Dorothea Jautakis

SAWYER - Dorothea Susanne Melonie Jautakis, 75, of Sawyer passed away on Wednesday, September 16, 2009 in the loving comfort of her son’s home.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 AM Saturday, September 19, at Pike Funeral Home, Boyd Chapel, 9191 Red Arrow Hwy., Bridgman with Father Don Suberlak, C.R. officiating. Friends may meet with the family from 6-8 PM Friday at the funeral home.

Dorothea is survived by her husband, Karl; two sons, Harald (Pamela) Jautakis of Shalimar, Florida and Carl Jautakis of Jenison; one daughter, Donna (David) Pydlek of Gahanna, Ohio; three grandchildren, Erin Pydlek of Chicago and Chelsea and Hayley Jautakis of Jenison; and one sister, Gisela (Frederick) Simon of Oakland, California; nieces, Bernice (Jeff) Valantinas of Evanston, Illinois, Lydia Jack of Union City, California, Carmen (Robert) Jenkins of Fremont, California, Rika (Jeff) Lucia of Newark, California, and nephew, Frederick (Kim) Simon, Jr., of San Leandro, California.

Dorothea was born July 24, 1934 in Breslau, Germany the daughter of the late Erwin and Maria (Ott) Burger. Dorothea made new friends easily—whether working at an antique store, or managing a bed & breakfast, or waiting tables. She took a special interest and pride in the education of her children and grandchildren. She raised her children on the beaches of Lake Michigan each summer. When election time rolled around, the voters of Chikaming Township could count on seeing her bright smile as she worked the polls. She took great pleasure in sharing her German cooking - and no one ever left her house hungry.

Dorothea’s family wishes to express their heartfelt thanks for the extraordinary efforts of Hospice at Home. These exemplary professionals treated our mother as if she were their own. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be given to Hospice at Home, 4025 Health Park Lane, Saint Joseph, MI 49085.

For my dearest sister, Dorothea, from your sister, Gisela:

Die Liebe

Die Liebe hemmet nichts,
sie kennt nicht Tür noch Riegel
Und dringt durch alles sich.
Sie ist ohn Angebeginn, schlug ewig ihre Flügel,
Und schlägt sie ewiglich.

Peace be to her memory.

Visitation

Friday September 18, 2009 , 6-8 PM at Pike Funeral Home, Boyd Chapel

Funeral Service

Saturday September 19, 2009 , 10:30 AM at Pike Funeral Home, Boyd Chapel