Obituary of Dorothy Mae Lehmann

Dorothy Mae Grasmeyer was born in New Era, Michigan on November 23, 1930.   She was one of six children born to the union of the late Ralph Grasmeyer and Addie (Strandberg) Grasmeyer.   Dort attended Shelby High School and graduated with the Class of 1948.

Soon after graduation she would meet the love of her life, Kenneth Lehmann, and they were joined in marriage on April 9, 1949.   Dort and Ken would have the blessing of raising two daughters:  Tina and Cheryl.   She would provide for the needs of husband and children as a homemaker often sewing and hemming clothes.

The young family would move the Erie community in the 1960’s.   Dort had a reaffirmation of faith and was baptized at St. Joseph Catholic Church.   She was a member of the Knights of Columbus Auxiliary, and served with the Lioness group assisting many years with the Apple Orchard Festival.  

Dort loved to spend time outside.   As a young woman she enjoyed ice skating on the frozen creek or in the flooded fields near her home in Erie.   She also loved to tend to her vegetable garden growing corn and peas among others.   Dort was known to be quite stubborn, but always had a smile.   She loved to bake cookies with her grandchildren and bowl with friends.

Dorothy, age 88, of Erie passed away on Tuesday, December 11, 2018 at Ebeid Hospice Residence.   In addition to her parents her passing was preceded by a sister:  Barbara Sundell; and two brothers:  Robert and Paul Grasmeyer.

Dorothy’s memory will forever be cherished by her husband of nearly seventy years:  Kenneth Lehmann of Erie; two daughters:  Tina (Edward) Roderick of Taylor and Cheryl Garcia of Erie; a sister:  Ella Emmert of Hudsonville; a brother:  Ronald (Candace) Grasmeyer of Muskegon; three grandchildren:  Julia (Jeff) Harris, Daniel Garcia (Jayme Hunt), and Veronica Garcia (Lucas Adams); three great grandchildren:  Joshua Harris, Jacob Harris, and Hayden Garcia.

Friends may gather from 2:00pm-7:00pm on Friday, December 14, 2018 at Merkle Funeral Service, Erie; 9156 Summit Street (734) 848-5185.   A Rosary service will follow at 7:00pm under the Knights of Columbus Council #7413 in Erie.   She will lie in state from 11:00am-12:00pm on Saturday, December 15, 2018.   Mass will follow at 12:00pm with Father Mark Prill officiating.  

Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.   The family wishes to express their gratitude to ProMedica Hospice for exceptional care.