Alfred Dorfstatter

Alfred Dorfstatter

Age 96, of Novi, passed away on July 2, 2022. He was born on January 21, 1926 in Dunkelstein, Austria; son of Joseph and Anna Dorfstatter. Alfred was united in marriage to Helene “Lene” Heinrich on February 27, 1954, spending over 58 loving years together until her death in 2012.

Alfred was born and raised in Austria. In 1953 he moved from Austria to Canada before finding his home in Michigan in 1955. He has lived in Novi for almost 10 years; he was previously from Livonia and Dearborn Heights. He received a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering degree from the University of Vienna. He retired from Ford Motor Company as a Mechanical Engineer, Supervisor in 1976.

Alfred enjoyed being active. When he was a young boy, he was a gymnast in Austria, as he got older, he was involved in soccer, skiing, dancing, sailing, and hiking. Dancing was his passion; he loved to waltz and would have dance parties with his neighbors. He considered dancing his enjoyable exercise. Skiing was a sport Alfred enjoyed until he was in his 70’s. After retirement travelling became a big part of his life. His favorite places he visited were Alaska with his family, Colorado because it reminded him of Austria, and of course going home to Austria. Playing cards and Rummikub with family, friends, and neighbors brought him joy.  Alfred was a strong, gracious, and positive father, Opa, great Opa and friend.

Alfred is survived by his children, Bernice (Gary) VanBuhler and Walter (Lynn) Dorfstatter; his grandchildren, Eric (Mary) VanBuhler, Evan VanBuhler, Ashley (Hayden) Gloyeske, and Alana Dorfstatter; and his great grandson Avery VanBuhler. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; his brother, Joseph Dorfstatter; and his sister, Melanie Neubauer.

A time of gathering will be held Friday, July 8, 2022 from 11am until 12:30pm with a memorial service beginning at 12:30pm at Casterline Funeral Home, 122 West Dunlap, Northville.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial contributions to the Austrian Society of Detroit , Carpathia Hall, 38000 Utica Road, Sterling Heights, MI 48312 or the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society , PO Box 22324, New York, NY 10087.