Dorothy Nordbeck

Born September 11, 1943, in Royal Oak, Michigan, a daughter of James and Ruth (Kennedy) Winters, Dorothy was raised in Ferndale. She graduated from Ferndale High School with the class of 1961. On October 21, 1961, Dorothy was united in marriage to Wallace Rauvala and together the couple made their home in Royal Oak where they began raising their family. In 1970, the family relocated to Bootjack in the Upper Peninsula, residing on the family farm. When Wallace passed in 1974, Dorothy continued raising her family as a single mother. For a time, she was employed as a waitress at the Big Boy Restaurant and later was employed with Copper Country Mental Health. She was hard working, resourceful, very independent, and protective of the family she loved. As a homemaker, Dorothy was a self-taught cook who became quite skilled, whether baking or cooking. She enjoyed canning and had her own special, some would say magical, recipe for pasties. Her other hobbies and interests included knitting and crocheting, she had a love of movies, was a huge Elvis fan and was a fan of the Detroit Lions and Tigers. She especially enjoyed attending her son’s high school football games.

Dorothy is survived by her children, Wallace (Robin) Rauvala of Marquette, Donna (Mike) Sikes of Houghton, Denise Grant of Pontiac, Jimmy (Vickie) Rauvala of Flat Rock, Kris (Cristy) Nordbeck of Beeville, TX; her grandchildren, Heidi Rauvala and Adam Rauvala of Marquette, Karri Sikes of Ishpeming, Shane Sikes of Milwaukee and Michelle Grant of Pontiac; a great grandchild, Weston Hollo; a sister, Peggy (Ken) Rittmeuller; several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Wallace; a sister, Barbara Brownell; and brother, Jim Winters.

The family has chosen to honor her memory privately.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Cancer Care of Marquette County, P.O. Box 626, Ishpeming, MI 49849 or Trillium House, 1144 Northland Drive, Marquette, MI 49855.

Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com.