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Dolores Gregersen

November 18, 1927 - March 24, 2016
Dorr, MI

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Visitation

Tuesday, March 29, 2016
4:00 PM to 7:00 PM EDT
Life Story Funeral Homes - Rupert, Durham, Marshall & Gren
Plainwell Location
120 South Woodhams Street
Plainwell, MI 49080
(269) 685-5881
Driving Directions

Service

Wednesday, March 30, 2016
11:00 AM to 12:00 PM EDT
Life Story Funeral Homes - Rupert, Durham, Marshall & Gren
Plainwell Location
120 South Woodhams Street
Plainwell, MI 49080
(269) 685-5881
Driving Directions

Contributions


At the family's request memorial contributions are to be made to those listed below. Please forward payment directly to the memorial of your choice.

Alzheimer's Association - Michigan Great Lakes Chapter
200 Turwill Ln Suite 6
Kalamazoo, MI 49006
(269) 342-1482
Driving Directions
Web Site

Great Lakes Caring Hospice
6120 Stadium Drive Suite 100
Kalamazoo, MI 49009
(269) 372-8555
Web Site

Flowers


Below is the contact information for a florist recommended by the funeral home.

River Rose
(269) 692-3951

Plainwell Flowers
117 S. Main
Plainwell, MI 49080
(269) 685-8055
Driving Directions
Web Site

Life Story / Obituary


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Throughout her rich and rewarding life, Dolores Gregersen was a blessing to everyone she met. She was outgoing and talkative with a genuine concern for people that drew others near with ease. Dolores spent the majority of her life alongside her true love, and together they were filled with unspeakable joy to witness their family tree blossom to include numerous branches of loved ones who made them so very proud. Life was not without times of trial for her, but she faced whatever came her way with grace, courage, and unwavering strength. Although she will be deeply missed, Dolores leaves behind a colorful mosaic of memories that her loved ones will forever cherish.

It was great to be an American during the decade that we commonly call the Roaring Twenties. Jazz music was hot, ballroom dancing was among the latest trends, and the lights of Broadway never shined brighter. Innovation was transforming the way we lived our lives and with things like washing machines, refrigerators, and radios there was much to celebrate. Amidst this exciting time was the year 1927 that was filled with great anticipation for Charles and Sarah (Newman) Bourdo as they were eagerly awaiting the birth of their new baby as November dawned in Orangeville, Michigan that year. The big day finally arrived on November 18th when the baby girl they named Dolores M. drew her first breath. She was the third of four children in her family as she was raised alongside her older brothers, Todd and Lawrence, and her younger sister, Elaine. To support their family, her parents were hardworking farmers. In many ways, Dolores was a young girl of her generation. She attended local schools and went on to graduate from Delton High School.

New and exciting changes were in store for Dolores when she met the young man of her dreams. His name was Detlef “Greg” Gregersen, and they met when she was working in the meat department of a local grocery store. As the story goes, Greg had become quite smitten with her, and after much persuading from his boss, who was also the owner of the grocery store, he asked her to accompany him to a dance that upcoming Saturday. Since Dolores didn’t have anything else to do, she accepted his invitation. They enjoyed their time together, but she soon left for a week, which only made Greg’s heart grow fonder. As soon as she returned, Greg asked her to another dance. That was all it took as they soon found themselves deeply in love. With a desire to establish a life together, Dolores and Greg were married on February 19, 1949, five months after they met. Together they welcomed three children including Joann, Lois, and Brian into their hearts and home. With a husband who worked hard to provide, Dolores was able to focus her time and attention on caring for their home and children. She completely devoted herself to these roles and worked tirelessly to do so. Dolores was quite a cook, which her family appreciated, and she was especially famous for her homemade noodles, apple dumplings, and a variety of pies.

Although caring for her family and her home was her primary focus, Dolores also kept busy in other ways as well. She enjoyed big band music, polka, and any kind of dance music, and for years she and Greg went out square dancing. Since she was social and outgoing, Dolores always had a great time. They also loved going to their cabin up North. After retiring, the couple spent more time there, and they often stayed for weeks at a time, taking in all that the region has to offer. When relaxing, Dolores could often be found crocheting.

Life was forever changed for Dolores with Greg’s death in 2011. Although she was deeply saddened, she coped very well and enjoyed living at the Heritage Assisted Living in Battle Creek, especially when it came to the socializing aspect that it offered.

With unending love for her family, Dolores Gregersen was an extraordinary woman to know and love. She was a longtime resident of the community she loved, and with her warm and outgoing personality a stranger was never a stranger for long. Dolores enjoyed the beauty in the little things, and she was content in whatever life brought. She loved bright and vibrant colors, which was a perfect match for her personality. Dolores will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

Dolores M. Gregersen, of Battle Creek formerly of Dorr, passed away on Thursday, March 24, 2016. Dolores’ family includes her three children: Joann Ambler, of Ceresco, Lois Hoaglin, of Homer, and Brian (Karen) Gregersen, of Wayland; eight grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; sister: Elaine (Alan) Shepard, of Otsego; and several nieces and nephews. Dolores was preceded in death by her husband, Detlef “Greg” Gregersen in 2011; two brothers: Todd Fox and Lawrence Bourdo. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, from 4-7 p.m., 120 S. Woodhams, Plainwell (269-685-5881). The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, at 11a.m. at the funeral home. Burial at Oak Hill Cemetery in Orangeville. Please visit Dolores’ memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can sign her guestbook and share a memory and/or photo. Those who wish may make a memorial donation to the Great Lakes Caring Hospice and/or Alzheimer’s Association.

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