Doris Marion Vanderboegh

Doris Marion Vanderboegh, 79, of Stevensville, Michigan, passed away on March 20, 2010. She was born Doris Marion Blenn on April 12, 1930 in Benton Harbor, Michigan. Doris was a member of the National Honor Society while attending Benton Harbor High School, and had a part-time job at the candy counter of G.C. Murphy¹s in St. Joseph. Her yearbook dedication said it all for those who knew her: Life is too short for all of the things that she is capable of doing. Even before graduation, she was working as a secretary for local attorney J.D. Hartwig. While picking red raspberries near Berrien Springs, Doris met a shy farm boy named Jack who helped fill her carriers. What began in that berry patch grew into a love affair that would last over 60 years. On July 2, 1949, Doris Marion Blenn became Mrs. Jack Vanderboegh. The couple established their household in Benton Harbor, welcoming their first son, Larry, in 1950. Mark followed four years later. The family then moved to Marion, Ohio, where son David was born in 1960, followed by Paul the following year. Doris devoted herself to raising her four boys, taking an active role in school activities for over 20 years. She worked as a volunteer at Claridon elementary school as well as at Marion General Hospital. An avid bridge player, Doris also enjoyed outdoor activities with her family such as camping and fishing. The couple eventually returned to their home state of Michigan, settling in Stevensville in 1986. In recent years, the couple has wintered at their home near Osteen, Florida. Doris was a devout Lutheran all of her life, attending St. Matthews Lutheran Church in Benton Harbor, Emanuel Lutheran Church in Marion, Ohio, and St. Paul¹s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Stevensville. She was preceded in death by her parents, Herman and Lilly (Hahn) Blenn of Benton Harbor; brother Raymond (in 1937), and sister Lorraine (Richard) Ferguson. Doris is survived by husband Jack L. Vanderboegh, sons Larry A. Vanderboegh and wife Christina of Tipp City, Ohio; Mark S. Vanderboegh and wife Karen of Fairfield, Pennsylvania; David S. Vanderboegh and wife Maria Teresa of Omaha, Nebraska; and Paul D. Vanderboegh and wife Julia of St. Joseph, Michigan; grandchildren Amy B. Vanderboegh, Allegra E. Vanderboegh, Aaron A. Vanderboegh, and Jordon T. Young. A Celebration of Life Eternal will be held 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, March 23, 2010 at St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church, W. John Beers Rd., Stevensville, with Rev. Gerald Schroer officiating. Burial will follow at North Shore Memory Gardens in Coloma. Friends may call from 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. Monday, March 22, 2010 at Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Paul¹s Evangelical Lutheran Church. Those wishing to sign the Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.