Dorothy Alice Biegler

Grawn - Dorothy Alice Biegler, 84, of Grawn passed away Saturday, October 8, 2016 with her loving family by her side.

Dorothy was born on September 10, 1932 in Traverse City to the late Edwin T. and Revella B. (LaLone) Nickerson.

Dorothy began her teaching career in a one-room school house and then traveled the world teaching for the U.S. Department of Defense. She taught in Newfoundland, Turkey and throughout Europe. While stationed in Orleans, France in 1967, she met the love of her life, Duane R. J. Biegler at an Officers' Club. On July 8, 1968 the two united in marriage on the island of Waikiki in Hawaii at St. Augustine Roman Catholic Church.

A long-time painter, Dorothy discovered a new passion in making pottery in 1974. She owned and operated Woody Hill Pottery for nearly 30 years where she threw pots and created many beautiful pieces of art.

For the past 15 years, Dorothy chaired or volunteered with the Blair Library Committee. She worked tirelessly to raise money for and interest in constructing a library to serve the community where she lived.

Dorothy is survived by her husband of 48 years, Duane; son Fr. Patrick D. Biegler; daughter Monique (Christopher) Oosse; grandsons David and Alexander Oosse; sisters Donna (Joseph) Weber, Juanita Pierce and Linda (Ross) Williams; brother Amos Nickerson; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, brother Andy Nickerson and sister-in-law Shirley Nickerson.

Visitation will be held on Friday October 21, 2016 from 5pm to 7pm at Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home. A Vigil and Rosary will begin at 7pm for all who wish to participate.

The funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, October 22, 2016 at noon at St. Mary's of Hannah. Graveside services will follow at Monroe Center Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in memory of Dorothy may be directed to the Blair Library Committee, 2121 County Rd 633, Grawn, MI 49637 to help fulfill her dream of establishing a library in Blair Township or to Hospice of Michigan, 10850 E Traverse Hwy #1155, Traverse City, MI 49684.

The family is being cared for by Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home.