Dorothy S. Hood (nee Birzer), 88, of West Bend died Friday, Feb. 17, 2012 at Froedtert Health St. Joseph’s Hospital. She was born Dec. 1, 1923 in West Bend to the late John and Anna (nee Rieger) Birzer and married L. Gordon "Bud" Hood on Feb. 21, 1969. Bud preceded her in death on Sept. 27, 1997.

Dorothy was employed at the West Bend Company from 1947 until retiring in 1986 and was a member of the 25 Year Club.

She is survived by her six children: Robert (Mardell) Blank of Slinger, LaVerne (George) Landrath of West Bend, Patricia Lee of Kewaskum, Russell Rathke of West Bend, Christine (Ray) Bannenberg of Campbellsport and Donna Schloemer of Milwaukee, 17 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, seven great-great-grandchildren, and nieces, nephews, and other relatives, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; three husbands: Harry Blank, William Rathke and Gordon "Bud" Hood; one great-granddaughter Paige Rathke; two sisters: Florence Noegel and Betty Fehring; and two brothers: Chester and Lawrence.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2012 at 1 p.m. at the Schmidt Funeral Home in West Bend with Dan Schroeder officiating. Burial followed in Holy Angels Cemetery. Visitation was Wednesday, from 11 a.m. until 12:45 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorials to the American Heart Association or the American Diabetes Association.

The Schmidt Funeral Home of West Bend is serving the family.

Online guestbook and condolences are available at www.schmidtfuneralhome.com.