Della M. Meisinger, 93, Green Bay formerly of Mahnomen, MN, Owyhee, NV, Park Falls, WI, Aitkin, MN, Huntington Beach, CA, Detroit, MI, and Rogers City, MI passed away Tuesday, May 21, 2024. She was born March 7, 1931, in Rogers City, MI to Bernhardt and Edna (Bonnard) Jaeger.

Della was the embodiment of God's grace, beauty, and strength.  Regardless of the extreme difficulties she faced throughout her life, she pushed through with faith, and without hesitation, believing that "things will work out for the better."  Della was not only an incredible role model for her family, but her approach to life drew people to her who witnessed her absolute kindness and optimism.

Della was an accomplished vocalist with a booming mezzo-soprano voice.  Her talents landed her in the Detroit Civic Light Opera at the young age of 18.  She was honored with the cover of the light opera's performance of "The Song of Norway" during the height of American music theater in 1949.  Despite success and a bright singing future, her heart was with family and being a mother.  She chose family and faith over the bright lights.

Della married John Meisinger, a WWII veteran, on June 6th, 1953.  Together they would have 5 children: Joseph, Christopher, Thomas, Gregory, and William.  All were equally the love of her life.

At the age of 23, married and with a young son of her own, she became the caretaker of her youngest siblings, ages 15, 11, and 7, because of the untimely passing of her mother.  She also cared for her grandmother at the time.  Never one to complain or make situations about her, Della did what she did best – care selflessly and persevere.

Early on, during tough times, when money was tight, she introduced her sons and neighborhood kids to sockball instead of baseball.  Tightly balled socks with a tape cover were all that was needed for hours of childhood joy.  On occasion, Della would come home with a new baseball which would quickly find itself lost beyond hope in the deepest grass, ditch, bush, or woods imaginable. After all hope seemed lost, Della would work her wonders.  Della was known to have God's ear.  No matter was too small.  She would say "Let's say a prayer to St. Anthony to see if he can give us a hand."  Moments later, without fail, she would announce "Found it!"  This was and is the spirit of Della.  No matter how big or small the issue, she was there with a legion of angels to help and to lean on.  Her optimism in the most difficult of times was something to behold.

Della's youngest son, William, was born with a heart defect that would tragically take his life at the age of 8.  If ever there was a time for a mother to make things about her, this was the time, but not Della.  With a family heartbroken, she once again did what she did best at the most trying time.  Never wavering in her faith, she was a fearless and fierce defender of her family and friends.

Della sang into her mid 80's, never turning down a request to cantor a mass, oftentimes without accompaniment. Della loved her family and its history and enjoyed researching genealogy.  Starting before computers, with handwritten letters to libraries, town archivists, churches, and numerous townspeople whom she did not know, she was able to trace her family back to the 1500's.  Much of what one finds today on the internet about the Meisinger and Jaeger families can be attributed to Della.

No matter where she resided, Della always considered Michigan her home, particularly her hometown of Rogers City, MI.  Her retelling of stories of logging camps, Great Lakes shipping, and a childhood on the shores of Lake Huron always brought her joy.  The day before her passing, despite numerous ailments, her only complaint was that she was bored.

Bravo, Mom, Bravo!  God's review of your performance is no doubt spectacular.  You are deeply loved and will be dearly missed.

Della is survived by her sons, Joseph Meisinger, Christopher Meisinger, Thomas Meisinger, Gregory (Jennifer) Meisinger; grandchildren, Zachery, Jacob, Alexandra, Christian, Aidan, Ethan; sister, Diane Frechette.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John; son, William; siblings, Bernard, Kenneth, Leonard.

Burial will be in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Southfield, MI To send online condolences, please go to www.BlaneyFuneralHome.com.