Delores Ann Wolter

Delores A. Wolter, née Eckstein passed peacefully at her home in Madison, Wisconsin on February 17, 2025, at the age of 89.

Known as Laurie by her friends and family. She was a devoted mother of 6 children, Mark Wolter Pittsburgh, PA, Diane Fowler Gantt, AL, Karen Wilson Cockeysville, MD, Kim Karow (deceased) Ft. Atkinson, WI, Lynn Potter, Middleton, WI, and Amy Wolter Monroe, WI; loving grandmother to Alexandra Naismith, Sean Fowler (deceased), Danielle Fowler, Madeleine Wilson, Spencer Wilson, Evan Karow, Nicole Potter, Grant Potter, Austin Ross, Logan Ross and Nathaniel Ross; and great-grandmother to Wesley Karow, Elijah Karow and Braxton Naismith.

Laurie was born in Madison, Wisconsin on December 18, 1935, the daughter of George and Hazel (nee Meyer) Eckstein. Her siblings are Yvonne Eckstein, Minneapolis, MN, Robert Eckstein, Lodi WI, and Kathy Nelson, Verona WI. One of Laurie’s childhood memories was of her and her sister Yvonne learning to ride on a pony named Fairy. Fairy was blind in one eye and would spook and buck due to her limited visibility. They had an old Calvary saddle so there wasn’t much to hold onto, making them acquire their riding skills quickly. Other adventures included hiking Wingra Creek with Yvonne and Flight, their faithful cocker spaniel. Laurie went on to graduate from Edgewood High School and later, Edgewood College with a degree in Education.

Professionally Laurie worked for John’s Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland and after moving back to Madison, she worked many years for the Middleton School district.

Laurie enjoyed traveling and learning about different cultures through the Road Scholar program with her sister Yvonne. They spent many years traveling to the historic seaside town of Mazatlán, Mexico in the winter. Bob, Laurie’s brother, introduced her to cross-country skiing and snow shoeing. They had many wonderful winter adventures together. Summers included going to Bethany Beach, DE and Taylor’s Island, MD on Chesapeake Bay with family. 

Laurie’s true passion in life was her garden. She created a lovely prairie garden and a prolific vegetable garden. She was especially proud of her large Burr Oak trees that she grew from acorns. Everyone who came to visit was sure to get the tour and admire how large her trees were getting. She always marveled at how something so big could start from something so small. Up until just a few days ago, Laurie was still planning her spring garden. 

The family extends a special thank you to Agrace Hospice and BrightStar for their wonderful care.

A celebration of life will be planned at a later time.

Please share your memories of Laurie here on her Tribute Wall.

Cress Center

6021 University Ave. Madison

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