Aleta Pingel

Aleta Doris (Welch) Pingel, aged 86, passed away peacefully on October 18th, 2022 with her family present. She was born August 27th, 1936 in Tomah, Wisconsin to the late Elmer and Melinda (Williams) Welch of the Stockbridge Mohican Indian Nation. She lived in Wisconsin until she married and moved several times before settling in Grand Rapids, MI.

She was employed in the insurance industry and later in life turned to health care for the elderly. She is a member of Berkley Hills Wesleyan Church and volunteered at several church bodies over the years always giving and serving. She enjoyed Old Gospel music with her favorite being “Blessed Assurance.” She also loved the contemporary song “The only scars in heaven.” She has been a prayer warrior and compassionate friend of many sharing the love of God and the victorious life that Christ so freely gives. If you have not yet welcomed Christ as your Savior, please seek him today as she would love nothing more than to see you free as well. Her passion was caring for and serving others selflessly and you would never leave hungry!

She spent many years working hard and caring for her large orchard and gardens, canning, and teaching her children many of these skills. She enjoyed studying weather patterns, and taking in the deer, turkey, birds, and other wildlife that would wander up her back porch.

She is survived by her children: Doris Pingel, Diane Shepard, Doug Pingel, and Donna Seese

Grandchildren: Jen Miller, Eric Douse, Kendra Shepard, Kevin Napier, David Napier, Brianna Seese, and Alaina Seese

Great-grandchildren: Damien, Seth, Isaac, Dave, Dominic, Greyson, and Junior

Sister: Jeanette Maas

She is preceded in death by brothers: Ralph Welch, Clyde Welch, Larry Welch, Eugene Huntington, and Delbert Welch and sisters: Emma Grosskopf and baby Kathleen

Aleta requested that she be cremated and scattered over her flower garden. She did not wish to have a formal funeral or visitation service. The family will hold a celebration of life in the future (and always). We wish you all the joy she carried.

In lieu of flowers, please seek and share the love of God with those yet in need. God bless you all.