Dorothy Mahnke

Dorothy Elizabeth Mahnke, 88 of Cumming, GA, passed away peacefully on Monday April 15, 2024, at her home in Cumming, surrounded by her children. Dorothy Scheck was born on April 3, 1936, in Oak Park, IL, where she spent most of her youth and graduated from Oak Park-River Forest High School.

On November 4, 1953, Dorothy married her childhood sweetheart and love of her life, Ed Mahnke, and the two headed to Pleasanton, CA, where Ed was stationed in the Army. Dorothy and Ed soon returned home to Chicago, where they built their first home in Glen Ellen, IL and started their family.

In 1972 Dorothy and Ed made the decision to move to Georgia where she and Ed found the home of their dreams on Lake Lanier in Cumming, GA.

Over the course of 52 years Dorothy and Ed worked endlessly on their house making it into their home, she especially enjoyed celebrating the 4th of July each year hosting all of her friends and family to come watch the fireworks and enjoy the lake. She and Ed also enjoyed their time at the beach, often spending late fall and winter months in Panama City Beach and Bonita Beach, FL with family and friends.

Her greatest joy was spending time with her grandchildren at the lake or taking them on family vacations to the beach. She also enjoyed being with her family and grandchildren during holidays.

Dorothy’s love, generosity and enthusiasm for life were evident in everything she undertook and everyone’s life that she touched. She served as an inspiring example to many including her four great grandchildren, Braxton, Harper, Madelyn and Payton along with her five grandchildren, Collen, Kristen, Christopher, Erick and Patrick. She is survived by her daughter, Kimberly Mahnke, daughter, Elizabeth Morrisey and son Jay Mahnke and his wife Mary.