John Solem Dorsey passed away Feb 27, 2009, at age 91. He was blessed with loved ones during his time of passing. He was born at the family residence Jan 1, 1918, in Empire Township. He was the son of Volney and Josephine (Solem) Dorsey.
He graduated from Empire High School in 1935 and was the last survivor of his class. He moved to Chicago at age 18, working for the Airdale Company and later as assistant to Colonel Salisbury at the Quartermaster.
After the war he returned to Glen Lake, operating the family farm, laundry business, and his garbage pick up company. Later on, he went into construction and partnership with Kenneth Kieft to develop Kieft and Dorsey, quality home builders, employing approximately 20 people. John earned certification as a Master Plumber and Master Electrician. During all of this, he developed the Glen Lake Trailer Park which originated as a campground started by his father and mother. John also served as Justice of the Peace for Empire Township. After retiring from the building business, he worked for the Leelanau County Building Inspection Department.
On Apr 19, 1952, he married Alberta Warner Peaslee. She was an able assistant and the love of his life. Her presence still lit up his eyes after 56 years of marriage. In their final retirement years, they were able to enjoy a winter home in Brooksville, FL, and a new home on Glen Lake.
Surviving John are his wife, Alberta, who resides at Maple Valley Nursing Home; his brother, James H (Velma) Dorsey; sister, Marit E. (Richard) Vogel; son Gerald (Shirley) Solem; niece, Christine R. (Duane) Shugart; son in law, George Myers; three granddaughters, Margaret (Allen) Bright, Sharon (Steve) Harrigan and Patty (Steve) Majszak; 14 great grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Volney and Josephine Dorsey; nephew, James V. Dorsey; granddaughter, Melissa A. Dempsey; and stepdaughter, Clarine Myers.
A memorial service will take place May 30, 2009, at the Empire United Methodist Church; visitation will begin at 10 am, service at 11 am, with burial immediately following at Maple Grove Cemetery.
It was John's wish that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the James V. Dorsey Scholarship, c/o Glen Lake Community Schools, 3375 W. Burdickville Rd, Maple City, MI 49664; the Melissa Dempsey Memorial Scholarship, c/o Glen Lake Community Schools, 3375 W. Burdickville Rd, Maple City, MI 49664; or Glen Lake Association, PO Box 245, Glen Arbor, MI 49636.
The family wishes to express appreciation to all the friends and family who supported John with thoughtful cards and prayers during his illness and the Maple Valley Nursing Home staff for their loving support during John's passing and the care they are fiving to his wife, Alberta.
The family is being supported by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.