Sophia E. Dickman "Sophie"

PORTAGE  --  Sophia E. Dickman, “Sophie”, age 89, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 22, 2015, at Tivoli in Portage, with her loving family beside her.

Sophia was born in Madison in 1925, the daughter of Erwin and Ella Vesperman.  She married Joseph Dickman on April 15, 1950.  She was employed at Divine Savior Hospital until her retirement in 1991.  Following retirement Sophia enjoyed cooking, baking, canning, gardening, and homemaking.  For the past several years Sophia was a resident of Tivoli in Portage.  She referred to Tivoli as her home and was very respected and cared for by the staff.  Sophia had a kind and gentle soul about her. She enjoyed and participated in any activities held at Tivoli.  She loved playing Bingo, cooking or decorating cakes, and crafts.  One of Sophia’s favorite things to do was to listen to music.  You would always find her listening to any musical entertainment at Tivoli.  She would be tapping her fingers and singing along with a smile on her face.  Sophia loved to have her hair and nails done.  She would give a big smile when she was complimented on them.    

She is survived by her children, Elaine Powers of Seattle, WA, Eugene Dickman of Madison, Joseph Dickman of Portage, and Bill (Lori) Dickman of Portage; as well as her grandchildren, Dustin Dickman, Danielle Bowman (Chris) and her great-grandchildren, Jayce Dickman and Austin Dickman whom she loved deeply and enjoyed spending time with.  She is further survived by other relatives and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Joseph, her son Ervin, and a daughter-in-law, Debra Dickman.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 30, 2015 at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Church in Portage, with Fr. Gary Krahenbuhl presiding.  Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery.  Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, at the church.  The Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage is assisting the family.

The family would like to extend a thank you to the entire staff at Tivoli for all the special care and compassion given to Sophia over her years as a resident there.  A special thank you to Dr. Strain for the care given to Sophia, especially the visit at the hospital recently.