Louise Elizabeth (Dagg) Dobratz, 94, of Port Huron, died February 1, 2017, at home surrounded by family and friends. She was born March 2, 1922, in Highland Park, MI, to the late Elizabeth Susanna (Conrad) Dagg and Thomas Hiram Dagg. She married George Julius Dobratz on February 23, 1946, in Port Huron. They celebrated 66 years of marriage before his death in 2012.
Mrs. Dobratz and her husband were mainstays of their neighborhood for more than 60 years, inspiring all with their kindness, wisdom, and sense of humor. As the couple aged, neighbors and friends rallied around to take care of chores, and to care for and support Mrs. Dobratz as her health waned. Louise’s father died in 1924 when she was two years old. Being raised by a single mother during the Great Depression taught Louise to be strong and independent. Although she could not finish high school because she needed to go to work, Louise was a life-long learner, enjoying reading, crossword puzzles, car trips with her husband, and meeting diverse people. In fact, her niece said that the general family rule is “ask Aunt Louise, then Google.” A woman of dignity and elegance, she was a gifted artist in many mediums, gardener, and shrewd card player. She was one of the oldest members of St. John’s United Church of Christ and in her earlier years belonged to the Michigan Extension Club.
Mrs. Dobratz is survived by her nieces, Barbara White and Pat Cox (Graham Colditz), whom she loved like daughters. She is also survived by great nieces and great nephews, Jason White, Brian (Denise) White, Stuart White, Andrew (Anne) Butler and Louisa Butler; 6 great-great nieces and nephews; and 3 great-great-great nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother, Harold H. Dagg.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, February 7, 2017, at 11 a.m. at St. John’s United Church of Christ with visitation beginning at 10 a.m.
Burial will follow in Lakeside Cemetery.
Several years ago, to honor Louise and George’s love of learning and perseverance, their family established a Designated Student Loan Fund in their name at the nearly 100-year old Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis, which ensures access to post-secondary education for young people through interest-free loans and other supports. In lieu of flowers, the family would suggest the Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis, 8215 Clayton Road, St. Louis, MO 63117.
The family and friends would also like to recognize the invaluable support of the Blue Water Hospice, 1430 Military Street, Suite A, Port Huron, 48060.
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