WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Dorothy Evelyn Fennell, age 97, passed away on Wednesday, December 6, 2023 at Health Win Nursing Home in South Bend.
Dorothy was born in Sturgis on October 2, 1926 to the late David and Pearl (Yunker) vonOlnhausen.
Dorothy married Richard Arthur Fennell on October 5, 1947 at the Pretty Prairie Church in Howe, Indiana.
She was preceded in death by her parents, spouse of 48 years Richard, three sons; Jan Eric, Jon Guy, and Rickey Ren, along with three brothers; Stanley, Carl, Donald, and four sisters: Kathryn, Doris, Elna, Jeanette.
She is survived by her daughter Pamela (Frederick) Schulz and son Charles (Wendy) Fennell. Also surviving are 6 grandchildren. Amy Sigal, Sarah (Andy) Wesselhoft, Stephanie (Ryan) Weldy, Shane (Ashley) Fennell, Brandon (Nicole) Rapp, Chelsea Rapp, 18 greatgrandchildren, and 2 great greatgrandchildren, along with her sister Shirley (Dennis) Sturgis and several nieces and nephews.
Dorothy loved the outdoors and nature. Working in her yard and garden gave her immense joy. She would can, freeze, and share the extra bounty of her garden. Flower beds could be found all around her home. Some flowers were reminders of birthdays, because they bloomed at a specific time of the year.
Over the years Dorothy enjoyed watching horse racing, whether in person at a fair or from the comfort of her chair and big screen TV. She was known to host Kentucky Derby Parties for her family, complete with Best Hat Contests.
Knowing the saying “Laughter is the Best Medicine”, Dorothy enjoyed both hearing jokes and telling jokes to provoke a laugh. She would also always have cookies at the ready for those who came to visit. They were her “sugar hugs”.
Dorothy had a long and full life, always loving and giving of herself and time. She is now at peace and pain free as she walks through the “Pearly Gates” and strolls the “Streets of Gold” in Heaven.
The family will receive friends and relatives from 10:00 to 11:00 A.M., Monday, at the Rosenberg Chapel of Hackman Family Funeral Homes, 807 E. Chicago Rd., Sturgis, MI 49091.
Services celebrating the life of Dorothy E. Fennell will be held at 11;00 Monday, immediately following the visitation at the funeral home with Jimmy Collins, officiating. Interment will follow in Oak Lawn Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be directed to the charity of one’s choice, envelopes are available at the Hackman Family Funeral Homes of Sturgis who has been entrusted with the arrangements.
