Dolores “Dee” Wegeler, age 82 of Mattawan, passed away Thursday, Aug. 24, 2017 with her family by her side. She was born April 13, 1935 in Morton Grove, IL, the daughter of the late Joseph and Caroline (DeRossi) Segalla. Dee grew up in Dolton, IL and moved to Paw Paw, MI at the age of 12. She was a graduate of Mattawan High School where she was a cheerleader and majorette in the high school marching band. She was extremely creative, loved painting and all types of arts and crafts. She could write a poem for any occasion and sent cards to others on a regular basis. She also loved to collect angels and salt & pepper shakers. Dee had the true gift of hospitality and was a great Italian cook who could feed the masses! She loved her children and grandchildren immensely and was the glue that held the family together with her strong Italian influence. Dee retired in 1997 after 15 years as secretary of St. Margaret Mary Church in Marcellus and St. John Bosco Church in Mattawan, of which she was a founding member.
On August 8, 1953 in Paw Paw, Dee was united in marriage to the love of her life, Emil “Slim” Wegeler who preceded her in death on August 10, 2009. She was also preceded in death by a daughter, Jackie Sue Wegeler, 10 months, daughter-in-law Karen Wegeler, brothers, Anthony and Luciano Segalla, brothers-in-law, John Bortolon and Chester Nieroda.
Surviving are 5 children, Joette (Dave) Meisling of Paw Paw, grandchildren, Caroline (Matt) Kestner, Angela and Sarah Meisling; Greg Wegeler of Paw Paw, grandchildren, Eric (Krystle) Wegeler, Ethan and Elyse Wegeler; Tony (Kim) Wegeler of Paw Paw, grandchildren, Jordan (Lindsey) Wegeler, Caleb Wegeler and Jason (Heidi) Armstrong; Connie (Randy) Small of Schoolcraft, grandchildren, Derrick Small, Garner (Bailey) Small, Jackie (Aaron) DeWaal, Savannah and Walker Small; and Alan (Marcy) Wegeler of Paw Paw, grandchildren, Monica and Ashton Wegeler, Tiecha and Tera Cummins; Special family, Karina (Dave) Lamorandier of Mattawan, grandchildren, Logan (Rachel) Lamorandier and Brok Lamorandier. Seven great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Sisters, Armida Bortolon of Dolton, IL and Irene Nieroda of Mattawan, MI.
Family will receive friends Tuesday, August 29, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Adams Funeral Home, 502 West Michigan Ave, Paw Paw, where a vigil service will be held at 7:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday at 11 a.m. at St. John Bosco Church in Mattawan with Rev. Fr. Alan P. Jorgensen, celebrant. Interment will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Paw Paw. A luncheon will follow the burial at St. John Bosco church hall. Memorial contributions may be directed to the hospice of choice or to the family.