Delores Marie Culman

Delores M. Culman, 94, of Traverse City, Michigan, passed away at Munson Medical Center following a brief illness with family by her side. Delores was born in Leland, Michigan, on August 30, 1930, to Lester & Leila (Send) Nedow. In her senior year of high school, she met her “forever sweetheart”, Gerald. In order to graduate from high school, Delores had to get permission from the superintendent to get married. On November 27th, 1948, she married Gerald Culman at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Lake Leelanau, Michigan. The union lasted 70 years. The couple moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan. Upon returning to Leelanau County, Delores went to work at Empire National Bank in Leland, Michigan for 15 years, after which time she retired. Delores was always up for an adventure, and had quite the sweet tooth where she would never turn away chocolate. She loved to read, play cards, go for walks, water ski, cross country ski, and snowmobile. Most of all, Delores enjoyed being around her family and having long conversations with her grandchildren. Delores will be “forever known” as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother “and friend to many”. Delores is survived by her children; Sue (Al) Korson, and Jerry (Teri) Culman II; grandchildren Dean (Rachelle) Korson, Dawn (Jerame) Korson, Kimberley Culman, Katie Culman, Bret (Heather) Brunette, Trina (Eric) Lerche, Amy (Josh) Hill; great-grandchildren Blake, Tatum, Mya, Roman, & Hendrix; sisters Barbara (Dan) Burfiend, & Sharon (David) Kiessel; many nieces and nephews; along with special friends Tom & Beth Nussdorfer, Carol Smith, Mike & Kathy Oshinski, and Kiki Flees. Delores was preceded in death by her husband Jerry who passed away in 2018 at the age of 90; infant son David; parents Lester & Leila Nedow; daughter-in-law Denise Culman; brother Bob; and sister-in-law Elinor Nedow; sister Betty; and brother-in-law Joe Burda; as well as brother-in-law Don Schaub; and in-laws; Jacob & Rena Culman. A memorial Mass will be celebrated at St. Patrick Catholic Church on Saturday, October 26th, 2024, at 11:00AM. Visitation will be prior to Mass beginning at 10:00AM. A luncheon will follow. Memorial contributions may be directed to the American Heart Association or St. Patrick Church Food Pantry. The family wishes to thank the Munson Medical Center team on B2 Step down unit and the team on D5 for the special care given to our mother. Thank you also to all the staff at Orchard Creek where she resided for the past 2 years and enjoyed every minute of her time there. Arrangements have been entrusted to Kalkaska Funeral Home & Cremation Services.

Delores Marie Culman

August 30, 1930 - September 24, 2024