Doris "Dee" M. (Norden) Knape Avers

Doris "Dee" M. Knape Avers, age 98 of Newaygo, Michigan & formerly of Defiance, Ohio, passed away on Monday morning, April 24, 2023 at the Brook of Newaygo. She was born on March 4, 1925 in Defiance, Ohio to Henry & Helen (Imbrock) Norden. Doris had been a secretary at both Simplex Industries in Adrian, Michigan, and at Adrian College. She was a lifelong member of the Lutheran.Church, with her most recent membership at Resurrection Lutheran Church in Sand Lake, Michigan. Doris's hobbies included playing cards, swimming, and dancing. She loved tatting and created many lovely pieces that will be treasured by her family. She belonged to the Woodville, OH Garden Club and was a charter member of the Woodville Tree Committee. She was also a member of the YMCA in Fremont, Ohio until she was 94. She volunteered at Otterbein Portage Valley home, the local blood drives, delivered meals on wheels for her community for 15 years, and taught Sunday school for many years. Doris answered the challenge by President George H. Bush and became one of the thousand points of light by teaching adults how to read. She was preceded in death by her husbands, Alfred Knape & Norman Avers; daughter, Clarissa Knape; brother, Victor Norden; and sisters, Delora Helmke & Velma Freytag. Doris is survived by her children: John (Linda) Knape of Clinton, Ml, Rosanne (Ron Cocco) Knape of Green Valley AZ, Philip (Judy) Knape of Newaygo, MI; step-daughter, Stacy Smith of Sebring FL; 7 grandchildren & 11 great-grandchildren; and by her sister-in-law, Irene Norden. A Graveside Service will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday, May 1, 2023 at St John's Lutheran Cemetery in Adrian Township, Michigan with Pastor Gary Leking officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be given to Resurrection Lutheran Church in Sand Lake, Michigan. You can sign the online guest book at www.kroeze-wolffis.com. Arrangements are by Kroeze-Wolffis Funeral Home, Inc. of Fremont.

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