Obituary of Dorothy Jean Schmelzer

SCHMELZER, Dorothy Jean of Saginaw, Michigan, formerly of Durand, passed away on January 17, 2013 at Saginaw Covenant Hospital. She was 94 years old. Dorothy Jean Anderson was born October 10, 1918 in Flint to the late Cooley Cash and Mary (Hart) Anderson. She married Franz F. Schmelzer on March 20, 1943. He predeceased her in 1970. She later married Ralph Schmidt of Holland, Michigan. He predeceased her in 1994. Dorothy lived in Flint until 1966. She worked for the Flint Board of Education and as a bookkeeper for her husband's company Flint Tool and Die, later named Schmelzer Corp. She moved with her family to Durand in 1966 when her husband moved their company. Dorothy was involved in the First Congregational Church of Durand where she served on the Board of Deacons and sang in the choir. She was also a life member of the Eastern Star. Dorothy loved music. She sang in the choir, Sweet Adeline's, and was a member of the Durand Senior Center Washboard Band. Most of all, Dorothy loved her family, family gatherings, and watching her grandchildren grow. She was a wonderful role model and mentor for her children and grandchildren. Left to cherish her memory are three children: Franz Robert (Mary Kaye) Schmelzer of Holly, Mary Kay (Dr. Larry) Leddy of Saginaw, and Jean (Nick) Popovici of Davison; seven grandchildren: Todd (Angelique) Crelly, Mark (Julie) Crelly, Dr. Franz (Debbie) Schmelzer, Stefan (Meghan) Schmelzer, Nick (Deena) Popovici, Katie (Jack) Scarsella, and Andrew Popovici; 11 beautiful great grandchildren; and one sister, Mary Jo Zirwes. She was predeceased by two brothers: Hart Anderson, Milton P. Anderson; and two sisters: Louise Taylor and Betty Fogel. FUNERAL: Funeral services will take place at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, January 22, 2013 at Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter (off State). Rev. John Walworth will officiate with burial in Sunset Hills Cemetery, Flushing Michigan. VISITATION: Friends may call at the Deisler Funeral Home on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service. MEMORIALS: Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to First Congregational Church in Durand or the Wounded Warrior Project. Please share your thoughts and memories with Dorothy's family at the funeral home or through www.DeislerFuneralHome.com