Doris Dee May Magoon Orsinger

When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated, and disciplined person. This description fairly accurately fits DorisMay Orsinger who was indeed one of that rare breed, a born leader. She will be remembered as being highly organized, practical, and realistic, someone who was a born manager. She was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with her throughout her life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Dee was an individual who clearly communicated to those around her, and let it be known just who she was and what she was all about. Everyone acquainted with Dee knew her as a well-respected woman who was a stable force in her community.

Dee was born on May 16, 1923. She first greeted the world at Blogett Memoria Hospital. She was the daughter of Ryland and Vena Magoon. She grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Even as a youngster, Dee learned to be objective and decisive. Her faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that she carried with her throughout her life. Her early life was filled with many exciting experiences.

As a young girl, Dee was able to put her natural abilities to work. She was a bit like the "Sergeant" of the family, always making sure that others did what they should do and that they avoided the things that they shouldn't. In other words, she liked to organize and direct; she was good at it. She was raised with three siblings. All were younger brother Ryland, Jack and Gordon. Dee tried her best to allow for the oldest members of the family to be the most respected and to take on the most responsibility. For her, this was the natural order of life. Dee was a bit older than her brothers so she played a big role in helping raise them. Her brothers were close in age with the youngest being 4 years older than Tom so they grew up like older brothers to Tom.

Dee’s matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during her childhood. As a young girl, Dee enjoyed being part of teams and organizations, as well as groups of other kids who shared similar interests. She enjoyed music and dancing. Some of Dee's biggest accomplishments during this time included very good high school grades.

Dee was sociable and approachable. Because she was always so straightforward in how she approached relationships, friends and family knew that what they saw was always what they got. This is how she approached her friendships.

Dee felt comfortable taking charge in just about any situation. Whether it was at home or away, she maintained a take-charge attitude. When the family would travel or take vacations, she was always organized.

In school, Dee was as close to being a model student as one could possibly imagine. She sought to achieve perfect attendance in all of her classes. She would eagerly complete her homework, and often put in extra study time when she felt it was necessary. A logical and focused thinker, Dee was always good at following directions and meeting her deadlines, whether they were set by her teachers or self-imposed. Dee’s personal motto could have been, “Do it right the first time.” She graduated from Creston High School in 1941

While high school was to be taken seriously, Dee knew that there was life outside of the classroom. She approached all of her leisure activities with the same straightforward approach that she used in school. Still, she enjoyed the camaraderie of being with a group of friends. Her interaction with others in her circle of friends seemed to keep everyone around her well-grounded. Those close to her came to expect her high standards. Many of her friends today are Lady’s that she has stayed involved with all of these years.

Dee seemed to have been born with a sense of responsibility. It seemed that no matter what she undertook, she treated it as though it were of the utmost importance. Her sense of responsibility did not end there but flowed over into any number of other areas.

An objective and conscientious individual, Dee reveled in the security of those closest to her. This was especially true with her husband Elvin Joseph Monschein. Dee and Elvin (Curly) were married in 1943 Tom was conceived then Elvin was shot and paralyzed at the end of the war in 1945. Tom was 9 months old when Dad was paralyzed.

One of Dee’s most endearing qualities was her uncanny ability to remember important dates and anniversaries, as well as her unending enthusiasm for organizing a celebration for her family and friends. The couple made new friends during their years together.

A civic-minded person, Dee was usually ready to jump in and help with community activities. She was the type of person who could masterfully organize events and projects and then see to it that they were run in an efficient and timely manner. She was a member of several community groups. Being generous with her time and energy, Dee liked to belong to a variety of groups and organizations. She was a vocal leader who enjoyed being a part of things. Her desire to uphold traditions and her ability to take charge of any type of project made her a tremendous asset.

Dee was ever watchful of her family. She worried about them and was deeply concerned for how each member developed. Especially Tom, Greg and Wayne some may have believed she was a bit overprotective because she maintained a firm hand in most family matters. But she would give her stamp of approval to any request, as long as she could see how it might be beneficial. She also had the ability to enforce the rules if and when they were needed. Dee had one child, Tom Monschein.

Dee was a proud parent. She would often be filled with pride because of the accomplishments of her son.

Dee liked to believe that she provided a warm, safe and nurturing environment for her son. Dee enjoyed family vacations, and also tried to teach responsibility when the family would travel.

Later, she was also blessed with four grandchildren, Nicole, Whitney, Carson, Bradley.

Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Dee was always striving to make improvements when they were necessary or productive. She was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. An excellent project supervisor, she was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. She worked cooperatively and expected the same from her colleagues. In both her personal and professional environments, Dee upheld her high standards. Her primary occupation was working at Kent County department of Social Services as a supervisor of records.

Dee’s ability to take command of any type of task caused her to be popular around the workplace. Dee was most definitely a team player. If you gave her a job, she would, without a doubt, get it done.

Dee approached her leisure time in the same manner that she approached other aspects of her life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly as well as one who understood the nature of things, she appreciated the hours she was able to devote to her various hobbies. Some of those included music, reading, dancing also enjoyed traveling.

Playing by the rules was a natural thing for Dee to do in life and that carried over to her enjoyment of sports. She enjoyed golfing.

Faith was important to Dee. She held high moral standards and was worried about the moral decay she saw around her. She held deep spiritual beliefs that she was willing to share. She was a member of Westmisnister Presbyterian Church for 16 years. And she also enjoyed attending Fountain Street Church.

Dee always seemed like the type of person who could look at a situation and determine the best route to take. Her perspective on retirement was no different. Retirement finally arrived in 1985 to Bradenton, Florida. She made sure that every detail had been pre-planned and attended to.

Even in retirement she managed to keep in touch with old friends and make plenty of new ones.

In many ways, Dee loved retirement. It provided her with the opportunity to catch up with her friends, attend functions and group outings, and tackle new and interesting activities.

Dee Orsinger left us on April 3, 2011. She passed away at home. She was 87years old. The cause of death was heart failure. She was preceded in death by her husbands, Elvin Monschein and Fred Orsinger, parents Ryland and Vena Magoon, and brothers Ryland and Jack Magoon. She is survived by son, Thomas Dale Monschein and wife Marlene, grandson Wayne Monschein and great granddaughters Nicole and Whitney, Grandson Greg Monschein and wife Rachel, great grandsons Carson and Bradley, brother Gordy and wife Mary Lee Magoon, sister-in-law Barbara Magoon, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. Services were handled by Reyers North Valley Chapel. Dee was laid to rest at Rosedale Memorial Park in Allendale, Michigan on April 7, 2011 at 3:00 p.m.

All who knew her would agree that Dee was a pillar of the community. She lived her life with her feet firmly planted on the ground. She had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in her thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. She was willing to share her ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. DorisMay Orsinger did her best to ensure that her family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life she touched were given the chance to become a better person.