In memoriam: Dorothy Poulsen dies at 97

Longtime FFRF Member Dorothy E. Poulsen, 97, died Aug. 1, 2019.

Dorothy was born Aug. 8, 1921, on the Howarth farm in Racine County, Wis. She always spoke fondly of her memories on the farm and her education at Badger School, a one-room school in the county.

Her family moved to Ives Grove, and then to Racine during the Depression. Dorothy graduated from Park High School, and with the onset of WWII, did war work at Rainfair. She said the factories in Racine hummed 24 hours a day during the war.

She met Earle Winther Poulsen while he was on leave from Galesburg Military Hospital. They married June 17, 1945.

Dorothy was a loving mother, an avid reader, gardener, seamstress, an outstanding cook, and a master of the pun. She loved bird watching and travel. Her journeys took her to India, England, the Baltic region and much of the United States. Most of all, she loved spending time with her immediate family, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She and Earle, who died in 1986, have applauded FFRF’s efforts from its beginnings.

Dorothy’s daughter, Ane, wrote: She was an ardent supporter of FFRF and I am making a donation on her behalf. My father died in 1986 and was with you since the beginning. Keep up with the efforts your organization does. I would like to continue an FFRF membership under my name. Thank you again for all your hard work.”