Dorothy M. (Simon) Krussell

Dorothy M. Krussell, 93

Dorothy M. Krussell longtime resident of Petoskey, passed away Monday, July 4, 2016 surrounded by the family she loved so dearly.

She was born Dorothy Margaret Simon on February 19, 1923 near Remus, Michigan to Alfred and Cunigunda (Daniel) Simon.  In March of 1929 Dorothy's parents settled in Petoskey where she grew up.  Dorothy attended St. Francis Xavier Catholic School through the 2nd grade and then the old Wabmeme School until graduating in 1937.  For much of her working life Dorothy worked as a cook in the kitchens of St. Francis Xavier Catholic School, Reus Memorial and at Northern Michigan Hospital.  For many years Dorothy was a member at St. Francis Xavier Church and served on the Altar Society.  She enjoyed sewing and was active with the 4H sewing class for many years. 

On January 28, 1942 she married the love of her life, Julius Krussell at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, together they shared 65 years and raised five daughters.  She was a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother who always tried to be a positive guiding force in the lives of her family.  She had an endearing personality matched with a keen sense of humor, sometimes dry but always on point.  Her family will forever remember and will dearly miss her wonderful smile, the little twinkle in her eye and the special way she had of looking at you, that let you know without a word how much she loved you.

Dorothy's surviving family members include her daughters Betty (Joe) Merrill, Barbara (Mark) Scholten, Cynthia (Jim) Brewbaker, Diana (Oliver) Grams and D.J. Krussell, 13 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren and 17 great-great grandchildren, brothers Vin, Dan and Leonard Simon, and many nieces and nephews, including a very special niece Carole (Doug) Melvin and their son Wyatt, who spent many fun nights playing dice with Dorothy. She was preceded in death by her husband Julius her grandson Oliver "Ollie Grams, granddaughter Connie Reed, by her brothers Bill and Vern her sister Catherine Krussell, and sons-in-law Jack Flynn and Mike Schmidt. 

Dorothy's life will be remembered and celebrated with a Funeral Mass that will take place Monday, July 11, 2016 at 10:30 am at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church.  Visitation will take place Sunday afternoon from 3-5pm at Stone Funeral Home, the rosary will be recited at 4:30pm.  Dorothy will be interred with her husband Julius at St. Francis Cemetery. 

While flowers are welcome, Dorothy's family suggests that friends consider her favorite charity, St. Jude's Children's Hospital as an expression of sympathy. 

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