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Dorothy Talsma
Dorothy Arlene Talsma (née Schulz), 94, of Scottville, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, surrounded by love and family, with her pastor sharing God’s word affirming her lifelong faith in her Savior’s victory over death. She was born on September 8, 1931, in Custer, to Emil Carl and Helena (Schultz) Schulz.
Dorothy was born and raised in western Michigan, never far from family. She graduated from Scottville High School in 1949 and went on to earn her registered nurse degree from Sparrow Hospital School of Nursing in Lansing. She dated William E. Talsma while attending nursing school, and they were married on Sept. 27, 1952, soon after graduation. Dorothy enjoyed a long and dedicated nursing career, serving patients at Paulina Stearns Hospital in Ludington and later Memorial Medical Center in Ludington, from 1952 until her retirement in approximately 1991.
Dorothy was a tireless worker. While nursing full-time, she and Bill, with the skilled help of her father, Carl, built their forever home and farm in Amber Township. Their family grew quickly—five kids in six years, with one more for good measure. Together, Dorothy and Bill built not only a home but a life centered on faith, family, hard work, and love.
Dorothy (Mom, Nana, Dotty, Aunt Dor) is remembered for her endearing personality and remarkable talents. She knew how to stretch a dollar. She canned countless jars of veggies, jams, and jellies. She could wield a pressure cooker and a sewing machine. She crafted so many Halloween costumes using odds and ends and creativity. She made an entire daily loaf of bread disappear into lunchboxes. She preferred Miracle Whip over mayonnaise, served plenty of Kool-Aid, and could make TV dinners feel like a feast. She was the family barber, ran laps every laundry day carrying overflowing baskets, and although she wasn’t a swimmer, she made certain all her kids knew how.
She doodled while chatting. She loved jigsaw puzzles and turned washing dishes into quiz bowl events. Completing the Ludington Daily News crossword puzzle was a daily diversion. Bathroom walls became her wallpaper canvas, and LifeSavers helped the children through long church sermons. She disliked seafood but loved a good steak. She enjoyed dressing up for a night out with Bill, and together they would swing dance, roller dance, and play cards. She played piano and sang beautifully, and we always wished she would have shared those talents more. Above all, she delighted in having her home overflowing with family and friends. She was a gracious host. She loved deeply and showed it openly. She was her family’s greatest cheerleader and it always mattered.
Dorothy was a faithful member of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Scottville and later Our Savior Lutheran Church, where her Christian faith remained a quiet but steadfast foundation throughout her life, bringing up her children with unswerving participation in the church.
She is survived by her children David (Sheila) Talsma of Belmont, Dale (Cheryl) Talsma of Scottville, Steven (Regina) Talsma of Fenton, Randall (Ellen) Talsma of Troy, and Kathleen (Nicholas) Angelakos of Sterling Heights; 18 grandchildren: Ashley (Paul) Ingiosi, Tiffany (Luan Vo) Talsma, Nicolas (Joscelyn) Talsma, Kyle (Jessica) Talsma, Adam (Ezimma) Talsma, Ryan (Lauren) Talsma, Christopher (Bruna) Angelakos, Michael (Blerta) Talsma, Aaron Talsma, Tobiah (Zsanell Go) Talsma, Scott Talsma, Matthew Angelakos, Joel (Veronica) Talsma, Brian (Rebekah) Talsma, Dalan (Anfal Marafie) Talsma, Kailyn (Ryan Peck) Angelakos, Jason Talsma, and Taya (Matthew) Cousineau; 20 great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews; and sisters-in-law Margarette Reader, Anna Vanderwall, and Marybelle Gerbers.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, William E. Talsma; her daughter, Susan Talsma; her parents, Emil Carl and Helena Schulz; her brother and sister-in-law, Don and Mary Schulz; her parents-in-law, Thys and Clara Talsma; her husband’s siblings Elvin, Johanna, Mark, Arthur, June, Merlyn, John, Bonnie, and Thys Jr.; and several nieces and nephews.
Dorothy leaves behind a legacy that cannot be measured simply by years or accomplishments, but by the countless everyday acts of love that shaped the lives of her family. Her home was a place of warmth, laughter, hard work, and unwavering devotion. She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever carried in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
A funeral service for Dorothy will be held on Thursday, July 30, 2026, at Our Savior Lutheran Church at 11 a.m., with visitation beginning at 10 a.m.. She will be laid to rest at Brookside Cemetery in Scottville.
Arrangements were entrusted to Grace Funeral Home and Cremation Services. www.GraceCremations.com.
