Dorothy M. Muszynski

Dorothy M. Muszynski, 94, of Alpena, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 19, 2018, at Mid-Michigan Medical Center of Alpena.

On November 28, 1923, Dorothy was born in Detroit, Michigan, where the family briefly lived, to Bernard and Clara (Hoppe) Kline of Maple Ridge Township, Alpena. On May 1, 1948, she married Theodore Muszynski at St. Mary Catholic Church, Alpena. The couple was blessed with thirty years of marriage before Ted passed away on March 2, 1978.

Dorothy was a graduate of the Poland, one-room School in Maple Ridge. She was a lifelong member of St. Mary Catholic Church where she received the Holy Sacraments and served as an honorable life member of their Rosary Society, group #12. Dorothy also served her parish as a baker, cleaner, and a loyal parishioner who loved the Sacred Mass and prayed her rosary.

As the oldest daughter of eight children she was cast into many roles in helping to nurture siblings and assist in managing a dairy and potato farm. At age 17 she returned to the city of her birth, Detroit, to accept a new role, that of a factory worker. It was a time of war, and the American Auto industry was converting to an instrument of the National War Machine. She was an early player in her newest role as a “Rosie the Riveter.” Her work involved machining rivets for the Hudson Car Company, now converted to making parts for airplanes.

Dorothy returned to her farm home to assist in her senior sibling role. She later worked for the Thomas Shop, along with being a Nanny to many children.After meeting the love of her life, she married and raised their children. For the past forty years after the death of her husband, she graciously accepted her last role as Matriarch of asprawling extended family of children, grandchildren, siblings, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and especially, her sister Marie’s children. Dorothy’s home was a place of welcome, a place to visit or stay.

Dorothy had a passion for activity, especially the helping and celebratory kind. She baked fruit cakes and sent numerous care packages to cousin soldiers during the Great War. Her contributions to the Disabled American Veterans were many. She was the Commander of the D.A.V Auxiliary, and a member of the V.F.W. Auxiliary. Her love for a party, a dance, and especially a patriotic parade, was unmatched.

Dorothy is survived by her five children: Ilene (Richard) Rhoads of Longmont, CO; Darlene Muszynski of N. Miami, FL; Peter (Liz Klemens) Muszynski of Alpena, MI; Marianne (Ray) Mellen of Posen, MI; and, Kathy Jo Muszynski of Alpena, MI; Six grandchildren: Terra (Brian) Koss, Dustin Rhoads, Jason Muszynski, Chad (Ashley) Rhoads, Eric (Kristy) Muszynski, and Christopher (Janel) Muszynski; Nine great-grandchildren: Alexandra and Zackary Koss, Mark Muszynski, Riley Rhoads, Bailey Warson, Brody, and Blake Muszynski, Aubrey and Damen McCall; Three brothers: Edmund (Amelia) Kline of Coban, Guatemala, CA; John (Mary Jane) Kline, of Napoleon, OH; Gerald “Butch” (Rosalie) Kline of Bolton, MI; One sister, Rita (Dr. William) Gaasch of Auburndale, Mass; One sister-in-law, Margaret Kline; her sister Marie’s four children: David Kendziorski, Ronald Kendziorski, Dianne Wikaryasz, and Wayne Kendziorski, and many other nieces and nephews, and their children.

Dorothy was preceded in death by two brothers, Alvin and Vernon Kline, and one sister, Marie Kendziorski.

Family and friends will gather for visitation on Friday, February 23, 2018, at Karpus-Hunter Funeral Home from 2 PM until 8 PM with an All Saints  Rosary Society Service at 3 PM and Parish Prayer Service at 7 PM. Visitation will continue on Saturday, February 24, 2018, at St. Mary Catholic Church of All Saints Parish from 10 AM until the 11 AM Mass of Christian Burial begins with Rev. Fr. James Fitzpatrick officiating.

Interment: Holy Cross Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to All Saints Catholic School, the Foster Closet, or friends’ choice, in memory of Dorothy.

Friday, February 23, 2018, at Karpus-Hunter Funeral Home: Visitation 2:00 PM - 8:00 PM; All Saints Rosary Society Service 3:00 PM; Parish Prayer Service 7:00 PM; Saturday, February 24, 2018, at St. Mary Catholic Church of All Saints Parish: Visitation 10:00 AM -11:00 AM; Mass of Christian Burial 11:00 AM

Saturday, February 24, 2018 11:00 AM

St. Mary Catholic Church 120 East Miller Street Alpena, Michigan 49707

Friday, February 23, 2018, at Karpus-Hunter Funeral Home: Visitation 2:00 PM - 8:00 PM; All Saints Rosary Society Service 3:00 PM; Parish Prayer Service 7:00 PM; Saturday, February 24, 2018, at St. Mary Catholic Church of All Saints Parish: Visitation 10:00 AM -11:00 AM; Mass of Christian Burial 11:00 AM