Delores "Dee" Freundl

Dee was born on February 19, 1930, to the late Frank and Orpha Rosinski. Her birth took place in the home of her grandparents, Arthur and Elizabeth Lautner, in Solon Township. It was also the birthplace of her brothers, Eugene Lautner, Gerald and Jerome Rosinski and her sister, Sharon. On November 26, 1949, Dee married Bernard Couturier and was blessed with two sons, Gary and William “Bill” and a daughter, Donna. Dee later remarried on November 3, 1979, to Raymond “Ray” Freundl and augmented the family with stepsons Larry (JoAnne) and Rick Freundl, and stepdaughters Lynda Freundl and Julie (Dan) Muehling. She became a loving grandmother to Jeffrey, Nicholas and Adam Cline, Jon (Kristi) and Jason Couturier along with Aaron and Natalie Couturier and great-grandmother to Evan Cline and Michael and Kaylee Couturier. From her daughter’s second marriage Dee warmly welcomed step-grandchildren, Lysandra Vander Hart, Timothy (Angela) Porritt and Chandler (Rachelle) Porritt in addition to step-great-grandchildren, Genivee and Annilee Vander Hart, Lilith, Jameson, Frances and Frederick Porritt. Dee was always a very hard worker. She was employed fulltime, initially at Oleson’s Superette, which was later purchased by her and her husband in 1961 to become Bernie’s Superette. She subsequently worked for Prevo’s Market until she retired in June 1991. In her “spare” time Dee was an avid gardener, played piano, enjoyed various card games, learned to square dance, did ceramics, was on a bowling team, appreciated all types of music and could polka the night away! Along with sewing, knitting and crocheting, she mastered cake decorating and flower arranging. She utilized her talents for several family and friends’ showers, weddings and parties. For many Dee was renowned for her culinary skills. There was never an empty seat for Sunday and Holiday family gatherings and usually no leftovers. Some of the meals were prepared with items from her garden. Her homemade tomato juice, apple pie and rum-infused fruit salad were always a hit! Mostly, Dee was passionate about people. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and aunt. She always had a smile for everyone and often evoked reciprocal smiles or laughter. She was devoted to her faith, family and friends and willing to help anyone in need. Traveling was a highlight in Dee’s life. She and her husband, Ray, participated in multiple travel tours with family and friends visiting Hawaii, Las Vegas, Mexico, Europe, Dominican Republic, Caribbean, England, Scotland, Ireland and Jamaica. On October 19, 2022, Dee completed her last journey into the arms of her Lord and joined many family members and friends whom she had greatly missed. She is survived by her husband, Ray; her sons Gary and Bill (Carol) Couturier; daughter Donna (Timothy) Porritt; sister Sharon Sharnowski; nephews and nieces and the aforementioned grandchildren, great-grandchildren, stepchildren, step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren. A funeral service honoring Dee will take place on Saturday, October 29, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. with visitation starting at 10:00 a.m. Both will take place at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 305 Sixth Street, Traverse City, MI 49684. The family wishes to express their appreciation for the loving care and support from the staff at Fountain View of Lowell and the team from Faith Hospice. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a memorial donation to the following non-profits: Fountain View of Lowell, 11537 Fulton St. SE, Lowell, MI 49331 or Faith Hospice, 2100 Raybrook SE Suite 300, Grand Rapids, MI 49546-5783. Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services is caring for Dee and her family. Memories and condolences may be shared on Dee’s tribute page, www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com

Delores "Dee" Freundl

February 19, 1930 - October 19, 2022