worked as a team to purchase a neighboring farm and added a second nine holes to their growing golf business. Together, they owned and operated Mid Vallee until their retirement. Len passed away on February 9, 1996.

Throughout her life, Boots was an active volunteer and worship choir member at St. Paul, a Charter Member of American Legion Post 436, and an avid participant of various Mid Vallee Ladies Golf Leagues. She enjoyed socializing with the golfers and friends at Mid Vallee, hosting family gatherings at her home, traveling the world, dominating card and Domino games, cooking and baking, watching football, composing organ music, shopping, and sipping on an Old Fashion. Though she claimed she was never really a golfer, Boots could boast getting a hole in one on #3 at Mid Vallee in 1965.

Boots is survived by her children: Peter (Kathy) VanDeHey of Kaukauna and Gail (Nick) Brittnacher of Kimberly; grandchildren: Andrea (Jade) Olson, Vicki Quinn, Bridget (Lee) Busse, Nicole (Brian) Robley, Katrina VanDeHey, and Colyn VanDeHey; step grandchildren Steve (Erin) DeGrand, Danielle (Eric) Smith, Emily (Kyle) Geiger, Tina (Rob) Romportl, Mike (Stacey) Brittnacher, Jenny (Dan) Schnautz, Shelly (James) Brittnacher, Lori (Chris) Anoil, and Greg (Leah) Brittnacher. She is further survived by 27 great grandchildren and step great-grandchildren, sister-in-law Joyce (Royal) Shackelford and sister-in-law Delores Kettenhoven, and many nieces, nephews and friends.

In addition to her spouses and parents, Boots was preceded in death by her brother, Robert Kettenhofen and sisters Mary (Joseph) Novitski and Helen (Amede) VandeVyver; former daughter-in-law, Mary VanDeHey and former son-in-law, Daniel VanDyke.

Family and friends may gather on Saturday, July 17, 2021, at St. Clare Catholic Church-St.Paul Site, 437 Main Street, Wrightstown beginning at 9:00am until 10:45am, with the Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 11:00am with Fr. Brian Wideman officiating. Interment in St. Patrick Cemetery, Wrightstown.  Cotter Funeral and Cremation Care is assisting the family.  

The family would like to thank the staff at St. Paul Elder Services for the exceptional care she received over the past few years, especially in her final days.

Boots, we love you and will miss you dearly; but will cherish the memories of your homemade pumpkin pie, famous Baby Ruth bars, incredible memory of all who golfed at Mid Vallee, and quick wit and spunk.