Submitted by: Alice Marie Beard

At 3:14 AM on September 22, the gates of heaven opened to greet Dorene Wogatzke of Baldwin, MI. She was anxious and more than ready to reunite with her loved ones that went before her. Her daughter, Marlene Fisher, grand -daughter-in-law, Amy Fisher, grandson, Wesley D. Bennett, great-grandson, Ascher Johnson, father, Benjamin White, son-in-law, Wesley H. Bennett, grandson, Timothy Strausborger, great-granddaughter, Sunshine Fisher along with a host of assorted relatives and friends. Dorene entered into this world on May 13, 1932, and spent her childhood growing up in Mishawaka, IN. As her four daughters grew older, she chose to relocate to Baldwin, MI in the early '70s. Dorene embraced the country life while residing in the beautiful northern woods of Michigan. She planted huge vegetable gardens, dried herbs, and raised many different types of animals. Her favorites were her baby goats. Several of her grandchildren spent many summers and school vacations at the Frosty Pines. The first grandson, Jeffrey, lived with her during his formative years and gleaned much knowledge working side by side with her in the great outdoors. Dorene had a very giving and kind nature. She always had an open-door policy to her home and was more than glad to reach out her hand to any and all that were in need. Dorene is survived by her daughters, Darlene Bennett and companion Billy Hans of South Bend, IN, Deborah (George) Majewski of Edwardsburg, MI, and Cheryl(Randall) Strausborger of Mishawaka, IN. As well as her mother, Nedra Horton. There are also 20 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren that will sorely miss Grandma Dee. The family would like to express special thanks to her caregivers and dear friends Stuart Gruber, Darla Nichols, Deb Engstrom and Penny Boltze. Friends and family can share their memories from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM Monday Sept 26 at the Verdun Funeral Home in Baldwin, MI. Funeral services will be held immediately following visitation. She will be laid to rest on Tuesday Sept 27 at 12:00 PM at the Adamsville Cemetery in Adamsville, MI.