Doris E. Tetzlaff

It is with heavy hearts and deep appreciation knowing that Doris is with her Lord and Savior, that we announce the passing of Doris E. Tetzlaff, cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, who left this world peacefully on August 4, 2026, at the age of 96. Born on February 21, 1930, in West Bend, Wisconsin, Doris dedicated her life to her family, faith, and community. 

Doris was a longtime member of First Immanuel Lutheran Church, where she was a beloved figure. Her unwavering commitment to her faith was evident through her active participation in the Ladies Aide, the bell choir, and her joy in sharing music by playing the accordion at church picnics. For 24 years, Doris served as a secretary at First Immanuel Lutheran, starting her journey at the humble wage of $2 an hour, contributing her diligence and warmth to the church and its congregation. She also worked at JC Penney, the West Bend School System, St. Joseph's Community Hospital as a switch operator, and at WYLO radio, leaving a mark on each place she joined. 

Doris, a charter member of the River of Life in Saukville, valued her faith tremendously and embraced the richness of her community. A devoted mother to her five children—Kathy (the late Jerry) Chromy, Karen (Mike) Tonn, Carmela (the late William) Rintelman, Lisa (the late Charlie Parker) Parker-Tangen, and Ted (Sandy)Tetzlaff—she nurtured them with kindness, laughter, and love. Doris was not just a mother but also a devoted grandmother and great-grandmother, leaving behind a legacy of nine grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren, two step-children, Jacki (John) Borst and Jeanne “Duffy” (Bob) Dernbach, three step-grandchildren, and five step-greatgrandchildren, all of whom will forever cherish her memory. 

In her vibrant life, Doris enjoyed playing sheepshead, solving crossword puzzles, and creating beautiful art with colored pencils. She was also an avid camper, spending 26 wonderful years at Jellystone Park in Fort Atkinson. In years past, she delighted in square dancing and cherished outings to the Fireside in Fort Atkinson, creating lasting memories filled with joy. Doris truly loved to sit out in the sun and soak up God’s nature. 

Doris was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Herman Tetzlaff, infant daughters, Joan and Theresa, father, Walter Ahlers, mother, Vera (nee Roll) Ahlers, and sister-in-law, Marian (the late Erwin) Witte, whose legacies of love live on in Doris's spirit.

 A memorial service will be held in celebration of Doris's remarkable life on Sunday, August 9, 2026, at 4:00 PM at First Immanuel Lutheran Church (W67 N622 Evergreen Blvd.), Cedarburg, with a visitation beginning at 2:00 PM. Doris will be laid to rest at a private family inurnment at Washington County Memorial Park, in West Bend. In lieu of flowers, memorials to First Immanuel Lutheran Church/ River of Life Lutheran Church. 

The family would like to thank the staff at Harbor Campus, in Port Washington as well as Heartland Hospice, for all of their wonderful care and compassion.

As we honor Doris’s extraordinary life, let us remember the love she shared, the kindness she embodied, and the laughter she brought into our lives. May her memory inspire us to live fully and cherish every moment with our loved ones.