Dorothy Jean Keinath

Dorothy Jean Keinath of Caro, age 92, passed away on Saturday, July 25, 2020 at the Keinath family cottage in Caseville. Dorothy was born March 20, 1928 in Akron, the daughter of the late William and Bertha (Rayl) Brinkman. She was baptized on March 13, 1929 at Bethel United Methodist Church. Dorothy graduated from Akron High School in 1946. She was a member of the Junior Farm Bureau and the 4-H Club, completing projects in sewing, canning, and baking. After graduation Dorothy worked at the canning factory in Caro and did childcare and housework for her relatives. She then attended County Normal in Caro, graduating in 1947. She went to work at the Black Country School in Gilford, teaching fourth through eighth grades. Dorothy met the love of her life, Donald Carl Keinath, at the Tuscola County Fair. Don was the son of Carl and Selma Keinath of Reese. Don and Dorothy were united in marriage on December 20, 1947 which happened to be Dorothy's parents' twenty fifth anniversary. The wedding took place at the bride's family home on Dutcher Rd. in Caro. After sixty-nine years of a happy, loving marriage in which they seldomly spent a day apart, Don preceded her in death on April 18, 2017. Dorothy found joy in being a teacher, 4-H Club leader, Sunday School teacher, and a Charter Member of the St. Paul Lutheran Church Altar Guild in Caro. She was also a member of the Ladies Aid, Almer Extension Club, and the Tuscola County Farm Bureau. Dorothy was always ready to lend a helping hand wherever she was needed. Dorothy especially liked helping her husband Don with their farming operations and other agricultural activities, including trips and board meetings. They were greatly assisted in their farming operations by Richard Darbee for twenty-six years. Dorothy and her family would like to thank Kim Strunz, who was a lifelong family friend as well as a spiritual guide throughout Dorothy's last years. We would also like to thank Holly Dickson, Dorothy's long- term hairstylist for her loving care and tenderness. We appreciate the angels from A & D Hospice and the A & D caregivers for their gentle, kind, and loving support. Dorothy and her family could not have gotten through these past weeks without you. Dorothy loved to spend time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She especially liked making pink cookies and setting up tea parties for them. However, the most cherished gift that Dorothy gave to them were the baby quilts that she lovingly made by hand. Her grandchildren were known to carry these ‘blankies' everyplace they went. The blankets were so loved that Dorothy would have to mend them through the years. One blanket consists only of a small corner-but it is still treasured! Dorothy was so organized that she has made several more blankets in hopes of more great-grandchildren. Dorothy is survived by her caring and loving family, daughter, Karen Keinath of Frankenmuth; Dr. Russell (Mary) Keinath of Dexter; grandchildren, Natalie (Nicholas) Nahorski of Dexter, Anne (Aaron) Shinn of Dexter, Joseph (Alicia) Keinath of Paw Paw, Julia (Andrew) Gebhard of Niles; eight great-grandchildren whom she loved dearly, Abigail and Henry Nahorski, Elijah, Thomas, and Andrew Shinn, Jack and Madeline Keinath, and Leo Gebhard; two brothers, Raymond (Margaret Ann) Brinkman and Dr. Herbert (Jean) Brinkman; sister-in-law, Arlene Keinath; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, Dorothy was preceded in death by siblings and spouses, Donald (Phyllis) Brinkman; Charlotte (Lee) McComb; and Wayne (Carol) Brinkman; brothers-in-law and spouses, Clarence (Mildred) Keinath, Raymond (Gertrude) Keinath and Reuben Keinath. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 1, 2020 at the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Caro with Rev. Cameron Steele officiating. Burial will follow at Almer Township Cemetery. The family will be present to receive friends at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home in Caro on Friday from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and at the church on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00 a.m. (COVID restrictions apply.) Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorial contributions to the St. Paul Lutheran Church (Caro) Foundation or to the donor's favorite charity. Visitation Information Date: Friday, July 31, 2020 Time: 3:00 pm End Time: 8:00 pm Ransford Collon Funeral Home Address: 989-673-2175 | Map The family will be present to receive friends at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home in Caro on Friday from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and at the church on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00 a.m. (COVID restrictions apply.) Service Information Date: Saturday, August 1, 2020 Time: 11:00 am St. Paul Lutheran Church-Caro Address: 503 South State St. Caro, MI 48723 9896732175 | Map Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 1, 2020 at the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Caro with Rev. Cameron Steele officiating. Cemetery Information Date: Saturday, August 1, 2020 Almer Township Cemetery Address: E Caro Rd & Deckervile Rd Caro, MI 48723 Burial will follow at Almer Township Cemetery.