Dorothea “Dorle” Blumhagen
Dorothea “Dorle” Blumhagen (nee Reuter) (1951-2025) peacefully left this world surrounded by the love of her family.
Born to Fritz and Inge Reuter, Dorle lived her childhood in Hannover, Germany as the youngest child of three. She maintained a very close relationship with her sister Ele and brother Hansi and their families throughout her life. Dorle met her husband Frank while vacationing in Tunisia and they married and worked in Germany for several years before moving to Canada in 1975. Dorle left a career in insurance to raise her two children, Mike and Shelley who were born in ’76 and ’78 respectively. Dorle is lovingly remembered as a tireless supporter and champion of her husband, children and grandchildren. Her house was always filled with the best food, stories, crafts, games, music, laughter, family and friends. Shelley and Mike were lucky to have a stay-at-home mom for their younger years. As her children got older, Dorle worked with Frank as a bookkeeper for his car business and then at Frank’s Gas Bar. When it was time for Frank to retire from being a mechanic, Dorle was the driving force behind the two of them opening of Tara Video and Variety. The store always welcomed people for a morning coffee, a game of euchre or an ice cream after a hard-fought soccer game. Dorle always proudly displayed the updated photos of her grandchildren in the store for everyone to see. It was a sad day when Frank and Dorle had to give up the store because of her battle with Alzheimers. Dorle was well-loved and cared for by the staff at Summit Place where she lived her last years.
Dorle is survived by her husband Frank, their children Mike Blumhagen (Lisa) and Shelley Harris (Michael), grandchildren Emma, Lily, Julie and Alex. Dorle’s Brother Hansi and sister Ele, sister-in-law Inga, nephews Stephen, Christian and Thomas as well as nieces Anne and Annie. Dorle is predeceased by her nephew Dennis. The family will hold a Celebration of Life for Dorle in the summer.
Arrangements entrusted to Grey Bruce Cremation and Burial Services, greybrucecremation.com.