Dolores L. Rogell

Dolores Lillian (Walczak) Rogell, age 100, joyfully went home to Jesus on January 1, 2026, on the Feast of the Solemnity of Mary, to whom she had a special devotion her whole life.
Dolores was born October 22, 1925, in Detroit, Michigan and was known affectionately as "Dolly" to many. She was married to Joseph for 63 years, until his passing in 2015. Her greatest joy and sense of accomplishment was in raising her five daughters: Marietta Warkentin, Annette Rogell, Claudia (Paul) Zernec, Paula Paetkau and Camille Rogell. Dolly loved being a grandmother of Matthew Zernec, Jennifer (Mike) Hausberger, Amanda (Erik) Eovaldi, Anton Warkentin, Gabriel (Quincy) Warkentin and Joshua Paetkau. She delighted in being "GG" to Lily Hausberger, Emery Warkentin, Nathan Eovaldi and Isabella Hausberger. She also greatly loved her dear sister-in-law, Lee Konen, niece, Kathy (Robert) Christina and great-nieces and nephew.
Dolores had a beautiful voice and enjoyed singing in many choirs. As a founding member of St. Mary of the Hills Catholic Church, she felt she had "come home" and devoted many hours in various ministries, including choir, Eucharistic Ministry, Senior Fellowship, Funeral Ministry, her beloved Guild, and Knights of Columbus (as the wife of a lifelong Knight). She had many creative outlets over the years, including dancing (especially the Polka), ceramics, needlework, sewing and interior decorating. She and Joe loved traveling after raising their children, and the highlight of her life was in meeting Pope St. John Paul the Great, not once, but twice. She encouraged her daughters and grandchildren in all their endeavors and enjoyed attending their programs, sports and events. Dolores had the gift of hospitality, welcoming many to her home and offering her wonderfully cooked meals and her amazing pies.
Along with all the joys of family life, she weathered many difficult challenges, through her deep and abiding faith, for which she was well known, including her devotion to praying three Rosaries daily. She advocated for her developmentally disabled daughter during a time when specialized services were rare, ensuring that Annette developed to her full potential, far exceeding doctors' expectations.
Visitation for Dolores will take place on Friday, January 9th, 2026, from 3-8 pm with a Rosary Service and Prayers at 6:30 pm at Potere-Modetz Funeral Home, 339 Walnut Blvd, Rochester. On Saturday, January 10th, 2026, she will be instate from 10:30 until the 11:00 Mass of Resurrection at St. Mary of the Hills Catholic Church, 2675 John R. Road, Rochester Hills.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Dolores's name to the Detroit Goodfellows; St. Bonaventure Capuchin Monastery and Soup Kitchen; Hospice of Michigan, or Parkway Group Home (where her daughter Annette resides).