Walter Bruno Dobie

Walter Bruno Dobie was born on 11 May 1927 in Elmira, Michigan, the fifth of six children born to Catherine Skrzynski and Francis Dobrzelewski. Walter was still in high school when World War II began. Walter and the younger brothers helped keep the farm running while his father worked at a factory in Detroit and his older brothers headed off to war. Walter graduated from Mancelona High School and joined the Navy in 1945. He was sent to Jacksonville, Florida, just before the war ended.

Walter married Mary Kresnak in July 1945. The newlyweds moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan, where Walter took a job with the Nash-Kelvinator Plant. He was interested in learning another occupation, so Walt attended night school to learn the sheet metal trade. He became a Journeyman Sheet Metal Workers a few years later. Even though his job and union credentials were top notch, it was difficult to maintain a steady job with Michigan's many economic ups and downs. Walter was often forced to take short-term jobs
in other cities, only seeing his family in Grand Rapids during the weekends. He found steady work in Jackson, Michigan, so he moved the family and maintained long-term employment until he retired in 1989.

After retirement, Walter and Mary moved back to Mancelona, where they purchased a small farm. Walter spent his time remodeling the farmhouse, fishing, and woodworking. Sadness hit when Mary died of cancer in 2001. Walter carried on as best as he could, often visited by his children, grandchildren, and extended family.

Walt soon married Karolyn Couture, who had spent most of her life in Mancelona. Walter sold part of his farm and moved into town.

Walter is survived by his second wife, Karolyn; sons: Richard (Debra Kabinier) and Chris (Donna); daughters: Ann Lefere (Steve) and Paula Thornsbury (Danny George); a brother, Toby Dobrzelewski; 17 grandchildren; and 24 great grandchildren.

Preceding Walter in death were his wife, Mary (2001), and two sons: Gregori (1988) and Randall (2021), and one grandson, Nicholas Thornsbury (2010).

The family thanks all who cared for Walter at Meadowbrook in Bellaire, MI, Bethany House and Mission Point in Jackson, MI, Heartland Hospice, along with the loving care givers Amy and Haylee of Careline

According to his wishes, cremation has taken place. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, August 20, 2021 at 11:00 AM at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church with Father Robert Pienta officiating.  The Mass will be livestreamed on St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church's Facebook Page.

The Family will receive friends at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church on Friday from 10:00 to 11:00 AM.

In lieu of sending flowers, contributions to St. John's Church, American Diabetes Association, American Cancer Society, or the Parkinson's Foundation would be appreciated.

Desnoyer Funeral Home
Family owned for 131 years