Dorothy Rita Kortes

Dorothy Rita Kortes 

December 6 1935-March 17, 2026

We say goodbye to our dear matriarch, Dorothy, a caring Sister, Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother, successful businesswoman, master chef and baker, polished and stylish, devoted in her faith.

She was born to Walter and Lucille on December 6, 1935 as the oldest of four children and grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin with her sisters Barb and Claude and brother Jim. She met her lifelong love, Pete, and together they built a beautiful family with their six children: Lynn, Jean, Jaye, Peter, Steven, and Jenny.

In 1965 their big dreams led them to Door County where they bought the Parkway Bar and learned how to run it together. In 1977 the couple upgraded the bar into The English Inn fine dining restaurant. They created “A Special Place in Time” that was host to memorable celebrations and weddings, and their staff became like extended family. For fifteen years they also owned and operated the Clock Steak House in downtown Milwaukee.

In her second act, Dort continued working into her 80s. She had fabulous style and seemingly boundless energy that was evident in her cherished role as Grammy and Great Grammy to so many in her extended family and friendship circle. She created unforgettable moments, showering the kids with presents, treats and trips to Disney.

Her faith in God remained strong throughout her life and she was a devoted member of the Holy Apostles Parish community in New Berlin. We welcome you to join us to celebrate this incredible woman’s life and thank God for the time we were blessed to know and love her.

The family will hold a visitation at 9:30 AM followed by a funeral mass at 11:00 AM on Monday, March 30, 2026 at Holy Apostles Church, 16000 W National Avenue, New Berlin WI 53151. Memorials can be directed to Holy Apostles.

Dort is survived by her three daughters Lynn (Michael) Giffhorn of New Berlin, Jean (Jonathan) Yordy of Big Rapids, MI, Jennifer (Kevin) Holland of Medford, OR; two sons Peter (Annette) of New Berlin, Steven of Saranac, MI; beloved Grammy to her eight grandchildren Megan (Patrick), Matthew (Christine), Erin, Jessica (Michael), Emma (Kevin), Alex, Peter, and David; beloved Great-Grammy to her ten great grandchildren Patrick, Stella, James, Jay, Connor, Cameron, Aiden, Nolan, Quinn, and Elsie; two sisters Claude (Larry) Gorski of Milwaukee, Barb Markowski of Greenfield; sister-in law Jeanne Grzygorek; son-in-law Walter (Jackie) Herrmann, as well as nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and friends.