March 4, 1928, was a beautiful Sunday morning in Detroit. Minnie and William Elmer Rudolph would welcome the birth of their daughter, Dorethea. Also eagerly waiting were Dorethea’s six older brothers, Elmer, Armond, David, Bob, Malcolm, and Glenn. The following year the family relocated to Flint.
On June 3, 1949, Dorethea married Harry C. Koch, Jr. Together they raised five loving daughters, Kristine, Sandra, Julie, Sally Jo, and Angela.
Dorethea was an amazing wife and mother, extending herself by fostering several children during the 1960s. She filled her life with the love and acceptance of others, she never had a favorite. At the root of her entire life was her unshakable Christian faith.
Following the death of her husband, Dorethea began to travel the country, eventually relocating from Chesaning to her beloved Frankfort. She quickly made friends with the entire Michigan Shores community. She loved art in all forms, favoring watercolors and pastels, and she truly enjoyed organizing a few art shows. Most of all, Dorethea enjoyed her grandchildren as they loved coming to Frankfort where she was so happy.
On February 13, 2024, Dorethea passed away surrounded by her family following a ten-year battle with dementia. She was immediately welcomed with joy and thanksgiving in heavenly peace. She is survived by four daughters; Kristine (Greg) Weeks, Sandra (Mike) Hintz, Julie (Dave) Hernandez-Donakoski, and Sally Jo (Jerry) Messersmith; a son-in-law, Bob Adelberg; grandchildren, Rachel (Aaron) Tithof, Jeremy (Jessa) Weeks, Jessica (Dan) Himstedt, Bobby (Stacie) Hernandez, Heather (Roger) Masco, Sarah Hintz, Hollie Adleberg, Nathanael (Brittany) Messersmith, Dorethea (Bailey) Abate, Krystyna (Jason) Speaks, Hannah (Braden) Lapp, Are’annah Adelberg, James Messersmith; a former granddaughter-in-law, Alyssa (Adelberg) DePottey; along with many great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband; a daughter, Angela Adelberg; and a grandson, Michael Adelberg.
Funeral services are to be held at 11:00 am Saturday, February 17, 2024, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 1629 W. Brady Road (M-57), Chesaning. Pastor Janine Plum will officiate. Burial is to follow at Sunset Hills Cemetery, Flint. Visitation is Friday from 2:00 to 7:00 pm at Misiuk Funeral Home and then Saturday at the church from 10:00 am until the time of the funeral.
You may light a memorial candle or share a memory at misiukfuneralhome.com.
Misiuk Funeral Home
202 South Front Street
Chesaning, Michigan 48616
989-845-3096