Obituaries

Ilene Frances (Graber) Doll, 98, died on October 27, 2024, at her home surrounded by loved ones.

Born on August 7, 1926, in Mineral Point, WI, Ilene graduated from Mineral Point High School before attending Marquette University and graduating as a dental hygienist. Her parents were Edward and Mary (Dunne) Graber. Two brothers, Harold (d.1938) and Dr. Louis Graber (d.2004), and an infant sister preceded her in death.

In 1948 she married John James (Jim) Doll. The two were happily married for 67 years until Jim passed away in 2015. They lived in Whitefish Bay for 20 years, where they raised three daughters, before moving to Madison in 1974.

Ilene is survived by three daughters, Nancy Doll (Dr. Michael Bernhard), Connie Doll, and Mary Ann Doll (Michael Williamson) all of whom live in Madison; her grandchildren, AJ Blum (Lacey Croy) (Denver, CO), Laura Mary Blum (Dan Pacifico) (Fort Collins, CO), Michael Blum (Los Angeles, CA), Anna Bernhard (Peter Workman) (Fort Collins, CO), Andrew “Buddy” Bernhard (Alice Hough) (Washington, D.C.) and five (soon to be six!) great-grandbabies (Wells, Edie, Eliza, Francis and Theo). Ilene adored her family, and her grandchildren and great-grandchildren filled her life with joy until the very end.

A Leo through and through, Ilene was a force to be reckoned with and a fierce advocate for all those she loved. She was always ready to give advice (whether or not it was asked for!) and wasn't afraid to get her hands dirty to get the job done. She was kind, warm hearted, generous, and as those who knew her can attest, truly “blessed.” Sociable and welcoming, Ilene made friends wherever she lived, and she often mentioned how blessed she was that her neighbors became her best friends.

Ilene loved her experience as a dental hygienist, her antiques, playing bridge, and her church, but above all, she loved being surrounded by her family of daughters, sons-in-law, grandkids, and great-grandchildren. She instilled in each of these next generations a strong commitment to one another, a sense of pride in their heritage, and a healthy sense of humor.

Her family is devastated by her loss, but appreciative of the long, full life she lived and comforted by the memories they share.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Agrace Hospice Care, especially Nurse Rebecca, Social Worker Carmen, Caregiver Kris, and family friend Mary Broad, for all their loving attention and support. We would be remiss if we didn't mention the fun times Ilene had while attending the Agrace Adult Day Center this past year where the staff was always "smiling," welcoming and inclusive. We would also like to extend a special thank you to her daughter Connie, for caring for her in her home and enabling her to live out her final years there.

Ilene was an active participant in our political process and volunteered at the polls for numerous elections. In lieu of gifts, please consider volunteering as a poll worker or donating your time to increase voter engagement.