Deidra Sue Splan
Deidra Sue Splan, 64, of Carp Lake, formerly of Onaway, died Monday, July 30, 2018 at University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor. The daughter of Morris Sr. and Alvernin (Sabisch) Domke, Deidra was born in Warren July 10, 1954. She married Timothy Splan Sr. at the University of Michigan Chapel in Ann Arbor September 11, 1980 and they moved to Onaway in 1982.
Deidra previously worked as an information operator for Michigan Bell and more recently as a front desk manager at America’s Best Value Inn in Mackinaw City, the Thunderbird Inn, as well as, the Pellston Lodge. Her main vocation was being a wife, mother and homemaker; Deidra’s family was her life. In addition to her own children, Deidra fostered and adopted 19 additional children by reuniting sibling groups. She had a big heart for helping others and her door was always open to anyone who needed a place to call home. Watching her children play in their various sports and other activities, as well as, her love for cooking for her large brood kept her heart full and brought her plenty of joy. Deidra enjoyed playing cards and Bingo, crocheting and supporting the Onaway Cardinals. She traveled all over northern Michigan to watch her family play football, baseball, softball, basketball, track and field, and volleyball.
A giving person who was generous in donating her time, Deidra volunteered for the Special Olympics of Michigan, was a parent advocate for the Cheboygan-Otsego-Presque Isle Educational School District, and was active with the Michigan Foster and Adopted Parents Association. She also volunteered at the Onaway Area Schools where she was the “popcorn lady” in the elementary and an avid supporter for many of her children’s sports’ teams and the Future Homemakers of America.
Deidra enjoyed singing in the Onaway Community Christmas Choir and was a longtime member at Holy Cross Lutheran Church and Joy Community Church.
Surviving Deidra is her husband of nearly 38 years, Timothy Splan Sr. of Carp Lake; daughters, Charlotte Cromie, Ann (John) Bunker, Marleen (Kurt) Brown, Krystal (Bob) Boerner, Wendy (Mike) Henderson-Splan, Tina Splan, Lin Splan, Sharina (Ricarzi) Splan, LaNisha (Mike) Boughner, Rachael (Brandon) Rot
Deidra was preceded in death by her parents, Morris Sr. and Alvernin “Vern” Domke.
Visitation will be held today (Thursday, August 2) from 4 – 8 p.m. at the Onaway United Methodist Church followed by the funeral to begin at 11 a.m. Friday, August 3. The Revs. Yoo Jin Kim and Carmen Cook will officiate. Deidra’s final resting place will be at North Allis Township Cemetery in Onaway. Those planning an expression of sympathy, please consider a donation in memory of Deidra to her family to help with expenses or to Autism Speaks (autismspeaks.org).