Doris “Dori” Chaconas

Doris “Dori” Chaconas (née Kozak), 88, of Germantown, passed away peacefully at sunrise on May 9, 2026.

Dori was born in Milwaukee on March 11, 1938, to Paul and Kathryn (née Baratka) Kozak. She was predeceased by Nick, her sweetheart and husband of nearly 66 years.

Dori is survived by daughters Stacy (Kelly) DeKeyser, Stephanie (Timothy) Mielke, Michaela (Anthony) Ristaino, and Nicki (Patrick) Hanley. She was the loving grandmother of Thomas (Sarah) DeKeyser, Steven (Jane Kelleher) DeKeyser, Michael Mielke (Kassie Cralle), Athena Hanley, and Lydia Hanley; and great-grandma to Luke, Zoey, and Sabrina DeKeyser.

Dori was an accomplished author and artist. During a writing career that spanned more than fifty years, she published hundreds of magazine stories and over thirty books for children, earning numerous awards and honors, including the 2001 Archer/Eckblad Award for the best picture book by a Wisconsin author. She was also an accomplished quilter, knitter, and embroiderer. Her original embroidery designs were sold to major needlework companies and national magazines. At the age of 85, she became a prolific painter of still lifes and landscapes.

Dori’s family would like to thank her many kind, cheerful, and truly loving caregivers at Congregational Home and Agrace hospice during her last weeks. You are too numerous to name here, but you know who you are. You are doing God’s work, and we will be forever grateful.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, May 23, 2026 at 9:00 AM, followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 AM, and luncheon to follow, all at St. Bernadette Catholic Church, 8200 West Denver Avenue, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Bernadette Catholic Parish in memory of Nick and Dori Chaconas.