Loren Dunham

Loren Clare Dunham, 95, passed away peacefully on March 13, 2013. He resided at The Lakeview for the past 3 1/2 years due to failing health. Mr. Dunham was born on January 13, 1918 in Sterling, Michigan to parents of English and Irish heritage: Solomon Darius and Ethel (Gibson) Dunham. He grew up and graduated from Grayling High School. He was a proud member of a championship basketball team in his senior year. Because of his lifelong attraction to the game, he rarely missed a home Cadillac game. He was so well-known that on his 90th birthday, they announced it over the loud speakers at half-time. Loren married Donelda (Leatham) on May 7th, 1938 and resided in Roscommon. Together, they had 3 children: Loren "JD" (Wing) Dunham of East Lansing, Jerry (SueEllen) Dunham of Cadillac, and Linda (Scott) Sartorius of Houston, Texas. Prior to WWII, he was a machinist. During the war his expertise was utilized in Roscommon and later in a Detroit war plant. Following the war, Mr. Dunham owned and operated the village grocery store and later years, a Laundromat. He was a member of both the Roscommon Chamber of Commerce and Village Council. His wife, Donelda, passed away early in her 40's. In 1983, he moved to Cadillac. In 1984, he married (his "precious darling") Marldene (Rubscha), who survives him. Mr. Dunham's strongest character was his work ethic. He had part time jobs well into his 80's, including working at 5/3 bank and Cadillac Plumbing and Heating. He started Dunham's Sharpening business. He was so proud of his ability to continue working. (When he became a resident of The Lakeview, he tried to convince them to allow all his equipment in his room.) Loren and Marldene loved to polka dance. They would travel all over Northern Michigan to find the best bands to enjoy. As a young father, he enjoyed an annual hunting/fishing trip to Canada with his 2 sons. A pair of his moose antlers hangs in the Carl T. Johnson sports center. He loved snowshoeing and skiing with this family. He did not like to travel long distances, let alone fly. However, one of his special memories was a trip planned by his daughter, Linda to New Orleans. He was a voracious reader of history and was always proud of his country. Loren was a member of No. 364 Masonic Lodge in Roscommon and had been an active Mason since February of 1945. He held the offices of: Service Master, Chaplin, and was Past Grand Master. Loren was one of 8 children and was preceded in death by brothers: Russell of Texas, Wesley of Lansing, Willard (who died at birth), and 2 sisters: Ardith of Indiana, and Margaret (who also died at birth). Surviving are his brother, Elmer (Flora) of Frederick and Kate Hoffman of Grayling. Mourning family include: his 3 children from Donelda and children of Marldene: Rose (Dan) Whaley of Cadillac, and Mary (Kent) Cherry of Davison; his grandchildren, Scott (Mya) Dunham of Cadillac, Dr. Matt (Dr. Kim Wagner) Dunham West Virginia, Kevin (Molly) Dunham of Mesick, Carter (Jenney) Dunham of Leslie, Ashley (Chad) Vugteveen of Cadillac, Cory (Michele) Whaley of Indianapolis, Nicholas and Tyler Cherry of Davison and Dan (Tabetha) Whaley of Cadillac. He had 11 great-grandchildren: Jared and Isaac Dunham of Cadillac; Harper and Carsyn Dunham of West Virginia; Hanna, Addison and Jack Dunham of Leslie; Cora and Seth Dunham of Mesick; and Hannah and Gracie Whaley of Cadillac. He was very close to his nephews: Tony, Allen, John and a niece, Donna. His death was supported in a comfortable and dignified passing. The family is thankful to the staff of The Lakeview, Hospice of Michigan, Dr. Gregory Lambourne and Monsignor Murphy. Cremation has taken place and a family memorial will be celebrated in the Spring. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Hitesman-Holdship Funeral Home, Cadillac. Condolences can be sent to the family online at www.hitesman-holdship.com.