Aunt Doris

Mrs. Dinda passed away Wednesday morning, May 21, 2008 at Rose Arbor Hospice Residence. She was born July 8, 1915 in Milwaukee, WI, one of six children to Charles and Clara (Griebling) Werner. Doris was employed by Dr. [Norman] Larzelere as a dental assistant for over 20 years, until her retirement. Doris was a longtime and very active member of Zion Lutheran Church. Among those activities, she was a member of the choir and music ministry, and also taught bible study and Sunday school. She was the past president of Kalamazoo Valley Dental Assistant Society, past president of Michigan Dental Assistants Association, council member of Kalamazoo County Homemakers Extension through M.S.U. Doris also received many rewards including: 2004 Volunteer-Of-The-Year Heathcare Association of Michigan, 2003 Volunteer-Of-The-Year at Tendercare of Portage where they gave her Doris Dinda Day, 1997 CBS segment "Hero Of The Day" appearance, 1995 Silver Bowl recipient RSVP Community Service, 1993 Star Award recipient, and 1991 Gazette Accolade. On November 19, 1942, she was united in marriage to George W. Dinda, who preceded her in death on July 10, 1988. Also preceding her in death were her parents, three sisters and one brother. Surviving are two children, Marge (Ken) Brinkert of Portage, Dan (Judy) Dinda of Kalamazoo; one granddaughter, Tracey Hunkins of Portage; one great-granddaughter, Abigail Hunkins; one brother-in-law, Keith (Jackie) Dinda of Schoolcraft; and many nieces and nephews. Funeral services for Doris will be at 11 AM on Saturday at Zion Lutheran Church, 2122 Bronson Blvd., with Pastor Louis Grother and Pastor Larry Brelje, officiating. Interment will follow in Mt. Ever-Rest Memorial Park. Friends may visit with the family from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM on Friday at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Portage Chapel, 411 E. Centre Avenue. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be directed to Zion Lutheran Church - Building Fund or a charity of one's choice.

Published in the Kalamazoo Gazette on 5/22/2008.

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I'm one of the "many nieces and nephews." Notice that Doris was doing volunteer work until she was nearly 90, ministering to old folks who were often younger then she was. (Not true when she started, though; I don't remember a time she wasn't entertaining in nursing homes.)

Her Sunday school classes were pre-schoolers. A woman for every age group. Now gone to her maker. We'll miss her.

Photo taken Thanksgiving, 2006.