Dora Sophia Schleif, "Mutz," 97, of West Bend, passed away on Friday, March 23, 2012, at Beechwood Rest Home.

Mutz was born on March 1, 1915, in Campbellsport, the daughter of the late Walter and Dora (Rahling) Hatch. On July 5, 1938, she was united in marriage to Lloyd G. Schleif in Elo. Lloyd preceded Mutz in death on Nov. 21, 1981.

Following high school, Mutz attended Fond du Lac Normal School for 10 months then entered the teaching profession in a oneroom schoolhouse at Five Corners in Campbellsport. Her teaching career spanned 44 years, most of which she spent teaching fifth grade in Jackson. Mutz lived by the motto "to teach is to touch a life forever." She did just that for many generations of students and families.

One of Mutz’s favorite past times was traveling with friends or relatives. She enjoyed meeting new people, seeing as much as possible and shopping! She would have loved to had the opportunity to go back to Greece and explore.

Mutz leaves behind her nieces and nephews, Betty (Ellis) Sook of Fresno, Calif., Joyce Halfmann of Kewaskum, Bob (Marlene) Hatch and Judy (Doug) Christensen both of Campbellsport, Faye (David) Schmitt of Sun Prairie, Judy (Don) Price and Tom (Joan) Schleif both of West Bend; a dearly loved friend, Reuben Schmahl of Serenity Villa, Slinger; and other relatives and friends to love and cherish her memory.

In addition to her husband and parents, Dora was preceded in death by her brother, Robert Hatch and his wife, Beatrice; a nephew, Richard Halfmann; and a niece, Donna Akers.

Funeral services for Mutz will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 10, 2012, at Peace United Church of Christ in Kewaskum with the Rev. Eric Kirkegaard officiating. Burial will be in Washington County Memorial Park in West Bend.

Relatives and friends may call at the Miller Funeral Home in Kewaskum on Monday from 4-6 p.m. and at the church on Tuesday from 10:30 a.m. until the time of services.

Mutz wanted to be remembered by her friends and family with love, happy thoughts and for them to occasionally do something in her memory. "I believe each day of my life is better because God is the center and in him we live and move and have our being." - Dora Schleif "Mutz."

Additional information and guestbook may be found at www.millermartinfh.com.