Dorothy Ann Caves Ladwig, age 90, passed away on October 3, 2026, at Silver Lake Manor in Wautoma, Wisconsin, surrounded by the love and memories of a family who meant everything to her.
Dorothy was truly one of a kind. She had a personality that was impossible to forget and a way of drawing people toward her wherever she went. She could strike up a conversation with just about anyone, and once you started talking with Dorothy, you might as well get comfortable—because you would be there a while.
Dorothy was a true farmer at heart. Farming wasn't simply something she loved; it was part of who she was. She loved talking about the weather, watching the crops grow, and keeping up with what was happening in the fields. Give Dorothy a conversation about farming, and she could talk for hours. Her love for the land and the farming life was something she carried with her throughout her life.
But more than anything, Dorothy loved her family. Her children and grandchildren were her greatest treasures, and the love she had for them was tremendous. She took great pride in her family and treasured the memories they made together. Her love, her stories, her laughter, and even her opinions will be carried with them for generations to come.
Dorothy is survived by her children, Kelly Rae Beggs (Gordon), Pamela Ruth Schubert (David), John Raymond Caves (Wendy), and Peggy Sue Dunn (Richard); her son-in-law, Tim Wetmore, who was married to her daughter Patricia Ann, who preceded her in death in 2021; her 11 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren; and her special friend Dan Reid.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Raymond Caves, and her daughter, Pat Wetmore.
Dorothy was the last surviving sibling in her family. Her only sister, Ruth Eggert of Berlin, Wisconsin, passed away just four days before Dorothy, on Tuesday, September 29th, 2026. While losing them both so close together is heartbreaking, there is something comforting about imagining Ruth going ahead of her little sister to heaven, preparing her room, and waiting to welcome Dorothy home. After four days apart, perhaps the sisters are together again, just as they were meant to be.
Dorothy was a longtime member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Almond, Wisconsin.
The family would like to give their deepest and most heartfelt thanks to Josiah and his staff at Silver Lake Manor for the tremendous care they gave Dorothy over the past years. We are especially grateful for the compassion, kindness, and love they showed her during her final week here on earth. They cared for her not simply as a resident but as a person who mattered, and our family will always be grateful.
Dorothy leaves behind much more than a family tree. She leaves behind stories, memories, laughter, lessons, and a lifetime of love. She leaves behind the sound of her voice, her love of farming, driving a potato truck, and her ability to make a connection with just about anyone, and the countless memories that will bring smiles even through the tears.
She was a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, friend, and a farmer at heart. She was strong, loving, outspoken, funny, and completely herself.
There will never be another Dorothy. She was truly one of a kind.
And although our hearts are broken that she is no longer here, we can picture her where she belongs—standing beside the fire down at the 40 in Berlin, talking about the weather, surrounded by the people she loved, her beloved Raymond “Bud”, daughter Pat, sister Ruth, brother-in-law Sam, niece Terri, waiting for her to welcome her home.
Rest peacefully, Mom. Your work here is done. You were deeply loved, and you will be missed more than words can ever say.
Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, October 10. 2026 at 11:00 a.m. in the Stahl Funeral Home, Plainfield. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until time of services.
Dorothy will be laid to rest next to her husband in the Plainfield Cemetery. Please visit, www.stahlfuneralhome.com to share your online condolence with Dorothy’s family.
