Floreine Margaret Mentel

Floreine was born May 14, 1936 at Mercy Memorial Hospital in Monroe.

She was the daughter of the late Edward and Mathilda (Held) Doederlein. She married the love of her life, William Michael Mentel on February 2, 1957. He was truly her greatest supporter, companion, and helpmate. Together they were a dynamic team for community events, social activities, and volunteering across the state.

She was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church Monroe. She attended Trinity Lutheran School, Marion School, and was a proud graduate of Monroe High School in 1954. She attended Concordia College in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Monroe County Community College and graduated with a degree in teaching from Eastern Michigan University. Floreine was a dedicated teacher for 53 years teaching in the Lutheran and Public Schools as well as Monroe Adult Education. She was affectionately known as the GED lady and later went on to serve on the Monroe County Board of Education. She passionately served on Monroe County Board of Commissioners for 14 years. She also took great pride in coordinating Michigan Week activities for over 20 years.

She loved serving her community and did so as a 4-H Leader for 50 years and loved the fair serving as the Little Red School House Superintendent, Flower Superintendent, food buyer for the dining hall and more. She was involved with over 40 organizations including the Salvation Army Board, Area Agency Board, Monroe Thrift Shop Association, Historical Society, Sawyer Homestead, Frenchtown Senior Center, Friends of the 1812 River Raisin Battlefield, The Parks and Recreation Board, and the Monroe County Planning Commission.

She was a dedicated member of Zion Lutheran Church serving as a Sunday School teacher for 40 years in addition to many leadership roles. Her accolades for volunteering were as varied as her roles. Her hobbies included traveling, collecting items, and connecting people to make a difference.

To cherish her memory, she leaves her beloved husband, William; their two children: Jeffrey (Tamara) Mentel and Jennifer (Larry) Weichel; and grandchildren Andrew (Lindsey) Weichel, Jack Weichel, Christopher, Daniel, Rhianna, and Miranda Mentel.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by Fred Doederlein, her brother.

Family and friends can celebrate her life during visitation on Friday, February 10 from Noon-2 and join the memorial service at 2 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church in Monroe with Pastor Ross Ulrich.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions are suggested to:

Memorial contributions to support Monroe County 4-H can be made to the Michigan 4-H Foundation, 446 West Circle Drive, Room 160, East Lansing, MI 48824 or online at www.mi4hfdtn.org. Please make checks payable to Michigan 4-H Foundation or Zion Lutheran Church Monroe, Michigan.