Joseph Vernon Dollhopf

Dollhopf, Joseph Vernon Saginaw, Michigan Joseph Vernon Dollhopf, "Vern" to family and friends, loving husband, father, grandpa of 12; great-grandpa of 19 and great-great-grandpa of 4, joined his first wife of 671/2 devoted and wonderful years, Ann Elizabeth (Tappen ) and his Savior, Jesus Christ, in Eternal happiness and comfort on May 24, 2013. Vern was born in Saginaw, Michigan July 2, 1918 at Saginaw General Hospital to Vera Dollhopf and Joseph Rossbach. He resided in Saginaw his entire life. He was a faithful member of Peace Lutheran Church and an active member of ReTreads and Helpmates , where he made many treasured, long-time friends. Vern cherished and devoted himself to two loving and devoted wives. He met his 1st wife, Ann, a year after his 1936 graduation from Arthur Hill High School at her graduation party while playing bingo. They were married December 17, 1938 by Pastor E. Voss of Holy Cross Lutheran Church. She predeceased him July 12, 2005. He and Ann met his second wife, Jill Marie (VanLandingham) , when the three of them joined an Apple Blossom Friendship club in Saginaw and became treasured life-long friends. She consented to lovingly take care of him until he would join Ann in Heaven and they were married on September 15, 2007. Vern is survived by Jill and his three children, JoAnn Elizabeth (Paul) White, Vernon William (Sue) Dollhopf and Diane Marie (Robert) Ulrey. In addition to his first wife, Ann, Vern was predeceased by his grandson, Christopher Dollhopf. Vern was employed by Air Engineers of Saginaw as a Design Engineer and also worked at Saginaw Malleable Iron. He joined the Saginaw Fire Department in 1940 and retired 37 years later as Assistant Chief. He also served as an Electronic Technician in the Dept. and developed the first audio communications between stations. Vern was a World War II veteran of the United States Navy, serving at Apra Harbor, N.O.B. in Guam as an Electronic Technician, Petty Officer Second-class. He, along with a few other Navy shipmates, aboard the U.S.S. Indianapolis, sat atop the crate that housed the atomic bomb that was deployed at Hiroshima. He was President of the Spirit #7, of the Metropolitan Club of America for many years. After his retirement from the Fire Dept., Vern was instrumental in forming U.R.G.E. (United Retired Governmental Employees) and was negotiator and president of it for many years. His main hobby, love and expertise was electronics, from crystal radio sets back in the 20's, up to modern computers of today. He was an avid bowler for many years. He and Ann travelled extensively (Nova Scotia to Hawaii) and tent-camped with their kids. He traveled to one very special place in the state with Jill several times with great joy. He was a Ham Radio Operator with an Amateur Radio License, W8CUY and a military radio license, AF8CUY as a member of MARS (Military Affiliated Radio Service). Vern was a publisher of the Metropolitan Club Newsletter for about 12 years and the U.R.G.E. newsletter for 22 years. He also published the children's book written by his wife, Ann, named "The Half-Stuffed Teddy Bear". The funeral service for Vern will take place 11:00 a.m. Monday, May 27, 2013 at Peace Lutheran Church, 3427 Adams Ave. Rev. C. William Weis will officiate. The burial will take place Tuesday, May 28, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. at Roselawn Memorial Gardens with military services under the auspices of VFW Post No. 1859, Carrollton. Friends may visit with the family at W. L. Case & Company, 4480 Mackinaw Rd. Sunday from 2:00 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 9:00 p.m. and on Monday at church from 10:00 a.m. until time of services. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a donation to the American Heart Association or the family wishes. www.casefuneralhome.com

Funeral Home:
W. L. Case and Company Mackinaw Funeral Chapel
4480 Mackinaw Road
Saginaw, MI
US 48603