Obituary of Cecelia Dollinger

Cecelia Dollinger

(nee Hammel)

Cecelia Dollinger, age 97, passed away on January 28, 2021.

Born Cecelia Hammel, March 28, 1923 in Joliet, Illinois, she attended St. John the Baptist Catholic grade school and St. Francis Academy in Joliet.  Following 10 years of employment at Public Service Company, Cecelia married Vernon Dollinger in 1952 and began her life’s work of raising 5 children in Plainfield, Illinois.

Cecelia and Vernon farmed for 48 years until he passed away in 2000.  Cecelia is survived by her five children, Donna Jeschke (Paul), Mazon, IL, Mary Dollinger (David Kavanagh), Lake Forest, IL, John Dollinger (Noreen), Channahon, IL, Paula Lorenz (Gregory), Plainfield, IL, Edward Dollinger (Gloria), Joliet, IL, and twelve grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren, Stephen (Erin) Jeschke [Tess, Reagan, Alexandra, and Ellie], Lauren (Matt) Perkaus [Grace and Blair], Michael Kavanagh, Heidi Dollinger, Nick (Holly) Dollinger [Daniel, Ivy, and Lucas], Tyson (Heather) Dollinger [Adalynn, Celia, and Lula], Theresa Dollinger, Anna (Wes) Strohbehn [Clara and Lydia], Elizabeth Lorenz, Matthew Dollinger, Casey Dollinger, and Nathan Dollinger. Also, numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins survive her.

Cecelia was preceded in death by her loving grandson, Thomas Jeschke, two sisters, Wilhelmine McCarley and Genevieve Harms, and one brother, John Hammel.  While living in Plainfield, Cecelia was active at St. Mary Immaculate Church.  She was a member of the Altar and Rosary Society and the St. Mary’s Mother’s Club.

In 1985, Cecelia and Vernon moved to Minooka, Illinois and lived on the family farm which was settled in 1852 by her grandfather, Jacob Hansel. They spent their years together farming and enjoyed watching their family grow. Over the years, Cecelia enjoyed hosting the Hammel Family Reunion and visiting with family and friends during the fall at the Dollinger Family Pumpkin Farm. 

The family wishes to thank the dedicated staff at Our Lady of Angels and Joliet Area Community Hospice who cared for her during the past two years.  Also, a special thanks to all the caregivers who assisted her while she was still at home on the farm, especially Lanie and Dominique.

Due to Covid restrictions, a private Catholic Mass celebrating her life will be held for her family at St. Mary Catholic Church in Minooka, where they were members since 1985. Memorials in her memory to St. Mary Building Fund, 303 W. St. Mary's St., Minooka, IL 60447 would be appreciated. Please visit www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.