Dorothy Haase
Dorothy Haase
Dorothy Sue Haase, née Carter (Dottie), was an energetic tour de force and a tireless advocate for equal rights and literacy for all. A voracious reader with a deep love for travel, the arts, and community organizing, she inspired countless people through her curiosity, compassion, and commitment to others.
She was the beloved wife of 66 years to William (Bill); devoted mother to Jeff (Jenifer), Phill (Lisa), and Susan (Bob); and cherished grandmother to Emma (Roland), Miles, Alex, Meredith, Carolyn, Carter, and Melena. She was recently blessed with her great-grandbaby, River.
Dottie grew up on a farm in rural Indiana and earned her BA in Education from Miami University (OH) and an MA in Pedagogy from Wayne State University (MI). She taught high school English at Pontiac Catholic, adult literacy in Alpena (including ESL), and English proficiency at two colleges in China.
She was an active leader in the League of Women Voters, the American Association of University Women, and a founder of the MLK Beloved Community Committee of Northeast Michigan. A faithful servant, she volunteered for many years at Calvary Lutheran Church in Clarkston and First Congregational United Church of Christ in Alpena.
An enthusiastic world traveler, Dottie explored most of the United States as well as Europe, Russia, South America, and Africa. She will be fondly remembered by her family, friends, and community.
Memorial visitation will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026, at the First Congregational United Church of Christ from 10 a.m. until the time of the memorial service at noon with Rev. Dr. Richard Hochkin officiating. Cremation arrangements have been handled by the Bannan Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the League of Women Voters – Alpena Chapter, MLK Committee c/o https://unitedwaynemi.org/; or Sunrise Mission Alpena at https://sunrisemission.com/.