Doris Marie Gildner

Doris Marie Gildner, age 101, passed away at the Horizon Senior Living in West Branch, MI on Friday, May 18, 2018. She was born on March 29, 1917 in West Branch, MI to Charles and Ethel (Strong) Cool. Doris graduated from the West Branch High School in 1935. While in high school, she played for the varsity basketball team. Soon after high school, she worked for the local newspaper now the Ogemaw County Herald. It was there that she meet her soon to be husband, the late Clifford Gildner, who came in to place a newspaper ad. Doris was a member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church, and the ladies CCW. She was member of the Moose Lodge in West Branch and she spent many years on a local bowling league. She also loved pottery, painting, and hooking rugs. She was an excellent cook and loved to spoil her grandchildren. If you knew Doris, you knew she was faithful. She worked “EVERYDAY” for the past 75 years at West Branch Concrete. She was even working just weeks before she passed. Doris was the full owner after her husband Clifford passed way in 2001. She was very generous and donated many hours and products to the local community throughout the years never wanting any recognition.

Surviving family include her son, Roger (Linda) Gildner of West Branch and son, Alan (Marianne Bartlett) Gildner of West Branch. She has 13 grandchildren, 34 great grandchildren, and 6 great great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She proceeded in death by her husband, Clifford Gildner; daughter, Joyce Alley; grandson, Joseph; 3 sisters, JoAnn, Geraldine, and Elizabeth Ann “Buff”; and brother, Ed “Twist” Oliver Jr.

Visitation for Doris will begin on Wednesday, May 23, 2018 from 2-9 PM at the Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch. A Rosary will be said by her good friend, Sharon Fritz at 3:00PM on Wednesday. Her Funeral Mass will take place on Thursday, May 24, 2018 at 11:30AM at the St. Joseph Catholic Church. Visitation at the church will be held 1 hour prior to mass. Father Patrick Maher will officiate with burial to follow at the St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions can be made to the Horizon Senior Living in West Branch or the Michigan Premier Hospice.