Dorothy Ann Wernecke

November 14, 1921 - March 15, 2022

On November 14, 1921, our Lord blessed Burr and Frances (née Coulthard) Robinson of Zion, Illinois with the gift of a daughter and she was given the name Dorothy Ann Robinson. Dorothy attended school in Zion and graduated in June of 1939 from Waukegan Township High School. Following graduation from high school, she worked at Marshall Fields Lace Factory in Zion to earn funds to attend St. Luke’s Hospital Training School for Nurses in Chicago, Illinois where she graduated in 1944. While attending nursing school, she met a sailor, Heinz Wernecke, who was stationed at U.S. Naval Station Great Lakes. He would become the love of her life. On March 3, 1945 they were joined in holy marriage in the pastor’s study at St. Paul Ev. Lutheran Church, Saginaw, Michigan. God blessed their marriage with four children, three sons and one daughter. Baptized and confirmed on July 27, 1960, Dorothy was adopted into the Christian faith at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Grafton, Wisconsin. Dorothy served God and her neighbor in many ways. As a wife and mother, she created and managed a loving and nourishing home for her husband and children. During her long life, Dorothy kept very busy sewing clothing for her children, including matching sport coats for her three sons, cooking well-balanced delicious meals, and keeping books for her husband’s various business ventures. During times of relaxing she loved to grow African violets, paint ceramic cups, plates, saucers and various other items. She especially loved birds and flowers as subjects. Following her confirmation, she remained a very active volunteer at whatever congregation of which she was a member. She and Heinz were also active in Lutheran Marriage Encounter, praying for many couples as they sought to strengthen their marriages. She was a member of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League at Cross of Christ Lutheran Church, where she also was an active member of the International Friends class, helping international women with their English conversation skills and learning more about American customs. She also helped create stained glass windows for the church by choosing colors, cutting and finishing the glass with leading. Most of all she loved to learn more about her faith in Jesus and the gifts He brought to her through regular Bible Study with other brothers and sisters in Christ. As if her family and church life were not full enough, she also had a long career as a Registered Nurse. She was the Director of Nursing for a local nursing home. Most recently, she worked at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Pontiac, Michigan from 1973 to 1995 and was a Certified Rehabilitation Nurse. She loved to see her patients overcome their challenges and build productive lives following the tragedies that brought them to the hospital. On March 15, 2022, Dorothy was graciously removed from this veil of tears to joys unknown in her heavenly home at the age of 100 years. Dorothy leaves behind in this world, her four children, Robert Wernecke of Rockwood, Michigan, Ann Wernecke of Southfield, Michigan and Thomas Wernecke of Southfield, Michigan, and Rev. John and his wife Susan Wernecke of Bay City, Michigan; seven grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren and numerous other relatives and many very special friends. Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Heinz, her sister, Kathryn Paul, nephew, Timothy Paul, and grandson, Joshua Wernecke. She is now with Jesus and with all her and our loved ones who preceded her; therefore we rejoice with her. Memorial service Saturday, April 23, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at Cross of Christ Lutheran Church, 1100 Lone Pine Road, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302. Memorials to Cross of Christ Lutheran Church are appreciated. Arrangements by Wm. Sullivan & Son Funeral Home, Royal Oak, 248-541-7000. Please share your memories at www.sullivanfuneraldirectors.com.