For the past three years, Dorothy Kaplet, formerly of O’Fallon, Illinois resided at The Landing of O’Fallon, in St. Charles, MO. She passed away there peacefully on May 31, 2025 at the age of 93. Dorothy was born in Glencoe, Ohio, December 17, 1931, the daughter of Dush and Mildred Kasonovich Kaplet. She was a graduate of Bellaire High School, Bellaire, Ohio and Belleville Area College (SWIC), Belleville, Illinois.
For thirty years, Dorothy was employed at Scott Air Force Base as an administrator. After retirement, she was employed by the City of O’Fallon. Outside of her work, Dorothy made a significant impact on the community for her dedication to the Order of the Eastern Star. She served as Worthy Matron of the O’Fallon Chapter 487. She also was a member of the Baldwin Chapter 435 in Baldwin, MO. In 2012, Dorothy was installed as the Grand Worthy Matron of the Order of the Eastern Star of Illinois.
Dottie always took great pride in being a veteran, having served her country as a member of the Women’s Air Force (WAF) during the Korean War and for being a proud member of the American Legion Post 137 for 70 years.
Dottie was preceded in death by her daughter Glennis A. Dargie Huerta in 2021; two brothers Dush Kaplet of Conyers, GA, and Joseph Kaplet of Merrit Island, FL.
She is survived by her son Glenn A. Dargie of Florissant, Mo., grandchildren Jordan Norris of St. Louis, Andrew Arnold of St. Louis; Shane Huerta of Lawrenceville, GA; Samantha Huerta and Kyle Huerta, both of Snellville, GA; one great-granddaughter Autumn Huerta, also of Lawrenceville, GA.
She is also survived by two sisters: Mary Kaplet Bishop of Falmouth, MA and Joann Kaplet Duff of Lancaster, OH. Dorothy had a special affection for her “honorary daughter,” Kerry Schonhoff of Troy, MO., who also survives her.
In lieu of flowers and other gifts, memorial donations in memory of Dottie are suggested to The OES Home at Macon, Grand Chapter of IL, PO Box 317, Macon, IL 62544 or American Legion Post 137, 109 N. Penn St., O’Fallon, IL 62269. Online condolences may be offered at www.wfh-ofallon.com.
Funeral services will be held Monday, June 9, 2025, at Wolfersberger Funeral Home, 102 W. Washington St., O’Fallon, Ill. Visitation will be from 3 – 6 pm, with a service to begin at 6 pm. The service will include rites conducted by the Eastern Star as a testament to the Order’s commitment to fellowship, love and faith.
Procession will depart the funeral home at 10:30 am, Tuesday, June 10, 2025 for a Graveside Service with military honors at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, Mo., to be held at 11:30 am.
Wolfersberger Funeral Home, O’Fallon, Ill., is entrusted with arrangements.
