Dorothy Freel Mercer

Dorothy was born on Oct. 23, 1932, in Millersburg, Michigan, to William and Anna Freel. She was known for her unending love and strong devotion to her faith and to her family. A daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend to many, she took great care of every person in her life. Never caught without a story to tell, Dorothy lived a full life of missions, service, and extraordinary adventures with her loving husband of 72 years, Roger Jack Mercer (fondly known as Rog).

Dorothy was never the loudest one in the room, but always the life of the party. She was soft-spoken and kind, yet embodied quiet strength, never backing down from a chance to bring out her sass, spunk, and humor. Her humor wasn’t like her dear husband’s, who lived to crack a joke. Instead, she was funny simply without trying to be. She was known by many as the woman who could “shop ’til she dropped” and, of course, was famously “never hungry.” Beyond her passion for faith and zest for life, she will be remembered for her love of learning, her resilience, her patriotism, and for never being at a loss for words. Dorothy is survived by her six children, Jackie Mercer Imhoff, Kathy Mercer Riggleman, Roger Mercer, Patti Mercer, John Mercer, and Kristi Mercer Burhoe, 24 grandchildren, and 30 great-grandchildren, and preceded in death by her loving husband, Roger Jack Mercer. “I myself will see him with my own eyes – I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me.” Job 19:27 ~ A verse found recently written in the front of her treasured bible.

Cremation has taken place. A full obituary will be published at a later date. A graveside service will be held at 4 p.m. on Friday June 6, 2025, at Riverside Cemetery in Millersburg. A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday June 7, 2025 at the Haven of Hope Church in Traverse City.