Dorothy M. Hlavka, 93, of Silver Lake

Dorothy Marie (Kotkan) Hlavka, 93, of Silver Lake, died Saturday, Jan. 17, 2015. She had suffered a stroke on Dec. 27, 2014. Her infectious smile and kind nature will be missed by family and friends.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held Friday, Jan. 23, at Holy Family Catholic Church in Silver Lake with the Rev. Paul Schumacher officiating. Interment was in the Holy Family Cemetery. Pallbearers were Eric Hlavka, Robert Hlavka, David Barton, Todd Forcier, David Pope and Torrey Sorensen.
Dorothy Marie (Kotkan) Hlavka was born Aug. 15, 1921, to Joseph and Lucille (Pulkrabek) Kotkan in Rich Valley Township. She attended Silver Lake schools and graduated in 1939.
She was married to Henry Hlavka on June 10, 1942. Their marriage was blessed with six children.
Mrs. Hlavka was employed as a seasonal worker at Green Giant, worked as a waitress at The Silver High Drive In and later as a cook. In 1966, she was asked to start the hot lunch program at St. Joseph’s Catholic School (later known as Holy Family). She worked as the head cook for 38 years and will be remembered for her homemade lunches, rolls and buns, all served with her sweet smile. She loved the children she cooked for, then retired to enjoy her home, flowers, senior citizens group, card club and her many friends, neighbors and family.
She is survived by her daughters, Lois (Randy) Eckard, Cheryl (Tom) Kallis and Elizabeth (George) Shellum, and daughter-in-law, Lanette Hlavka; nine grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Henry; and sons, Henry Jr., Robert and Steven.
The Maresh Funeral Home in Silver Lake served the family. Online condolences may be made at www.mareshfuneralhome.com [1].