Dorothy Jane Mcnall

Dorothy Jane (Hill) McNall, 95 years young, entered into Eternal Life on September 27, 2024 with her family at her side. Dorothy was born to Harriett Emmeline (Belland) Hill and Reverend Carroll Leigh Hill on July 2, 1929 in New London, CT. She was the middle child of 3, with older brother Claude Robert Hill (deceased), and younger sister Jean (Hill) Hahn, LaCrosse, WI.

She graduated high school in Milton WI and went on to receive a teaching degree in Education at Milton College. Her first job was teaching English to middle school students in Two Rivers, WI. She loved her job and the students. During her summers, Dorothy returned to Milton and one summer she worked at Tracey Farms. Her “boss” managing the corn detasseling operation was Richard L McNall. They fell in love and were married on April 3, 1954, in Janesville with her father, the Reverend Carroll L Hill, presided at the wedding.

Dorothy, Dick, and his brother Webb McNall started McNall Equipment in December 1955. Dorothy was responsible for the bookkeeping and financial operations. While running McNall Equipment, Dorothy and Dick welcomed 4 children: Tamara Rue (Tammy Porsche), Richard Scott (Scott McNall), Heidi Sue (Heidi Grafft), and William Robert (Bill McNall).

Following retirement from McNall Equipment, she joined Johnson Bank in Janesville as a Personal Banking Officer, focused on working with seniors and their banking needs. She also served as a Good Will Ambassador for the Janesville Chamber of Commerce. She then worked for her son-in-law, James Grafft, performing bookkeeping and financial operations for Certified Parts and State Line Recycling. At the age of 85, she decided to retire.

Dorothy always found time to give back to the community and her church, Rock Prairie Presbyterian Church. She participated in the Janesville Woman’s Club, Zontas, and she was an active member of the Milwaukee Presbytery. She sang in the Church choir and made sure the family attended Church every Sunday.

Dorothy’s love for music was with her all her life. She and her father loved to play music, he would sing and she would play the piano. In high school, she played baritone. Her love for music led her to teach her children to appreciate their musical interests.

Dorothy loved to travel. In the late 60s, the US Government created the “People to People Ambassador Program”. Dorothy and Dick were asked by the Department of Agriculture to lead the first group of US Farmers and Government Officials to Russia. This trip was the first time any US Delegation was allowed to enter Russia. Their time in Russia turned into an ongoing effort that they continued for over 10 years, visiting China and many other countries.

Dorothy loved her Wisconsin Badgers and never missed a game, no matter the weather. She and Dick had season tickets on the 50 yard line for decades. After Dick passed, Dorothy would invite new friends from Cedar Crest to join her at the game.

Dorothy leaves behind her family: Four Adult Children, 13 grandchildren, 31 great grandchildren, her sister Jean Hahn and family, and her brother-in-law Lester McNall.

The family would like to recognize and thank the dedicated and caring staff at Cedar Crest, where Dorothy lived for many years. She truly knew it was her home and her comfort and was loved by many nurses and helpers at Cedar Crest.

The family also thanks SSM Hospital for the healthcare services Dorothy received for many years, especially the team who cared for her during her last hours.

Visitation and Celebration of Life will be held at ROCK PRARIE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH on Sunday, October 27, 2024. Visitation: 12:30-1:30PM, followed by a Celebration of Life: 1:30-2:00pm.

A light meal will be served at the Church after the Celebration of Life. Memorials in Dorothy’s name may be made to “Rotary Botanical Gardens.”

The McNall family is being assisted by HENKE-CLARSON FUNERAL HOME & CEMATORY. Online condolences may be sent to www.henkeclarson.com.