Doris "Dori" Ann Essenburg

Doris “Dori” Ann (Hollis) Essenburg, age 86, former resident of Richmond, Michigan, died at her son’s home with her family by her side on Friday, April 11, 2025. Dori was born on July 6, 1938 in Port Huron to Jim and Jean (Hall) Hollis. She married her high school sweetheart Duane Essenburg on July 23, 1955. Together they raised their two sons Mark and Brian. Dori was a homemaker but in her later years, she worked as a cook in the Richmond School cafeteria. In retirement, they spent their winters at Lake Wales, Florida and spent their summers at Jose Lake in South Branch, Michigan. Dori was easy-going and always up for an adventure. The past couple of years, she has lived in the Upper Peninsula with her son, Mark, and loved spending time on Cook Lake on countless pontoon rides and fishing trips. When she would reel in her catch, she would hold up her fish and ask, “Are you going to take my picture?” Dori enjoyed time with family playing games, Bingo, watching her grandchildren show animals at the Fair, and listening to Frank Sinatra.

Dori is survived by sons – Mark (Cindy) Essenburg of Munising and Brian Essenburg of Richmond; grandchildren – Cayla (Josh) Tucker, Cody (Hailey) Essenburg, and Michael (Jennifer) Viau; great-grandchildren – Olivia, Ian, and Ella Viau, and Connor Essenburg; brothers – Jim and Dave Hollis; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Duane, sister Donna (Frank) Bartell, niece Laurie McKinney, sister-in-law – Diane (Jerry) Schweiger

Dori’s family would like to thank all that knew her for the good times and great memories. And a special thanks to niece, Kathi Miller, for the love and care she has given Dori over the years.

Services will be held at the Kaatz Funeral Home (71235 Memphis Ridge Road, Richmond, Michigan 48062) on Saturday, April 26, 2025. Visiting time with family and friends will be from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Dori’s memorial service will begin at 2:00 p.m. Interment will be at the Richmond Cemetery.