Dorothy A. Kerkman, 94, of Waterford, passed away Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020 at Waterford Senior Living.
Dorothy was born in Bassett on Oct. 12, 1925, to Henry and Mathilda (nee Richter) Nienhaus. Her early years were spent in Bassett, where she attended Bassett Grade School and Wilmot High School. On Aug. 27, 1949 in Wilmot, she was united in marriage to Stanley Kerkman. Following marriage, they made New Munster their home.
Dorothy was a homemaker who loved gardening and tending to her flowers. She enjoyed raising chickens and selling the eggs and was known to make the best bread. She was a member of St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, served in the Ladies Guild, Christian Mothers Group and was on the Funeral Committee. She also took care of the flowers in front of the church and helped with the Meals On Wheels Program.
Dorothy is survived by her husband of 70 years, Stanley; children, Kenneth (Karen) Kerkman, Diane (Norm) Pluess, Gary (Marta) Kerkman and Patricia Kerkman; grandchildren, Thomas (Amy), Ryan (Leslie), Valerie (Todd), Megan (Brian), Jon (Steph), Anna (Steve), Jim (Katie), Theresa (Tony), Bree (Korey), Doug (Chantry), Travis (Brianna), Kyle (Beth) and Kelly (Morgan); five step-grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Arlene Kerkman and Betty Siehoff; special friend, Beverly “Bev” Barnett; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents; grandson Josh Kerkman; and siblings, Leon Nienhaus, Eleanor (Andy) Ketterhagen and Betty (Jack) Frawley.
The family would like to thank Dr. Webber, the staff at Ascension Hospice and Waterford Senior Living for their love and support shown during this time.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Alphonsus Catholic Church.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, Feb. 28, 2020 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church with Reverend Thomas Biersack presiding. Relatives and friends may visit with the family on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020 from 4 until 8 p.m. at Schuette-Daniels Funeral Home. Burial will take place at St. Alphonsus Cemetery following Mass on Friday.
Well-wishers may visit www.danielsfamilyfuneral.com.
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