March 3, 1931 – October 17, 2025
Dorraine Smith Snogren, died on October 17, 2025, at the age of 94.
Born on March 3, 1931, in St. Louis, Michigan, to Clarence and Ida Snogren, Dorraine was raised in New Brunswick, Canada; Prince Edward Island; and Mars Hill, Maine. He later attended Taylor University in Upland, Indiana. A devout Christian, Dorraine shared his faith through music, playing trombone in a trio during a mission trip to Portugal and France. He continued his theological education at Biblical Seminary in New York City, where he met Ruth Folta. They were married in Bay City, Michigan, in 1955 and settled in Michigan the following year.
Dorraine was an ordained Methodist pastor and a gifted speaker whose ministry helped every church he served to grow. He began his pastoral work in Onaway, MI, where he and Ruth raised their four sons. He later served in West Branch, MI, and then moved to the thriving city of Flint, MI, where he was the pastor of Calvary United Methodist Church for 22 years. There, his wife Ruth served as organist and choir director, and the church grew to over 600 members—eventually necessitating the construction of a new sanctuary. Dorraine also led the Holy Spirit Conference in Flint for many years and was invited to speak at churches across Australia. His deep faith and commitment to living as a Christian inspired and influenced many.
Dorraine loved gardening, jogging, and taking long family summer vacations to Florida, as well as hiking trips to the Rocky Mountains, Glacier National Park, and Yellowstone. He especially cherished camping on Lake Margrethe in Grayling, MI, across from his parents’ cabin. He found peace in his morning quiet time with a good book and coffee.
In later years, Dorraine was drawn to the Orthodox Christian faith, influenced by the spiritual journeys of his four sons. He and Ruth were eventually baptized into Orthodoxy, with Dorraine taking the name Seraphim, in honor of St. Seraphim of Sarov. He retired early, at age 59, due to his deepening Orthodox convictions and moved to New Hampshire, where he built a home next to his eldest son, Eric (Fr. Andrew). They became members of Dormition of the Theotokos Orthodox Church in Concord, where Eric would later serve as parish priest. Dorraine enjoyed hiking the White Mountains and spending evenings around the fire pit with family and friends. He and Ruth also sang for many years with the Pemigewasset Choral Society in Plymouth, NH.
In 2014, Dorraine and Ruth built an extension onto their son Kyle’s home in Bethel, ME. They enjoyed daily walks—often hand-in-hand—to the neighborhood coffee shop, strolls around town, trips to the Maine coast, and visits from extended family and Dorraine’s brother, Richard. They especially treasured their time helping to raise their granddaughter, Ruthie.
A special thank you to the dear friends, extended family, and all our Chapman Street neighbors for your friendship, care, rides, and watchful presence in Dorraine and Ruth’s later years. Your kindness, love, and support enriched their lives. Linda, Bob, Judy, and Echoo—you became part of our family, and we are forever grateful.
Dorraine is survived by his sons and their families: Eric (also known as Fr. Andrew) and his wife Sandra/Alexandra, and granddaughter Krista (Tom Moriarty) with great-grandchildren Thomas, Aidan, and Declan; granddaughter Hilarie (Gardner Foss) with great-grandchildren Benjamin and Brooke; son John Mark (Fr. Juvenaly) and his wife Valerie, with grandson Nicholas (Anna) and great-grandchildren John, Vasili, and Thomas; and grandson Thomas (Ruth) with great-granddaughter Justina; son Kyle and his wife Chrys, with granddaughter Ruth-Georgia; and son Dean and his wife Anya, with granddaughters Tamara (Tonny Wu) and Natasha. He is also survived by his brother Richard, his nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his beloved wife Ruth, his parents Clarence and Ida, sister-in-law Eleanor Snogren, and brother-in-law John Folta.
Visiting hours will be held Friday, November 7, from 4-6 p.m. at the Bethel Methodist Church on 75 Main Street in Bethel, Maine. An Orthodox funeral service will follow at the Methodist Church on Saturday, November 8, at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Bethel United Methodist Church (BUMC) Renovation Fund or a charity of your choice in memory of Dorraine Snogren.
Please join us in remembering and celebrating the extraordinary and faith-filled life of Dorraine Seraphim Snogren. His devotion, wisdom, and love touched countless lives. May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may his memory be eternal—a comfort and inspiration to all who knew him.
Arrangements are under the care of Chandler Funeral Homes, 45 Main St., South Paris. Online condolences may be shared with his family at www.chandlerfunerals.com.
Last Updated on October 31, 2025