Dorothea Eleanor Springer

Dorothea Eleanor Springer, who liked to be called Dee, passed on to eternal life on December 31, 2023 at the age of 99. She was born in Lansing, MI on December 22nd, 1924 to Albert and Eleanor Hein. She met her husband, Bill, at a high school dance on a very lucky Friday the 13th. Bill and Dee were married at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Lansing, MI on June 14th, 1947, and they shared more than 76 wonderful years together. They have 4 children, all married, 11 grandchildren, and 9 great grandchildren. She has been a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She is loved by all who know her, especially her family.

She was always a gracious lady and she was also an interior designer, an avid bridge player, and the ultimate hostess. She was an active member of many Lutheran Churches; Emanuel Lutheran in Lansing, St. Paul Lutheran in Trenton, MI, Island Lutheran in Hilton Head, SC, Bethlehem Lutheran in Traverse City, and Trinity Lutheran in Traverse City. Bill and Dee lived in the Lansing area, in Huron, Ohio, and on Grosse Ile, MI. They wintered for many years on Hilton Head Island where they hosted many delightful family winter and Easter vacations. They enjoyed traveling, including river and ocean cruises. They moved to Traverse City in 1989, where she was a volunteer at Dennos Museum and Munson Hospital for many years. They lived at Port of Old Mission until moving to Boardman Lake Glens.

Dee was preceded in death by her parents, sister Arlene Slater, brothers, Dick and Don, son-in-law Michael Eldredge, and many friends. She is survived by a large loving family: her wonderful husband, Bill; daughters, Cindy Eldredge and Deborah (Dave) LaGuire of Traverse City; sons David (Julia Baker) Springer of Babcock Ranch, FL and Matthew (Kim) Springer of Whitehall, MI; grandchildren, Rebecca (Adrian Esquivel) Eldredge and Kristen (Anthony Valdez) Eldredge, Amy LaGuire, Zachary LaGuire, Dania Springer, Andrea (Josh) Slepkow, Ed (Kayla) Baker, Michael Springer, Colin (Kelcie) Springer, Ryan Springer and Rachel Springer; and great-grandchildren Elliana Esquivel, Carter LaGuire, Ashton, Evret, Solomon and Phynegan LaGuire, Grayson Slepkow, Rowan and Rubi Springer.
Memorial contributions may be made to Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Traverse City or to Trinity Lutheran Church, Traverse City.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, January 9th at Trinity Lutheran Church at 11am, with a visitation held from 10am until the time of the service. A luncheon will also be held following the service.