WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Doris Mae Bell (Zuzanek), age 89, of Three Rivers, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 11, 2025 in Sturgis.
Doris was born on August 31, 1936 in Three Rivers, the daughter of Roger and Jeanette (Freimund) Mechling. She graduated with honors from Three Rivers High School as a member of the Class of 1954. On October 3, 1954, she married Robert L. Bell, with whom she raised four children.
Throughout her life, Doris was known for her strong work ethic. She held a variety of jobs, most notably spending many years with Square D Company and later Armstrong International, where she retired after 26 years of dedicated service as a traffic coordinator.
On October 28, 1989, Doris married William “Bill” Zuzanek in Magnolia Springs, Alabama. She cherished her time in Alabama, especially along the Gulf Shores. Doris also enjoyed many summers spent with Bill aboard his houseboat, docked at Tower Marina in Saugatuck. Some of her most treasured memories were family gatherings following annual smelting trips, holidays spent at her parents’ home with loved ones, and trips up north to her parents’ cabins in Watersmeet, Michigan.
Doris had a love for shopping, decorating, candles, celebrating all holidays, and listening to Willie Nelson music. She deeply adored her poodle-mix dogs over the years – Teddy, Cassie May, Zoe Ann, and Mya Joy – who brought her great comfort and joy.
A devoted member of the community, Doris was a proud Golden Eagle for 55 years and was also a member of the Moose Lodge and the American Legion.
Doris is survived by her children, Debra Bell, Diane Bell-Norton (John), and D.J. Bell (Sue); and her stepchildren, Deb Garner and Kim Adams. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Kristel Schlemper (Mark), Shawn Garrison (Mary), Nikolaus Hoyt (Katrina), Kaleb Hoyt, Travis Hoyt, Dennis Bell (Lucy), Ryne Bell (Rena), and Onnika Bell; as well as eight great-grandchildren. She is further survived by her brother, Stanley Mechling; her sisters, Nancy McGlothlen, Carole Rinz (Vern), and Linda Sheline (Larry); and her former husband, Robert Bell (Carol).
Doris was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bill Zuzanek; her son, David “Wiley” Bell; her brother, Wayne Mechling; her brother-in-law, Ralph McGlothlen; and her sister-in-law, Patricia Mechling.
A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Hohner Funeral Home in Three Rivers, with visitation beginning one hour prior at 10:00.
Memorial contributions in Doris’ memory may be made to St. Joseph County Animal Control or to Thurston Woods Villas and Froh Community Home in Sturgis.
