Doris Gudelsky Johnson

With a faithful, servant's heart, Doris Gudelsky Johnson was a loving example in the heart of her family and an important part of her church family. Admired for her generous, giving spirit, Doris served others selflessly. She loved and adored those she was blessed to call family, and in their hearts she will always hold a special place. Forever remembered, she will be deeply missed. In March of 1926, as spring was making its way toward the shores of Lake Michigan in the city of Muskegon, Michigan, Carl Anton and Mabel (Hagstrom) Carlson were anticipating the birth of a new child in their lives. It was also an exciting time in the country, during the heyday of the Roaring Twenties. Big bands were king, and prohibition was the law of the land. Major U.S. manufacturers were implementing the first, eight hour, five day work week, and factory towns like Muskegon were flourishing. And on March 3, 1926, the Carlson's joyfully welcomed the birth of their little girl, Doris Jean into their arms. The third of four children, Doris grew up alongside her siblings, Dagmar, Robert, and Irv on Grand Avenue near Nims School where her family made their home. Her father, an immigrant from Scandinavia, worked as a tool and die maker at Stewart Hartshorn while her mother remained at home as a homemaker. Devoted to their Christian faith, they attended Samuel Lutheran Church which was considered the Swedish Lutheran Church in Muskegon at the time. Doris experienced a typical childhood for the times. With the onset of the Great Depression, economic hardship was a common thread during these days of struggle, yet Doris' home was filled with the sound of music. She and her siblings were each expected to learn an instrument, and Doris was taught to play the accordion. She also taught herself how to play the piano. Quite a natural musician, music would always be an important part of her life. Having attended Muskegon Public Schools, Doris was a friend to many. Despite World War II raging overseas which made daily headlines during her youth, Doris went on to graduate from Muskegon High School in 1944. Following high school, it wasn't long before she landed a job working at Sealed Power as a clerk in the accounting department. While Doris was a content young woman, she always had her eye out for that special someone. She was out on a double date with friends when she met a handsome young man named Justin Gudelsky, yet he was with the other girl on the date. A successful salesman at a local radio station, Doris and Justin had eyes for one another right from the start. They soon began dating, and after falling in love, they were married in 1949. Doris and Justin welcomed the birth of their son, Gary in 1950 and son, Tom completed their family in 1954. Unfortunately, Justin's health issues found him in and out of the hospital. These were rough years for their family, especially when Doris' beloved Justin sadly died in 1963. Strong of heart, Doris continued to raise her boys on her own for the next five years. She was an excellent seamstress and made curtains for a local drapery company and for others on the side. More than anything, Doris loved being a mom to her boys. She was very involved in their lives, and was always encouraging. Both very good tennis players, Doris spent a good deal of time taking them to matches and to out of town tournaments they played in. Through the encouragement of friends, Doris began dating Alfred Johnson, a widower with two children. They shared much in common, and Doris' nephew was even married to Al's daughter. They both were faithful members of Samuel Lutheran Church, and each used their time and talents with a servant's heart for ministry opportunities there. Although Al was 13 years older, they became the greatest companions. As their commitment grew into a deep, abiding love, they shared marriage vows on October 18, 1969. Together, Al and Doris took one another's children on as their own. Their families blended well as they settled into Als house in the Glenside neighborhood of Muskegon. Doris made a good home for Al and the kids, and continued her role as a dedicated and enthusiastic sports mom until all the children left for college. With the children grown beginning lives of their own, Doris went back to work for about ten years as a bookkeeper at Lakeshore Machine before retiring. Doris and Al were a great team and kept very active together. They had a great group of neighborhood and church friends they often socialized with. Along with many others, they particularly got together with the Bergeons and the Reinertsons. For many years, Doris was part of a bridge club and also liked playing cribbage with Al, and they loved playing other card games with friends and neighbors. As a couple, Doris and Al were quite active with the Vikings. Doris faithfully volunteered to run the Swedish festival dinners each year where she always found time to play her accordion. They were involved with the Lions Club and enjoyed traveling around the state to many Lions Club functions. Throughout her life, Doris was very committed to her church. She and Al were very involved at church where Doris volunteered on the funeral luncheon committee and also played in the bell choir. She also put her sewing and creative skills to good use making banners for the church sanctuary. Everyone could always count on Doris being there with a welcoming smile on her face. After they both retired, Al and Doris took in numerous travels. They shared great trips to Sweden and Hawaii, as well as other destinations. For a number of years they wintered in Florida, sometimes for a month at a time. Even though the warm months of winter in Florida was nice, they missed their family. Doris was very close to her family throughout her life and especially loved being a grandmother. They loved having the kids over for some of Grandpa Al's homemade pizza. At every opportunity, they loved spending time with them and their door was always open for anyone to stop by for a visit. Al remained very active alongside Doris well into his 90s before the years began to take their toll. Following his death in 2009, Doris remained on her own and continued to be active at church and with friends. However, after not feeling well earlier this year, Doris was diagnosed with renal cancer, and it had sadly spread. Although the last few months were quite difficult on Doris and her family, she died peacefully on Sunday, June 15, 2014 surrounded by the family she loved and adored. Dearly missed, Doris will be remembered for her big smile and loving heart to all who knew and loved her. SURVIVORS: Sons, Gary (Judy) Gudelsky of Ohio, Tom (Barb) Gudelsky of Grand Haven, Tom (Jane) Johnson of Allendale; grandchildren, Adrienne Gudelsky, Alexa Gudelsky, Justin Gudelsky, Nicholas (Katie) Gudelsky, Liza Gudelsky, Jeff (Sara) Gudelsky, Andrew (Lea) Johnson, Ann Johnson; great-granddaughter, Eden Gudelsky; brother, Irv Carlson; sister, Dagmar Morrison. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Justin Gudelsky in 1963; second husband, Alfred Johnson in 2009; stepdaughter, Char Bonner in 2007; and brother, Robert. SERVICE: Thursday, June 19, 2014, 11:00 AM at Samuel Lutheran Church with Rev. Marcy Miller officiating. Interment at Oakwood Cemetery. VISITATION: Wednesday, 6-8 PM at Clock Funeral Home-Muskegon and Thursday one hour prior to the service at the church. MEMORIAL: In lieu of flowers, please consider giving to Samuel Lutheran Church or Harbor Hospice. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a memory or to sign Doris' online guest book.