Dorothy Kriesel

Dorothy Ann Kriesel, 62, of Farina passed away, surrounded by family, Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at Springfield Memorial Hospital. She was born on December 11, 1962, in Midland, Michigan, the daughter of William and Patricia (Stauffer) Taylor. She married the love of her life and best friend, Kevin Kriesel in Marquette, Michigan, and he survives her in Farina, Illinois.

Along with her devoted husband, Kevin, survivors who will remember Dorothy’s warm, comforting hugs include her beloved children, Sarah (Paul) Feliciano of O’Fallon, IL, Amanda (Allen) Bleisch of Mascoutah, IL, and Melissa Kriesel (Anthony Grant) of Mascoutah, Illinois; cherished grandchildren, Alex Feliciano, and Hayden Grant; brothers, Ken (Kathleen) Taylor, and Jim (Jeannette) Taylor; sisters-in-law, Nancy Van Eps, Kim (Mike) Compagna, and Kari Altema; uncle, Don Jenkinson; nieces and nephews, Joe Taylor, Mark Taylor, Steven Taylor, John Taylor, Ryan Altema, Christopher Altema, Kelly Compagna, Michael Compagna, and Theresa Compagna; and a host of extended family members and friends.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, William and Patricia Taylor; and her aunt, Dot (Dorothy) Jenkinson.

Dorothy was quickly accepted into her new family-by-marriage and really, any group she was introduced to, and quickly loved by all. She was a strong supporter of her husband, Kevin, serving proudly as an Air Force wife for twenty years, and through four years of Seminary later in life. A mother of three, she helped raise dozens of other kids, making them feel safe and important, especially those who didn’t feel that way in their own homes. Some remain important parts of our family today. She had a truly compassionate heart, and loved her students at Mascoutah Middle School where she was an instructional aid for many years. She enjoyed traveling the U.S. and Europe with her family. When someone recently thanked her for loving them, she replied, “that was my job”, a job given by God. Dorothy was a lady of wisdom, who shared the best advice with family and friends, on how to navigate this beautiful life. She modeled how to live with fierce courage, strength in faith, and unending compassion. Dorothy encouraged those she loved to always stay true to themselves, no matter how weird, and to love without abandon. She was quite easily the world’s very best hugger, always at the ready to offer a love filled embrace. Dorothy will be forever remembered for the joy that illuminated her, her contagious happiness, her quirky, silly side, and her vibrant, enthusiastic approach to life.

As we say goodbye, we know a new day has dawned for you Dorothy, and our Lord who has loved you the longest, with an everlasting love, has come for you. In the words of your namesake, Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz, you now exist “Somewhere over the Rainbow”.

A memorial service will be held at 5:00 p.m. Friday, November 28, 2025, at the United Methodist Church in Patoka with Rev. Carol Lakota Eastin officiating. Relatives and friends are welcome to the visitation from 3:00 p.m. until the time of the service on Friday at the church in Patoka. A celebration of life will be held at 5:00 p.m. Saturday, November 29, 2025, at the Mascoutah Bethel United Methodist Church with Rev. Stan Irvin officiating. Relatives and friends are also welcome to the visitation from 3:00 p.m. until the time of the service on Saturday at the church in Mascoutah. Memorials may be made in Dorothy’s honor to a United Methodist Church of choice or Hoyleton Youth and Family Services and will be accepted for the family at Day Macz Funeral Home 234 South Elm St. Centralia, Il 62801. Online condolences and memories of Dorothy may be shared with the family by visiting maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home’s Facebook page. Day Macz Funeral Home is privileged to be assisting the family of Dorothy Kriesel with arrangements.

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