Dorothy Lou Rahn passed away at Porter Hills in Grand Rapids, MI on March 31, 2020. She was 95.
Mrs. Rahn was born September 14, 1924 in Grand Rapids to William and Henrietta Frances Nitz. She graduated from Ottawa Hills High School in 1941. In 1947, she received her education and teaching degree from the Western College for Women in Oxford, Ohio.
Mrs. Rahn returned to Grand Rapids, where she lived the remainder of her life, and devoted her career to teaching kindergarten in the Grand Rapids public school system until her retirement. She was dedicated to quality education and getting children started in the right direction at a young age.
During most of her working years, she was also a single mom raising her two sons, Tom and Terry. She instilled her values, integrity and principles of hard work in her sons, both of whom she was very proud. And Tom and Terry were very proud of their mom.
Upon retirement, Mrs. Rahn began her “second career” as a long-time volunteer at the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. She loved Meijer Gardens, where she could typically be found three days a week. In 2014, she was honored as the Gardens’ “Volunteer of the Year.” In 2015, Mrs. Rahn was recognized and received an award as one of the very few volunteers who had served 10,000+ hours, a great achievement.
Mrs. Rahn is survived by her two sons and their spouses, Tom & Ellen Baird and Terry & Jane Baird. She was preceded in death by her husband of later years, Frederic.
There will be a private memorial service and burial for Mrs. Rahn. If desired, memorial donations may be given to the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park.
The family of Dorothy Rahn wishes to extend its sincere thanks to the dedicated and caring staff at Porter Hills and Emmanuel Hospice.
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