WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Dolores Lenore Hochradel (Ryan), age 93, of Portage, and former longtime Sturgis resident, passed away peacefully the morning of June 13th, 2022 of natural causes.
She was born on August 19, 1928 in Bronson, Michigan to Phillip and Barbara (Bpgart) Dalpe and grew up in the Bronson area.
She married a handsome gentleman by the name of Harry James Ryan. They had four children, Michael Patrick Ryan (passed-away August 2021), Daniel Thomas Ryan, Timothy Shawn Ryan, and Dr. Lenoraann Ryan (passed-away 2005.)
She was a devoted mother and a devout member of the Catholic faith. Her actions always sent an example of what to do, and in the proper manner. With the loss of her husband, Harry, in May of 1967, Dolores was a single mom with children aged 16, (Michael), down to a one year old, (Lorrie.) She worked a number of part-time jobs to keep the family afloat. She also worked for many years in the accounting industry in the Sturgis area as a secretary, and even spent time working in the machine oil shipping industry.
She did remarry in March of 1976, to Daniel Hochradel. They lived in the Harmon Field neighborhood of Sturgis, where they were part of a vibrant group of neighbors who became confidants, companions, and most of all, life-long friends. She was so very grateful for this collection of neighbors and friends. With them, she was never alone.
Her second husband Daniel, passed-away in 1998, and again, her friends were there for her, and for that she was forever grateful.
She was an example of faith, humor, and the ability to look past the various faults of others to encourage them to do and be the best they could. Over the years Dolores reached out to total strangers, be it college students, a person in dire need, or just a simple heart-felt conversation. She often said, “these people are not strangers, they are just friends that I have never met.” She was a genuine lady who was never shy to help someone in need.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. Sunday at the Hackman Chapel of Hackman Family Funeral Homes, 114 S. Nottawa St. in Sturgis where the Most Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary will be prayed at 7:00 P.M. Sunday. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 A.M. Monday at the Holy Angels Catholic Church in Sturgis, the Rev. Father Raul Gomez celebrant. A graveside committal will follow the Mass at Oak Lawn Cemetery in Sturgis.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a foundation that was very dear to Dolores, the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Research PO Box 650309, Dallas, TX 75265-0309 , Breast Cancer Foundation | Susan G. Komen®
We encourage relatives and friends to share memories and condolences at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
