Nancy Dorner

Nancy Lou Dorner, age 86 of Kentwood, formerly of Kalamazoo and born in Battle Creek, passed away Monday, December 18, 2017. She was preceded in death by her husband Dr. Kenneth R. Dorner; parents Franklin and Myrtle Willbrant; brothers Richard and John Willbrant. She is survived by her sons Jeffrey (Mark Archer) Dorner, and David (Stephanie) Dorner of Grand Rapids, and Dr. Brian Dorner of Dublin, OH; grandchildren Annabelle, Gabriel, and Aaron Dorner of Grand Rapids, Andrew, Dean and Brooke Dorner of Dublin, OH; siblings Judy Brown of Battle Creek, MI, Carolyn Amodeo of Middletown, NY, and George Willbrandt of Ocean Isle Beach, NC. Nancy attended Lakeview High School and the University of Michigan graduating in 1953. She and Dr. Kenneth Dorner were then married also in 1953 and lived in a variety of places such as Washington DC, Georgia, Pennsylvania and New Jersey before settling in Michigan to be near family. While Kenneth completed his internships and residencies, Nancy found work with the phone company and then as a junior high school math teacher. She obtained her master's degree in communication from Western Michigan University and went on to be a part time professor of communication at Western's undergraduate school. She was highly sought after by various women's groups and retreats across the country as a speaker on a multitude of topics. Her hobbies included art and poetry. Many of her poems could be seen in publications throughout the country. She authored two books; A Women's Guide to Spiritual Power Through Scriptural Prayer and Crackerjack the Christmas Cat. A Graveside Service will be held at Fort Custer National Cemetery, 15501 Dickman Rd., Augusta, MI 49012 on Friday, December 29, 1:30 p.m. (those wishing to attend are asked to meet at the gate at 1:15 p.m.). Pastor Bob Stewart officiating.