Obituary: Dorwin James Sheathelm
Dorwin James Sheathelm, born October 4, 1935, to Orla and Ethel (Thayer) Sheathelm in Dansville, Michigan, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 26, 2025, at the age of 89. He left this world in the same family home he was born in, surrounded by his loved ones.
Dorwin was a lifelong resident of Dansville and a beloved member of the community. Known affectionately as “Grandpa Dornie,” he was a joy to everyone who knew him and will be remembered as one of Dansville’s greats. Dornie had a playful spirit, always ready with a joke, and he was known for his ability to fix anything and lend a helping hand to anyone in need.
Dornie graduated from Dansville Agricultural School in 1954, where he was active in FFA. He went on to dedicate his life to farming and was a true farmer at heart. In later years he enjoyed tending his chickens, feeding the snapping turtles and exploring his woods. He loved tinkering on antique tractors, deer hunting, and spending time with his family. He could often be found riding around the farm in his trusty golf cart, accompanied by his beloved cat, Sugarjets, and visiting with friends and family. His love for animals and his deep connection to nature were evident in everything he did.
Dornie was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Roberta Jane (Mullins) Sheathelm, stepmother Wilma Mae (Graham) Sheathelm, and son-in-law A. Timothy Truman.
He is survived by his loving wife, Kathy (Lightfoot) Sheathelm, six daughters: Vickie Sheathelm (Roscommon, MI), Tamarra (Jim) Giertz (Kiawah Island, SC), Karen (Scott) Bowen (Dansville, MI), Jennifer Sheathelm (Dansville, MI), Melissa (Dan) Chelf (Dansville, MI), and Emily (Bob) Kapp (Dansville, MI); and two stepsons: Auburn (Ashlee) Wessman (Geismar, LA) and Christopher Wessman (Los Angeles, CA).
Dorwin also leaves behind 21 grandchildren: Rachael Woods, Jacob (Jessica) Giertz, Laura Giertz, Matt (Olivia) Bowen, Kyle (Megan) Bowen, Wesley (Abby) Mays, Tucker Mays, Hailey (Eric) Nguyen, Mallory Mays, Johnny Stid, Maddie Mays, Ellie (Ethan) Gurecki, Jane Chelf, Henry Chelf, Kacie (David) Worgiss, Chantel Kapp, Lorrain, Gregory, Benjamin and Nathanial Taravella, Ava and Andrew Wessman and 14 great-grandchildren, his siblings: Joyce Thompson, Harold (Laurene) Sheathelm, Mary Mangles, Janice (John) Smith, Cheryl (Chuck) Tobey, and David (Karen) Sheathelm. Special family member Tim (Linda) Basore.
Grandpa Dornie’s legacy of love, kindness, and community will live on in the hearts of his family and friends. If you were privileged enough to be “One of Dornie’s girls”, then you were truly blessed! He will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
An Ice Cream Sundae Memorial Gathering will be held at Chattaway’s, 3771 Cooper Road, Stockbridge, on February 23, 1-4 pm.
In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be made to University of Michigan – Sparrow Hospice at www.UofMHealthSparrow.org/Give in honor of the wonderful care Dorwin received from his hospice caregivers.
Or Dansville FFA, 1264 Adams St., Dansville, MI 48819.
