Cora E. Dejarlais

Cora Elesta Wiedbrauk entered eternal life on Thursday, November 13, 2014 at her son's home in Curran, the community in which she had lived most of her ninety -eight years. Born November 5, 1916, in Curran, MI, she was the oldest child of Lewis and Elesta (Yoder) Wiedbrauk. Her grandparents, William and Eliza Wiedbrauk were among the first settlers in Curran, and Cora lived in the house they built as long as she was able. Her mother walked to the Curran Baptist Church with her when she was two weeks old, where she became a member and attended regularly as long as her health permitted. Cora was a woman ahead of her time in many ways, yet respected her traditional values and strong Christian faith.
Cora, her brothers and sister walked to a one-room country school where she completed eighth grade. She was among the first students in Curran to attend high school in Fairview, as a bus was purchased to transport them. She married Harry James DeJarlais on May 8, 1936. As a young bride, she and Harry farmed. When WWII broke out, they went to the city and she worked at AC Spark Plug factory as the final
inspector of war equipment before it was sent overseas. She often recalled the satisfaction she received for her part in the war efforts. After they returned to the farm, Cora's life changed when Harry became a deputy sheriff for Alcona County, He worked from their home, literally on call 24/7. This created a flurry of activities in their home, and law enforcement agents from the police and DNR frequented their home
where they always found lunch and coffee available to them, along with a sincere and warm smile from Cora. For many years, Cora kept hunters in their home. The hunters became like extended family and some came for three generations until she decided,about seventy years were enough!
An active lady, Cora enjoyed playing softball and basketball in her younger years, and made many quilts for her family members. She loved her productive garden and canned and froze fruits and vegetables for many years. For many years Cora served her community as a member of the school board, and was active in her church and always willing to lend a hand to anyone she could help. She was happiest in her own home where her open Bible was handy for her to read, and with her family around her.
Cora was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brothers, Floyd and Ned, an infant daughter, Dona, and cherished grandson Joseph Volpe. Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were very important to her. She is survived by three children: Ellen Volpe, Michael DeJarlais, and Judy Anderson (Carl Wick); and her grandchildren: Bart (Ann) Volpe, Patrick (Mimi) Volpe, Michelle (Allan) Davisson, Mitchell (Christine) DeJarlais, Michael (Lindsey) DeJarlais, Kelly Anderson, and Brian (Mary) Anderson. Adding another
generation of enjoyment to her life are her great-grand children: Jessica and Jonathon Volpe; Louie and Marcus Volpe; Madelynn and Jacob DeJarlais; Lauren, Taylor, and James Davisson; Kayla, Kyleigh, Hanna, Jenna, Michael and Lainee DeJarlais; Laken Rogers; Cora, Brianna, James and William Anderson. Also survivng are her sister Nellie (Allen) Pierce, her nieces and nephews and special nieces and nephew Janelle Menzie, Cindy Gallego, and Larry Pierce.
Visitation Monday, November 17, 2014 at the Curran Baptist Church from 9:30 AM until the time of Funeral Services at 11:00 AM, with Pastor David Cokonaugher offiiciating. Interment at Curran Cemetery, Curran, MI.
Arrangements by Lashley Funeral Home, Mio.