Obit: Welsh, Dorothy (1923 - 2015)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
 
Surnames: Welsh, Norgaard, Schroeder, Cameron, Birgerson, Mesa, Jaroz, Stamos, Sweet, Randolph

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 12/02/2015

Welsh, Dorothy (13 January 1923 - 17 November 2015)

Dorothy Welsh, 92, died Nov. 17, 2015, at her home in Neillsville. She was born Jan. 13, 1923, to Oscar Christian Schroeder and Martha (Norgaard) Schroeder in Chicago, IL.

Mrs. Welsh graduated from Northwestern University/National College of Education and earned her Master’s from the University of Colorado. She also did graduate assistant research work on autism and thus became one of the earliest elementary educators to study the spectrum disorders.

She began her professional years as an early elementary teacher. Ultimately, she left elementary education and turned her energy and attention to exhibiting, judging and prom9oting purebred dogs.

Mrs. Welsh began exhibiting and breeding Collies in 1945 and later Shetland Sheepdogs and Poodles. She first became interested in purebred dogs through helping her mother raise registered Pomeranians.

She married J. Lynn Welsh, also a prominent exhibitor-breeder-judge, who encouraged her to become more active in judging. They first lived in Barrington Hills, IL, and relocated to Neillsville in the early 1970s, where Dorothy happily remained even after Mr. Welsh’s death in 1974.

Mrs. Welsh judged dog shows worldwide for 45 years. She judged all breeds and served as a judge on every settled continent. She instructed judges and aspiring judges internationally about methods, techniques and standards in judging. Dorothy was honored by selection as Best-in-Show judge at Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in 1991.

One of the original proponents for a formal museum celebrating dogs, which ultimately became the American Kennel Club Museum of the Dog, Dorothy was in the sixth year of her second term as president of that museum.

Mrs. Welsh served on the board of directors of the AKC, and an AKC delegate for the Chicago Collie Club, and was president of the Wheaton KC. She was inducted into the Ken L Ration Hall of Fame in 1993 and received the Fido Award for “Woman of the Year” in 1987. Her international following increased again when she performed as color commentator on USA Channel’s and other telecasts of major dog shows, along with nationally known sportscaster, Jay Randolph, in the 1980s.

“Dorothy loved life, people and dogs,” said nephew Michael Cameron. “She was extremely accomplished and incredibly, constantly generous.”

She is survived by step-son, Robert Hoyt, of Tucson, AZ; nieces and nephews, Mary Cameron Birgerson of Sumter, SC, Anthony (Lynn) Cameron of Quincy, IL, Michael Cameron of Niles, IL, Christian Schroeder of Crawfordville, FL, and Susan Schroeder Mesa of Homosassa, FL; cousins, Alice Jaroz of Edwardsburg, MI, and Darlene Stamos of Elk Grove Village, IL; numerous great nieces and nephews; and countless dear friends in Neillsville, the Chicago area and well beyond.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; siblings: Elsie, Lillian Schroeder, Cameron and William; as well as niece, Carlota Cameron Sweet.

There will be no formal memorial service. Gatherings celebrating the life our Dear Dorothy are being considered. Announcements may be made at a later time.

Memorials can be made through the Gesche Funeral Home or directly to The AKC Museum of the Dog, Neillsville Public library or Memorial Medical Center Foundation in Neillsville.

 

 


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