Alwyn Albert Dopp

Alwyn Albert Dopp peacefully passed into the arms of his heavenly father on May 28, 2025.
He was a loved and loving man who cherished his family, his faith and his friends. He was born at home to Wilbur and Minnie Dopp in Waldenburg, and moved to Mt. Clemens as a youth. Al returned to Waldenburg to raise a family with his "gorgeous tomato," Dorcas (Dori) Koester. They raised three daughters, Cathy, Sandi, and Amy, and their son, Rob.
Al belonged to Trinity Mt. Clemens, Immanuel Lutheran Waldenburg and St. Peter's Lutheran Macomb and had lifelong friendships with members as well as in the surrounding community. Al knew the love and grace of God and he let it shine.
Al attended Valparaiso University for several years before returning home to join the United States Coast Guard and Coast Guard Reserves. From childhood, he worked at the family business, Dopp Distributors. One doesn't need to love beer to be a beer wholesaler – but he did. After the untimely deaths of his father and brother, Al took the helm for 17+ years. He continued long friendships with numerous former employees, many of whom are also missed.
After Dori retired from teaching at St. Peter's Lutheran School Macomb, the couple replaced the family cottage in Oscoda with a home that was able to bring their children, spouses, grandchildren, and great grandchildren all under one loving (chaotic) roof for holidays and summer gatherings.
Through the years, Al enjoyed many pastimes, including competitive rounds of euchre and dominoes, golf, or just "puttering" around outside. Hunting, planning for hunting camp, and working on the hunting property with his dearest friends was a year-round joy. Despite his decreasing mobility these last few years, his friends schemed to get him to his blind, for which he and the family were very grateful.
Of special note were Al's spectacular hugs, which were used to send far-flung family on their way, while warmly (and uniquely) welcoming new members into the family circle. His subtle, fun and caring presence will be sorely missed.
Al valued his friends in the Oscoda community and was a member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Tawas City. He spent many hours of his last eight years at the East Tawas Fresenius Dialysis Clinic. The family is deeply thankful to the staff for their years of care and comfort.
Al is survived by his wife, Dori; and his children Cathy, Sandi Suni (Jaakko), Amy Oelschlaeger (David) and Rob. He was cherished by his nine grandchildren, Erika (Adam) Suni, Alek (Claris) Suni, Cara Suni, Chelsea Parr, Jacob (Olga) Parr, Ben (Krista) Oelschlaeger, Nick Oelschlaeger, Will Oelschlaeger and Sam Oelschlaeger; as well as by his sweet and energetic great grandchildren, Theodore and Robin Staniszewski and Ellis Chang-Suni. He is also missed by his sister, Lorilyn Gottschalk.
Al was preceded in death by his parents, Wilbur and Minnie Dopp; his brother, Donald Dopp; and his sister, Grace Dopp Wegner.
Memorials are directed to Emmanuel Lutheran Church Tawas City or The Lutheran Hour.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, July 24, at 11 a.m. at Trinity Luthern Church, Oscoda.