Dolores Mae VanPelt

Dolores "Dee" Mae VanPelt, 84, of Kingsley, passed away on October 16, 2015 at Birchwood Health Center in Traverse City. Mrs. VanPelt was born at home in Kingsley on October 18, 1930 to the late John Frank and Valeria Victoria (Rhode) Schmuckal. Shortly after graduating from St. Mary of Hannah High School, Dee married Rex VanPelt and together they raised two children. She began working at the State Hospital in Traverse City, studying to become a nurse. When she left the hospital she opened her own adult foster care home in Atwood. She cared for as many as 18 residents at one time until she decided to close the home when Rex passed away. Dee worked hard through those years, but always had a smile on her face; she was a fighter and fought for her family and friends many times through the years and eventually fought hard for her own life. In the mornings you could find Dee having coffee with friends. In her spare time she would knit and crochet, enjoy music and go out dancing, or go down to The Rock in Kingsley to play cards or enjoy an event to which she was always early as with anything she attended. Dee was an avid sports fan; especially the Tigers, Nascar, and her Kingsley Stags. When you went to her home you couldn't help but notice her flowers; real and fake she loved them all and had them inside and out. After dressing as a nun one year she decided she would continue to go to other events dressed that way and became affectionately known as Sister Mary to her friends and family. Dee was always very proud of her children and grandchildren. She is survived by her son Charles (Diane Manore) VanPelt; daughter Vicky (Jack) Garey; grandchildren Rex (Molly), Cody, Katie and Jennifer; her dear sister Bernice Pfau; and special niece Pam (Glen) Roop. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Rex VanPelt; brothers John Schmuckal Jr. and Joseph Schmuckal; brother in law John Pfau and granddaughter Sarah VanPelt. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, October 24, 2015 at St. Mary of Hannah Catholic Church in Kingsley. A rosary will be said that morning at 9 am and friends may gather for visiting from 10 am until the time of service. Burial in St. Mary of Hannah Cemetery will immediately follow the service. Memorial contributions may be made in Dee's honor to St. Mary of Hannah or The Rock in Kingsley. Arrangements have been entrusted to Kalkaska Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Dolores Mae VanPelt

October 18, 1930 - October 16, 2015