Obituaries & Guestbook

Winona “Nonie” Dobratz, 97, Oconto Falls, went into the arms of her Lord early Saturday morning, December 9, 2023 at The Cottages in Oconto Falls.  She was born February 17, 1926 in Oconto Falls, the oldest child born to Frank and Victoria (Christensen) Kamke.  Nonie was raised in the Town of Spruce where she attended Kelly Brook elementary school and graduated Oconto Falls High School with the class of 1943.  As a child, she started the first local newspaper called “The Lantern” for the Kelly Brook area.  In 1941, her future in-laws purchased the farm across from the Kamke family farm.  Following high school graduation, Nonie attended vocational school and worked for Leicht Transfer and as a secretary for Wisconsin Public Service.

On March 13, 1946 she married Harvey Dobratz at Grace Lutheran Church in Green Bay.  Following their marriage, the couple lived in the Town of Spruce where they owned and operated the Dobratz family farm and raised their two children, James and Vicki, until retiring in 1980.  In 1953, Nonie started working for Atty. Howard Lehner as his legal secretary for 32 years, she also worked for Atty. Tim Dolota in Lena for a short time.  Since 1989, the couple spent many winters in Sun City Center, FL where they attended St. Mark’s Lutheran Church and later Calvary Lutheran Church in Apollo Beach, FL.  Nonie continued to vacation with her daughter Vicki in Florida in the winters until 2015, before becoming a resident of The Meadowlands in Oconto Falls.  While a member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Spruce, Nonie played the organ and taught Sunday School while also serving as superintendent.  She also played church organ for Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Lena and also assisted at St. John’s Riverside Lutheran in the Town of Oconto Falls.  Nonie also worked as a clerk for the Oconto Falls School Board for 12 years, served as a Town of Spruce board member, was once active in the Kelly Brook Homemakers Club, serves as a CESA #3 delegate and was a self-employed realtor for 10 years.  Over the years, she was an avid bridge player and also enjoyed bowling and golfing.  As an avid traveler, she traveled twice to Hawaii as well as the Bahamas, England, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Italy, France, Jamaica, Canada, New York City and Washington DC.

Survivors are one daughter, Vicki (Ralph Papesh) Dobratz, Oconto Falls; one brother, Rev. Bill (Nancy) Kamke, Kelly Lake; many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Harvey in 2011, son Jim in 2000, one sister, Mavis (Melvin) Blazek and her in-laws, Louis and Louise (Kroening) Dobratz.

Visitation will be held after 9:00 AM Friday, December 15, 2023 at Grace Lutheran Church in Oconto Falls until the time of service.  Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM Friday at the church with Pastor Gary Olson officiating.  Burial will follow in Pine Hill Cemetery, Town of Spruce.