Obituary of Colleen J. VanConett

VanConett, Colleen J. of Saginaw, Michigan An angel on earth has passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 17, 2015, with her family by her side. She was 87 years old. Colleen was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, and dearly loved all her close family and many friends. She was taken to be with her Lord and the vast loved ones who have gone before. Colleen was born on June 10, 1928 in Plymouth, Michigan to the late Perley (Jake) and Minnie (Teske) Deal. On August 14, 1948 she married Jack W. VanConett, Sr. at Peace Lutheran Church in Saginaw. He preceded her in death on May 5, 1998 after a devoted marriage of 50 years. Collen was a member of Peace Lutheran Church, having the honor of being the first person being confirmed in the church. She belonged to the ladies guild, retreds which she directed for 5 years, a greeter, visited shut-in families, and was a member of the funeral luncheon committee. She was involved in and enjoyed a biweekly Bible class with many sisters in Christ. As a writer and lover of poetry, Colleen was a member of the River Junction Poets and the Poetry Society of Michigan. She belonged to the Red Hat Society, Fine Arts Group, and Friends of Theodore Roethke. She was a proud 1946 graduate of Saginaw High School. Colleen was a people person with a love of life and the beauty of God's creations. Colleen was employed at Met Life Insurance until her marriage to Jack and later as an Insurance Claims Representative for the Social Security Administration for 20 years, prior to her retirement in 1979. Left to cherish her death is one loving son, Jack William (Sylvia) VanConett, Jr.; two loving daughters: Marcia (Curtis) Cope and Paula (Brian) Kirchner; one maternal grandson, a joy, Mark Alan (Brandy) Cope; two step-grandchildren: Jesse (Michelle) Kalkman and Melinda Kalkman; four delightful step-great-grandchildren: Tyler, Jacob, Amanda, and Brianna; and a brother, P.H. (Jake) Deal. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews across the country whom she loved and treasured dearly. Besides her parents and husband, Colleen was preceded in death by a sister, Pauline (Clarence) Seidel; brothers: Brayton (Miriam) Deal and Raymond (Patricia) Deal; sisters-in-law: Margaret and June Deal; brothers-in-law: Earl (Dorothy) VanConett and Kenneth VanConett; many nieces and nephews; and two special friends: Robert Shade and his son, Robert J., and Robert V. King. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at Covenant Cooper Surgical Care Unit. FUNERAL: A Funeral Service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 24, 2015 at Peace Lutheran Church, 3427 Adams Street. Rev. Paul R. Hinz will officiate with burial to follow at Roselawn Memorial Gardens. VISITATION: Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (Off State) on Wednesday from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Colleen will lie in state at the church on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to the charity of the donor's choice. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home, church or through www.deislerfuneralhome.com.