FRANKENMUTH, Mich. (WNEM) – Beloved Frankenmuth matriarch Dorothy Gender passed away Sunday, July 9, at the age of 101.
“We are unfortunate to have lost such a legend from our home, but we are delighted that she will be reunited with our grandfather Tiny in heaven. And we just rejoice together that she can be with Jesus Christ,” said Amy Zehnder-Grossi, Dorothy’s granddaughter.
The Bavarian Inn hostess, a staple in Frankenmuth and fashionably identified across the border, was handed over to her home on Sunday night. She is 101 years older.
Zehnder-Grossi recalled one of the last conversations she had with her grandmother centered around a meal.
“Her ideas were good all the way to the top. And I said, ‘Grandma, I really like it.’ And he said, 'I really like you too.' And it was an ideal choice to end the conversation,” she said.
Zehnder-Grossi said Dorothy died of innocent causes.
“She was 101 years old and her physique was starting to show its age.” Zehnder-Grossi said. “So it wasn’t a surprise for us, but she passed away peacefully with her family by her side.”
After word of Dorothy's death, Zehnder-Grossi noted the outpouring of condolences, constructive ideas and blessings from people near and far, which is one of the things she appreciates.
“We have received a lot of help from our neighbors and the staff right here at the Bavarian Inn. As you know, our employees are grieving even more. So we're a huge family right here. So it's really nice to be around each other. And we’re just grateful for all the help we’ve gotten so far,” she said.
She said Dorothy's legacy will live on.
Many people have said that without Dorothy Zehnder and her husband Tiny, there would have been no Frankenmuth.
“We will stay up to her expectations and do what we can to make Frankenmuth a good place,” Zehnder-Grossi said.
Many people have said that Frankenmuth would not be what it is without Dorothy and her husband Tiny.
“She and Tiny worked as corporate partners for many years, creating Michigan’s little Bavaria that we all refer to as Frankenmuth,” said Jamie Furbush, president and CEO of the Frankenmuth Chamber. Bureau of Commerce, Conferences and Client Services.
Furbush said Dorothy Zehnder has played a huge role in attracting vacationers to the area.
“Dorothy valued her guests. She was always at the restaurant greeting people and signing cookbooks. And what makes the spirit of hospitality at Frankenmuth so special is that she led it because she loved her business and wanted to be around people who loved cooking,” Furbush said.
Dorothy did more than cook dinner. Six years ago, she appeared in a huge display at Instances Sq. In New York Metropolis. She and her husband, Tiny, are members of Michigan's Polka Music Corridor of Fame, and he or she won one half of the ceremonial puck drop at Saginaw Spirit sports.
In 2017, Dorothy threw out the first pitch for the Detroit Tigers Residence Sports.
“It was fun,” Furbush said. “She was worried about whether or not she would be able to put it on the house plate.” “She had a very constructive perspective. I always keep that in mind. She always said, 'Oh, yes, let's try that!' So he had the perspective of a great go-getter and always had a constructive attitude toward life.”
While many people lament the lack of local celebrities, for Xander-Grossi it was her grandmother.
“I will overlook her smile, her sassyness at all times, and her recommendations. You know, whose name should I say when I have a question about a recipe? She was always there to share her recommendations and we will not overlook her,” said Zehnder-Grossi.
Her funeral will be held at 11 a.m. at St. Lorenz Lutheran Church.
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