Delores H. Workman

Family was at the very core of Delores Workman's heart. A loyal and devoted woman to the family she loved, there was nothing that brought her greater joy than being in the midst of family. Although she could be a little feisty and stubborn at times, Delores was just as loving, kind and generous. Everyone loved being in her company where numerous memories were made. Fondly remembered by those who knew and loved her, Delores will be deeply missed and treasured. While the nation struggled through the worst of the Great Depression, the year 1933 saw an unprecedented U.S. jobless rate of over 15 million. At the same time, great strides were being made in the culture of America as Radio City Music Hall opened, and FDR held his first Fireside Chat to boost the spirits of Americans. For Michael and Mildred (Miel) Windbacher from the Michigan shoreline city of Muskegon, there was much to be thankful for when they celebrated the birth of their little girl, Delores on October 6, 1933. The oldest of four daughters, Delores was joined by her sisters, Arlene, Joan, and Judy in their Laketon Township home. Her father was a hard working machinist at Continental Motors while her mother remained at home as a homemaker. Despite times of hardship during Delores' early years, she delighted in a childhood typical of the times. Enjoyable times were shared spending days on family picnics, riding her bicycle everywhere, and roller skating. She especially loved the family garden filled with delicious strawberries and blueberries. Delores always looked forward to summertime visits with relatives from Indiana and Milwaukee, creating wonderful memories. With fondness, she held close memorable times spent at her grandparent's home, the Windbachers. Complete with a smokehouse, they spent each Fourth of July at their home with a big family hoedown, complete with music, horseshoes, and plenty of food. A likable girl, Delores shared a special friendship throughout her life with the Olson sisters, Margaret, Dorothy and Alice. Even with a feisty flair from her earliest years, in elementary school Delores was compelled to keep a crying schoolmate's shoes tied! And her stubborn nature shone bright even back then when she often complained for having to walk uphill to school, and uphill all the way back home again! Delores attended Maple Ridge School before moving on to North Muskegon High School. During high school, Delores landed her first job working at a local ice cream shop where she met the love of her life, Jack Workman. Quite smitten from the start, the young couple dated and before long, fell deeply in love. Shortly after high school, Delores married Jack in Muskegon on September 8, 1951 before a congregation of family and friends. Beginning their new life together as husband wife, it wasn't long before they welcomed the love of children into their lives. Son, Jack came along in 1952, and Patricia followed in 1955; Richard arrived in 1963, and in 1969, Leesha completed their family. To the credit of her uncles and several family members, the Workman's built their family home on Memorial Drive in North Muskegon with the very timber from their property. Delores made a wonderful home for Jack and the kids, and was a very good cook. Even though Delores worked at Misco in Whitehall for a brief time, she remained at home raising her children, and she would not have wanted it any other way. She was involved in the lives of her kids, and fun, family get-togethers were always important to her. As a family they spent a great vacation in Florida at Walt Disney World, and often enjoyed staying at the Holiday Inn in Ludington or in Grand Rapids to celebrate New Years Eve. At one point they acquired an old school bus they stripped down and renovated which they took on frequent camping trips to Silver Lake. The Fourth of July always meant an enjoyable time celebrating the holiday at her sister Judys home. Delores' family also enjoyed the love of two special dogs over the years. Their Irish Setter, Streaker, and Boxer, Harley, brought much companionship to their family. Delores and Jack liked going out to Tonys Restaurant for open-faced, prime rib sandwiches, and as always, the chef was sure to give them a prime rib for Harley. Her favorite place to dine by far was U.S. 31 BBQ and Delores literally swooned over their sandwiches. She also liked her McDonalds, too. In later years they took numerous cruises as well as Mexican and Florida vacations creating lasting memories. They also enjoyed going to the casino for lunch, along with a little gambling, but they mainly loved to people watch there. Delores' children and grandchildren were her greatest joy, and the memories she made with them throughout the years were near and dear to her heart. She was exceedingly proud of those she loved, and in all ways, was loving and nurturing. Although she continued to be a tad stubborn and feisty at times, it was Delores' generous and kind nature which will be remembered with fond affection. A loving and dedicated wife, mother, grandmother and friend, for these things and so much more, Delores will be deeply missed. Delores H. Workman, age 81, of North Muskegon, passed away on Thursday, November 20, 2014. SURVIVORS: Sons, Jack (Linda) Workman of North Muskegon, Rick (Tamra) Workman of Ravenna; daughter, Leesha (Tony) Frosinos of North Muskegon; grandchildren, Jacob, Amanda, Jamie, Matthew, Jessica, Kalie, Michelle; great-grandchildren, Riley, Trinity, Grady, Damon, Anthony, Bronx and Jaelyn; her sisters, Arlene (Harley) Hooker of Fremont, Joan (Larry) Maxwell and Judy (Mike) Wozny, both of Muskegon; son-in-law, Donald Stalzer. Delores was preceded in death by her loving husband, Jack; daughter, Patricia Stalzer, and parents. MEMORIAL GATHERING: Wednesday, November 26, 2014, 3-5 PM at the Clock Funeral Home - Muskegon. MEMORIAL: Harbor Hospice. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to share a favorite memory and photo of Delores and to sign her online guest book. Clock Funeral Home- Muskegon.