Dora Mann

Dora Lee Mann went to be with her Lord on September 16, 2021. She was born January 27, 1933, in Van Wert, Ohio to Wilber and Ruth (Hipp) Kohn. She graduated from Buchanan High School and then earned a degree from WMU in Elementary (Rural) Education, graduating in 1955. She taught at Mona Shores (Muskegon) and then for Portage Public Schools. In addition to her teaching years, she worked at Tepe's Department store, for Upjohn Healthcare, retiring in 1987, and served many years on the Board of Review for the City of Portage. Dora Lee had been a Girl Scout leader at the campus school and also a Brownie leader in Portage. After joining Portage First United Methodist Church (now Pathfinder UMC) Dora Lee served as a Sunday School teacher, as chair of the Susanna Wesley Circle and as the social action chair of United Methodist Women. She was a member of the Salt and Pepper Club, the YWCA, the League of Women Voters, the Ladies Library Association, and the WMU Dames. Dora Lee was currently President Emeritus of the local unit of Church Women United after serving as President for many years and also served as a board member locally and held two positions for eight years at the state level. She was a tree hugger, bird watcher, dog lover, and especially loved her family. She married Wayne Mann on December 31, 1955, and they had 58 wonderful years together before his death in 2014. In addition to her husband, Dora Lee was preceded in death by her sister-in-law and spouse, Marilyn (David) Van Every, and a niece's husband, Gary Eckert. She is survived by her children, David Mann of Dearborn Heights, Emily (Scott) Ritsema of Marcellus; grandchildren, Kiersten, Stanley, and Julia (Michael Kuczynski) Ritsema; and a great grandson, Benjamin Ritsema. Dora Lee is further survived by her special nieces, Amy Eckert, Jane (Jerry) Mohr, Melissa (Ral) Griffin, Sarah (Bob) Engster and their families; a cousin, Sue Brown; and friend, Barbara Goodwin. Per Dora Lee's request, cremation has taken place and her cremains will be placed at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Buchanan, Michigan. A celebration of life service will take place at Pathfinder United Methodist Church, 8740 S Westnedge Ave, on Saturday, October 9th with visitation at 10:00am, service at 11:00am and a luncheon at noon. Memorial donations may be sent to Church Women United of Kalamazoo and Vicinity (CWU) c/o Carol Olson, Treasurer, 5285 East H Avenue, Apt 120, Kalamazoo MI 49048. Services entrusted to Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial & Cremation Services, 622 S Burdick St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007. To view Dora Lee's personalized web page, please visit https://www.langelands.com