Dorothy Ruth Nelson

On Monday, November 6, 2023, Dorothy Ruth (Buchheimer) Nelson, was called to be

with God. She was born in Detroit, MI, on June 8, 1926, daughter of the

Rev. Dr. Edward Buchheimer and his wife, Olga. Her life was filled with love and

devotion to her family and friends.

Dorothy began her career as a church secretary to her Dad at Our Saviour Lutheran

Church in Detroit. After getting married and raising her children, she worked in retail

sales at Lochmoor Jewelers in Grosse Pointe, MI. Dorothy loved giving gifts so her

paycheck turned right around to purchase beautiful gifts for her family, which made her

very happy.

After the jewelry shop, she went and did Administrative work at a Title Company in

St. Clair Shores. Following her time there, she worked at the front desk for 30 years as

an Office Manager at an OB/GYN in Grosse Pointe, MI. One of her favorite parts of the

job was holding the newborns.

When she retired, she packed up her house of 43 years and moved herself and her

husband to American House, Spring Lake. While at American House, she enjoyed the

close proximity of shopping in downtown Grand Haven where she befriended many of

the store owners. She also enjoyed the activities, life and friendships she made at

American House. Her hospitality extended everywhere and to anyone she met on the

campus there. Her family will forever be grateful for the loving care she received from

the staff at American House and Careline Hospice. Encouraged by her granddaughter,

Dorothy put a pink streak in her white hair when she first moved to Spring Lake in

support of breast cancer. She continued her pink streak and it became a signature

look for her.

Dorothy loved a party and referred to having one any time more than two were

gathered. Her loving and supportive conversations are cherished moments to

remember. Surrounding herself with her family was what brought her the most joy.

She was playful and funny and always picked out the best treats. Dorothy's kindness,

faith and fairness were hallmarks of her life. It was important to her that she knew

people's names and never forgot them. From attending grandchildren's plays, sports

and concerts, to shopping and going out for a meal, she was always ready to go with a

positive attitude.

She is pre-deceased by her husband, John. They were married 63 years.

Dorothy is survived by her three daughters. Julie (Chuck) Cole, Jill (Otto, deceased)

Buchholz, and Jane (Tim) Stoepker, as well as her grandchildren Justin (Khana) Cole,

Kurt (Gabby) Buchholz, Lisa (Jordan) Odor, Tom (Julia) Stoepker, Marta (Nate Rott)

Stoepker, Peter (Brooke) Stoepker, Sophie Stoepker, her great grandchildren, Beatrice,

Nicole, Liam, Everett, Elliot, Emmy and Jeremy, her loving sister Mary (Tom, deceased)

Hudson, and her nieces, nephews and countless friends.

A private service to honor Dorothy will be held by her family with a "party" that will be

held for family and friends on December 28 at Oddside Ales, 41 Washington Ave,

Grand Haven, from 4:00-7:00pm, with special reflections at 5:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that contributions be made to Careline Hospice

at: Careline Health Group, 770 Kenmoor Ave SE, Suite 100, Grand Rapids, MI 49456,

Attn: Benevolent Fund