Dorothy L. Wilson

KEWANEE- Dorothy Wilson, 88 of Kewanee, formerly of North Palm Beach FL, Cambridge, and Galva, IL was met at the gates of Heaven by her parents and siblings on June 20th 2023 at 11:09 AM.

Dorothy was born March 8, 1935, in Kewanee to Arthur & Martha (Riggen) Tonn of Galva.  Dorothy was reared and educated in Galva, having graduated as Co-Salutatorian of the class of ’52 after barely turning 17.

During High School, Dorothy was determined to “reform the world”, which led her to several years of public speaking at various clubs & organizations within the community.  She gained employment during this period at the Candy Shop in Galva, which gave her the opportunity to buy her 1st car (which was a rarity at that age and time for a high schooler).  After graduation Dorothy proudly became employed for the city attorney Bill Curtis, and later with First National Bank.

Dorothy married Ralph Anderson in 1954, with whom she had 3 children.  Together they farmed in rural Galva for nearly 15 years before selling the farm and moving the family to Cambridge where they developed a successful Amway business.  Dorothy was also employed for many years at WHBF and had an on-air talk show called “Viewpoint” that aired 4-6 times a day in which she tackled many subjects of interest.  During the 80’s she joined the Corn belt Running club and completed several 5K races, but her proudest race was running in the Bix 7 and completing it while in her 50’s.   Nearly 2 decades later they divorced, which led Dorothy to new adventures in South Florida.  She became licensed in insurance, securities, and mortgage insurance. Dorothy also purchased a lucrative private cleaning business and was a personal assistant for the father of a wonderful family.  She was very proud to have worked hard to take the trip of a lifetime, backpacking throughout the European Countries.  Her favorite destination of all was Rome.

In 1995, Dorothy married her partner in adventure, Frank Wilson.  Together they enjoyed taking many cruises and trips to different destinations together, cleared land and built a home in Live Oak, later returning to South Florida where they continued trips and especially enjoyed their time with Franks’ boys and their families.  As Dorothy stated in a recording of her life that she made for her kids, “It’s a good life”.

Dorothy is survived by her children, Alan Anderson, Sheri Burgoyne, Cyndi (Don) Cook. Bonus sons, Keith (Sylvia), John (Ann), Bruce (Kelli) Wilson. 19 Grandchildren, 33 Great Grandchildren, 4 Great-Great Grand Children and her beloved kitty Jinx.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents Art & Martha Tonn, her husband Frank, bonus son David. Siblings Bud (Shirley) Tonn, Betty (Dick) Palmer, Vicky (Francis) Sellers. Niece and Nephews, Karen Tonn, Michael, and Richard Palmer.

Per her wishes, cremation rites were accorded, and a family Casting Ceremony will take place at a later date. The family would like the wonderful staff at Royal Oaks and Compassus to know how appreciated they are for the special care they have given to Dorothy and how much they are loved.  Rux Funeral Home in Kewanee is in charge of arrangements.                                                   

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