Dorothy (Wilson) Hadland

 Dorothy Emma Jane (Smith) Wilson Hadland, age 102, passed away peacefully on January 7, 2026 at her home in Black River Falls, WI, with family by her side.

She was born on March 31, 1923, in St. Charles, MN to Benjamin and Meta (Engelbart) Smith. She graduated from St. Charles High School in 1941, and later attended Winona State College, earning her teaching certification. She taught in a country school for a short time. On January 16, 1943, she married her high school sweetheart, Fritz Wilson, in Kansas City, MO. While there, she was employed by Hallmark Greeting Card Company. When World War 11 ended and Fritz finished watchmaker school, they returned to St. Charles and owned and operated Wilson’s Jewelry store until 1962. Dorothy also worked twenty-three years as a secretary for the St. Charles School District until her retirement in 1981. She was a devoted member of the United Methodist Church and a lifetime member of the Sunshine Chapter of The Order of Eastern Star. Her circle of friends in St. Charles was extensive and friendships lasted a lifetime. Both Fritz and Dorothy loved being near water. She enjoyed special times at Boy Lake with her son’s family, as well as other lakes in Northern Minnesota. Woman Lake became a summer destination for family and friends for over fifty years. The Whitewater Valley, Mississippi River and Canadian lakes were visited routinely. For forty years, with its springs and gulf beaches, Florida awarded her a wonderful retirement. Many days were spent with family and friends boating, skiing, fishing, swimming and soaking up the sun. It’s no wonder Dorothy shared her smile easily and has been described as a sweet ray of sunshine.

After Fritz’s passing in 1985, Dorothy married Kenneth Hadland on December 15, 1990 in Nashua, Iowa. Together they traveled the United States from coast to coast and were snowbirds in Texas and St. Petersburg. Ken passed away in 1995. Wanting to be nearer her children, Dorothy moved in 1998 to Black River Falls and shared residence with her daughter. She was active in the Methodist Church ladies prayer group. In 2010, Dorothy earned the Jackson County Friend of Home & Community Education award for placing literally thousands of labels on books as part of the Wisconsin Bookworm Program. She dearly loved watching grand-babies grow and sitting on the deck of their home enjoying the sunshine.

Survivors include her son, Dick (Gert) Wilson of Lake Nebagamon, WI and Janis (Robert) Eckles of Black River Falls; Six grandchildren, Tim (Carmen) Wilson, Michelle (Bill) Mathis, Joleen (Mike) Gilbertson, Jaryan (Dale) Smith, Jordy (Kyle) Iverson, and Jessica (Eric) Lynde; 14 great-grandchildren, McKenzie, Davis and Ajay Wilson, Michael Mathis, Tyler (Mitch) Ammann, DeJaye (Matthew) Overlien, Jacob (Rachael) Smith, Kalyn (Khumbo) Munthali, Isaiah Smith, Logan, Megan and Lauryn Iverson, and Carson and Max Lynde; seven great-great-grandchildren, Benson, Wesley, Hadley, Lincoln, Elena, Gabriel and Elijah. As well as many nieces and nephews. Dorothy was so proud of her grandchildren and loved them all unconditionally.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husbands, her siblings Merril Smith, Rachel Wiskow Beseke and Irving Smith and many other family members and friends she loved dearly.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, January 24, 2026 at 11am at Hoff Funeral Home in St. Charles, Minnesota. Visitation will begin one hour prior. Services will be led by funeral celebrant, Dianne Rislow. Dorothy will be laid to rest at Hillside Cemetery in St. Charles, Minnesota.

Dorothy and her family were provided with loving care from St. Croix Hospice. In lieu of flowers, donations given to the family will be shared among The Bruce Braun Memorial Scholarship Fund, The St. Charles Foundation for Academic Excellence and Jackson County Interfaith Volunteers Time For You Dementia Respite Program.

The service will be livestreamed. Please click the link below to watch virtually.

https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTc2ODMxOTMwMDM5Njc0NCZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==