My name is Cindy Dobberke, and my husband Brian and I are long time residents of Mukwonago. In the past nearly 30 years here, I’ve been a mom, a friend, a neighbor, a youth sports coach, a Girl Scout leader, a Section Elementary School library volunteer, and a marching band booster. Currently I am involved in the community as a book club participant, faith exploration guide and council president at Mount Olive Lutheran Church, novice pickle ball enthusiast, and daily walker.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I grew up in Rockford, IL and attended Lawrence University in Appleton. I met my husband Brian at LU, and we married in 1984. After we married, we lived near the dairy farm owned by Brian’s parents in the town of Vinland, moved to New London in 1987, and, in 1994, moved to the north side of Mukwonago, where we bought a home in the Valley Woods subdivision. In 2015 we moved to the south side of Mukwonago when we built our forever home on Upper Phantom Lake. We have one daughter, Molly, who is an attorney and the executive director of Centro Legal, a non-profit law firm in Milwaukee. Molly is married to Andy Riehle and they are expecting our first grandchild in January.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I worked in the retail sector for the Prange corporation for a number of years before our daughter was born. Currently, I am retired from paid employment. I live out my vocation as the faith exploration coordinator at Mount Olive Lutheran Church, where I also serve as the president of the church council. I love making connections with people and then connecting them with others. I also love being able to have deep conversations.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Our favorite restaurants are Antigua Real (tacos de pescado/de la casa with salmon) and Fork in the Road (spinach artichoke chicken sandwich). Delicious!
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
We have lived in Mukwonago since 1994.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
My good friend, Betty Hinkelman.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I would travel to Costa Rica to explore the rainforest and beaches.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
My favorite movie of late is Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris, and I always enjoy the oldie but goodie Four Weddings and a Funeral. As for TV, I enjoy watching Ted Lasso and both productions of All Creatures Great and Small.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Listen deeply to one another, realize that you are a part of a greater community and enjoy all that life has to offer!
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
To travel to peacetime Ukraine.
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
The English band, Squeeze.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Even though I never had the opportunity to visit it, Miller Pharmacy when the business was located on the square. I’ve heard so many stories about the soda fountain!
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
I would love to have lunch and conversation with Krista Tippett, the host of my favorite podcast, On Being. I would treat her to lunch at the restaurant in the Geneva Inn, the Grandview, overlooking Geneva Lake.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
Midnight Magic is one of my favorite events in the community. I remember one year when the snow fell at a heavy rate. the high school marching band was performing, and the snow made it very interesting for the kids to march and play. It was beautiful!
Q: What have you done to make Mukwonago a better place?
I have been a part of Mount Olive Lutheran Church for over 30 years and hopefully helped make it an inclusive and welcoming space for people of all ages and all walks of life.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I see myself living in Mukwonago and, if not in our present home, in a local condo. If health allows, I hope to be traveling for 2-3 months of the year.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I earned a varsity letter playing softball at Lawrence and have been a slalom water skier for 45 years.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
St. John, U.S.V.I. and specifically Waterlemon Cay- the snorkeling was fantastic!
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
December, New Year’s Eve and April 7th- not too hot, not too cold, plus it’s the day Brian and I married.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
My amazing family!
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My dogs inspire me to be the person they think I am.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Apple pie in a bag baking at the Elegant Farmer. I get to enjoy that frequently on my daily walks!
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Peace, comfort, and love.
