Dorothy Zoellner, age 95, passed away peacefully on October 27, 2023. She was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Tom; her parents, Frank and Grace Zeilbeck; brothers, Byron and Gordon Zeilbeck; and great-granddaughter, Audrey Jandernoa. She is survived by her sister, Therese Ronan; her children, Sue (Mike) Jandernoa, Ann Zoellner, Mary (Bill) Morrissey, Tony (Sheila) Zoellner, Ellen Carpenter, Amy (Fred) Lake, and Beth (Jeff) Liszewski; grandchildren, Carl (Kelly), Rob (Monica), and Steve (Holly) Jandernoa, Colleen (James) Holmes, Amy (Jay) Eldridge, Will (Binh) Morrissey, Kristin (Troy) LaHuis, Kevin (Sarah) Zoellner, Alex (Elizabeth), and Peter (Josie) Carpenter, Tom (Jackie), Sam, and Caroline Lake, Jack, Megan, and Erin Liszewski; great-grandchildren, Tommy, Miles, Samantha, Keith, Adam, Lewi, and Paul Jandernoa, Lucy and Forest Holmes, Avi Morrissey, Amelia and Harrison LaHuis, Owen Zoellner, plus many nieces and nephews. Dorothy lived her entire life in Grand Rapids. She grew up on Northwood Street attending Aberdeen elementary school, Creston Jr. High, and Catholic Central High School. She graduated from Aquinas College in 1950 with a degree in history. Aquinas is also where she met her husband, Tom, and many lifelong friends. Dorothy and Tom were founding members of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church. She was a devoted mother and wife, with all seven of her children plus 16 grandchildren graduating from IHM elementary school and Catholic Central High School. She had a heart for service and cheerfully volunteered at IHM by decorating the church for many years and serving food on bingo night. She was a lifelong volunteer at God’s Kitchen and St. John’s Home. She and Tom were inducted into the Catholic Central Hall of Fame and received the Dutch Vanderveen Killgoar Award at IHM for service. She was also bestowed the Catholic Central Dominican award for service. Dorothy lived a life centered on her husband, family, friends, and her faith. She was a kind and generous person, always ready with a smile or encouraging words. She was an avid artist in painting, knitting, needlepoint, and embroidery. She and Tom loved to travel the world exploring the USA, Europe, Asia, and Africa. She loved baking cookies, shopping at TJ Maxx and having fun with her friends, especially Irene and Lindy. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered Thursday, November 2nd at 11:00 am at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 1935 Plymouth Ave. and Burton S.E. with Rev. Troy Nevins and Rev. Leonard Sudlik presiding. Visitation will be Wednesday, November 1st from 1:00 to 3:00 pm and 6:00 to 8:00 pm at O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Chapel (3980 Cascade Rd, SE) and Thursday one hour prior to the Mass. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Immaculate Heart of Mary Killgoar Education Foundation- Zoellner Family scholarship (1935 Plymouth Ave SE 49506) or Red Glasses Movement in honor of her great-granddaughter, Audrey Jandernoa (online at redglassesmovement.org).
One Response
I met Mrs. Zoellner while I was completing homework at the Zoellner’s house with a group of friends many years ago. She was always so sweet to everybody who stopped by the house. She seemed the happiest when she had people around, and she loved to share stories. I did have the chance to bump into her while visiting my mom at Beacon Hill recently, and she still had that great smile. Prayers to you and your family.