Dorothy Runge Asboth, 70, of Burlington, passed away July 7, 2026, at her home with her husband at her side after a heroic 12-year battle with cancer.
Born in Elkhorn on Nov. 22, 1955, she was the daughter of Orland and Marion (nee Siegrist) Runge. Dorothy was raised on her family’s registered Holstein farm in Wheatland township and graduated in 1973 from Central High School in Salem as the class Valedictorian. She then attended Ripon College and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Economics in 1977.
Dorothy was a committed 4-Her throughout her life, starting as a member of the Slades Corners Lucky Clovers 4-H club, where she learned dairy cattle showmanship, sewing and crafts. Beginning in 1982, she became her club’s general leader and, with the help of many dedicated volunteers and friends, continued in that role until the beginning of this year when her health issues prevented her from attending meetings. She had a great gift for connecting with pre-teens and teenagers, as well as for management, which she put to great use managing the 4-H Pop & Pizza stand at the Kenosha County Fair for well over 30 years. She is part of the Kenosha County 4-H Hall of Fame.
Dorothy was united in marriage with her husband and the love of her life, Ken Asboth, on June 14, 1997, at Salem United Methodist Church and moved to Burlington. Five short years later they built their dream home together in Lyons Township.
After her college graduation, Dorothy worked as an economic analyst for Runzheimer International, a management consultant specializing in vehicle management and employee mobility. In 1983, she began a long and successful career in sales, first with GBC, and then for 27 years as sales manager for Tailored Solutions LabelTraxx in Milwaukee. Dorothy helped the small, start-up software firm grow into a leader in its industry, later acquired by Amtech Software.
Dorothy is survived by her loving husband, Ken, daughter Ellen Runge (Scott) LaRose, and grandchildren Megan and Tucker LaRose. In addition, her surviving step children include Patricia Asboth, Scott Asboth (Rachelle), and Jeremy Asboth (Cookie); grandchildren Amanda Kammer (fiancé Bryce England), Ashley Kammer (fiancé Tim Salisbury), Brittany Conforti (Tony), Kayla Asboth (fiancé Adam Britt), Timothy Asboth, Thomas Asboth, and Lillyanna Asboth; and great grandchildren: Sage England, Ember England, Arya Conforti, and Robin Conforti.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Orland and Marion Runge and step grandson, Jesse Kammer.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The American Cancer Society, St. Charles Parish, or donations to the family for the purpose of opening a scholarship fund.
A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at 11 a.m. Everyone is invited to join the family at Integrity Celebration Center immediately following the Mass from Noon to 4 p.m.
Schuette-Daniels Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family. For online condolences, please visit www.danielsfamilyfuneral.com.