Lea Anne Dvorak

Lea Anne Dvorak, 74, of Pelican Lake, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 27, 2025, surrounded by her family, while looking over the lake at her home, in the loving arms of her husband, Dick. She was born on December 6, 1950, in Baraboo, the daughter of James and Marilyn (Eckstein) Wood.

Lea was raised in Stoughton, and graduated from Stoughton High School in 1969. She went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in special education from the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater in 1974, an accomplishment she took great pride in.

Lea married the love of her life, Richard “Dick” Dvorak Jr., on June 9, 1973, at St. Ann Catholic Church in Stoughton. Their 52 years of marriage were filled with love, laughter and partnership, a milestone she was deeply proud of. She shared a special bond with her sister-in-law and best friend, Marcia, who introduced her to Dick all those years ago, beginning a lifetime of love. 

Work was a meaningful part of Lea’s life. She spent several years teaching students in special education. She owned and operated two nursery schools: Playhouse Nursery School in Beloit, and Stepping Stones in Rockton, Ill. Later, she worked part-time as a realtor in Waunakee and also managed the family’s beloved business, Dvorak’s Resort, on Pelican Lake.

Lea had a creative and nurturing spirit. She loved flowers, gardening, feeding hummingbirds and spending time crocheting, crafting, and sewing. She enjoyed fishing, reading and spending time at the family cabin in Lac du Flambeau, one of her favorite places to relax and cast a line.

Lea always looked forward to spending time with her grandkids, and she often helped each of her kids spruce up their homes, whether by cleaning, painting, or adding some leaves or a wreath to hang on the wall. 

Over the years her faith in Jesus grew more profound, which especially carried her through the last two years. 

Lea is survived by her husband, Richard; daughters, Jennifer (Rob) Lowe, Stephanie (Ryan) Congdon and Marci (Mat) Cottenceau; son, Rick (Renate) Dvorak; grandchildren, Miguel Lowe, Isabella Lowe, Landon Schwarz, Colton Schwarz, Lily Congdon, Nora Congdon, Mila Cottenceau, Matisse Cottenceau, Rory Dvorak and Ryder Schnappup; sisters, Linda (Larry) Brager, Carolyn (Don) Kvalheim and Cheryl Lehman; brother, Craig (Joni) Wood; brother-in-law, David (Jodie) Dvorak; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Marilyn and James Wood; brothers, Jimmy Wood, Jeff Wood and Steven Wood; brother-in-law, Herb Lehman; parents-in-law, Richard and Laura Dvorak; and sister-in-law, Marcia Dvorak Schultz. 

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Ann Catholic Church, 323 N. Van Buren St., Stoughton, at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 4. Burial will be held at St. Ann Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Tuesday with a luncheon after burial.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society. The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Dr. Christopher Peterson, the nurses at the Volm Cancer Center in Antigo and Aspirus Hospice Home Care for their exceptional care and compassion. She was also deeply grateful for the love and support of her sister, Linda, who came from Colorado to care for her during her final month.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.