Connie Lee VanDoeselaar

It is with great sadness that our family announces the passing of Connie Lee VanDoeselaar on Monday, March 2, 2026, in Traverse City, Michigan. Connie was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt who lived her life with compassion, kindness, and deep faith. Those who knew and loved her will forever cherish the memories she leaves behind. Connie was born on September 8, 1951, in Bad Axe, Michigan, to Ernest and Norma Detgen. She grew up alongside her sister, Bonnie, and her brother, Jim. Connie went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in education from Central Michigan University. She later moved to Arizona, where she continued her studies and earned a master’s degree in education from Arizona State University. After returning to Michigan, Connie dedicated her career to education. She first worked as a middle school special education teacher and later became a professor at Central Michigan University, where she inspired countless students until her retirement in 2008. While studying at Central Michigan University, Connie met the love of her life, Paul VanDoeselaar. The two were married on September 1, 1975, and shared a loving marriage that spanned more than five decades. Together they built a life centered on family, faith, and support for their children. As a mother, Connie was a constant source of encouragement and pride. She supported her son Matthew in his passions for baseball, his involvement with the Delta Chi fraternity, and skiing. She also lovingly supported her daughter Christina in her interests in softball, cheerleading, and art. Connie is survived by her son Matthew of Interlochen, along with his wife, Taryn, and their three children, Jacob, Sofia, and Calvin. She is also survived by her daughter Christina of East Lansing, and her husband, Jeffery, and their two children, Owen and Caleb. Family was the most important part of Connie’s life. She treasured time spent with her grandchildren, especially playing games, cooking, and reading together. She will also be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by her sister, Bonnie Smendzuik, and Bonnie’s husband, John, of Beulah, and their children Michael and Steven. Steven and his wife, Jessica, have two children, Sully and Blair. Connie is also survived by her brother, Jim, of Traverse City, and his children: Branden; Becky and her husband Paul, with their children Rylee and Noah; Ted and his wife Sarah, with their children Ernie and Ted; and Tyler and his wife Erica, with their children Talon and Tydus. Connie’s kindness, faith, and devotion to her family and community will leave a lasting legacy in the lives of all who knew her. Services for Connie will be held at 11am on Saturday March 7, 2026 at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home with a visitation starting at 10am. Interment will be held following at Oakwood Cemetery.

Connie Lee VanDoeselaar

September 8, 1951 - March 2, 2026