Elizabeth with her daughter Sandra Schultz-Doepker.

Mausoleum stone, Greenlawn Memorial Park, Neenah, WI

Debby with her son Josh Bashaw.

Burial Monument, St Johns Cemetery, Menasha, Winnebago, WI
Military Service Plaque, St Johns Cemetery, Menasha, Winnebago, WI

Burial Monument, St Johns Cemetery, Menasha, Winnebago, WI

Obituary:
The Rev. Douglas R. Groenewold, 61, of Muskego, Wis., formerly of Bloomington, died Monday (May 20, 2002) at his home. His funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday at Risen Savior Lutheran Church of Franklin with private cremation to follow. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Max A. Sass & Sons, Mission Hills Chapel, Franklin, and from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. Friday at the church. Memorials may be made to Risen Savior Lutheran Church Building Fund or Piano Fund, 9501 W. Drexel Ave., Franklin, WI 53132. Survivors include his wife, Gwen Eberhardt Groenewold; children, Christopher Haber-bosch (Jennifer Yeakley), Peter (Sandi) Groenewold, Joel (Susie) Groenewold, Jennifer (Jose) Paez, Aaron Groenewold and Andrew Haberbosch; 10 grandchildren, Spencer, Noah, Gretchen, Maggie, Elizabeth, Douglas, Celene, Matthew, Nicholas and Olivia; two brothers, David Groenewold and Jerry Groenewold; .one sister, Sylvia Hall; and other relatives and friends. Pastor Groenewold served as a missionary in PaPau, New Guinea, from 1967-1972; pastor at St. John Lutheran Church, Withee, Wis., 1973-1984; chaplain of Sheboygan Memorial Medical Center, 1984-1988. He was pastor of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Bloomington, from 1988 to 1995; and pastor at Risen Savior Lutheran Church in Franklin, from 1995 until the time of his death. He conducted opening invocation for Milwaukee Mile for several years. He attended Pastoral Leadership Institute & The Garrett Theology Seminary. He was past president of Franklin Noon Lions Club. He was an avid bowler, and an accomplished woodworker.
- The Bloomington Pantograph, May 23, 2002

Documents:
Burial headstone, Evergreen Cemetery, Kalkaska, MI

Obituary:
PETOSKEY - Edgar F. "Mr. Ed" Lantzer, 77, of Petoskey and formerly of Kalkaska, succumbed to cancer and passed from this life, in his sleep, at Northern Michigan Regional Hospital in the early hours of Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2009. Mr. Lantzer had been bravely fighting cancer for several years.
Born Feb. 12, 1932, in Kalkaska, he was the son of the late Ervin and Ruby (Bennett) Lantzer.
Ed Lantzer is the artist in marquetry whose unique work � 120 linear feet of four-by-eight, wood mosaic panels, depicting images from the life of Christ � had been on display at the Ed Lantzer Gallery on Mitchell Street in Petoskey for the past 18 months. The "panels" are currently placed on display in the Washington Square Mall of Evansville, Ind., where more than 20,000 visitors have enjoyed Ed's work since they left Petoskey on the 14th of October.
Last week, Evansville Mayor Jonathan Weinsapfel and a local television crew descended on Washington Square Mall to proclaim Dec. 17 Ed Lantzer Day in Evansville, respecting the positive spiritual impact the artist's work has had on the lives of its citizens. Ed returned to Petoskey to spend his last days with friends. The panels will soon follow.
Ed married Jean Hulbert on Aug 22, 1950. He is also survived by their children, Donna (Ronald) VanderHulst, LeeRoy (Diane), MaryEllen (Ron) Pereira, Shirley Triplett, Catherine (Paul) Kissling, Patricia (Dean) Little, John (Amy) and Amy Jo (Clifford) Graves; 21 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; his sisters, Blanche Hogerheide, June Brunette, Mary Heinzelman and Delores Rainey; several nieces and nephews; long-time friends, Lon and Sandra Husbands; and dear friends on the board of Ed's foundation, "My Fathers Love."
Ed was preceded in death by his daughter, Jean Yvonne; his son-in-law, Vic Triplett; and his brother, Irvin.
Visitation will take place Saturday, Jan. 2, from 5 until 8 p.m. at Wolfe-O'Neill Funeral Home in Kalkaska.
The funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 3, also at the funeral home. Burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery.
Plans are in place to celebrate Ed's life at the gallery in Evansville, Ind., on Jan. 9, 2010. The board of directors of My Father's Love Foundation will organize a similar celebration in Petoskey later in January.
Those who would like to make a tax-deductible contribution in memory of Ed Lantzer to the Foundation's efforts to continue to tour My Father's Love exhibit may do so by designating their contributions to My Father's Love Foundation, P.O. Box 114, Elk Rapids, MI 49629, or by visiting the Web site at www.myfatherslove.info.
- Wolfe-O'Neill Funeral Home, Petoskey, MI

 

Obituary:
A loving, kindhearted, and hard working man, William Hillmert was best known for his spirit of generosity as he went over and above to give to others while expecting nothing in return. A devoted husband, dedicated father, and doting grandfather, he will be deeply missed and warmly remembered.
The 1960s saw the rise of civil rights, amazing accomplishments in space, and the Woodstock Festival during the time when we also elected the young John F. Kennedy as our 35 President of the United States. It was just as this decade was getting started that David and Melvina Hilmert welcomed their son, William Keith, into their hearts and home on September 7, 1961, in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He was the third of four children in his family, raised alongside his siblings, Robin, John, and Charles. Bill�s father was a preacher while his mother was a nurse.
From a young age Bill had an independent spirit. He left home at the age of 14 and found a job as a cook in Mackinac City. After returning to Southwestern Michigan, Bill made a career working at several restaurants throughout the area. He was very talented, and his favorite dish to make was biscuits and gravy that his family and friends always said were fantastic. When his health issues demanded, Bill stopped working.
Life was forever changed for Bill when he met Rose Martinez at the Crystal Club where they were both working. After dating for a couple of years they were married on August 3, 1991. Bill also adopted her son, Crespin, and raised him as his own. Together they were blessed with two children, Joseph and David, and he also had a son named William from a previous relationship.
Bill was a dedicated father who was active with his children. During their younger years they did plenty of camping and fishing. Bill also enjoyed making home improvements to their house in Lawton. He was also a loving and devoted son who cared for his mother before her death in 2013 despite facing his own health challenges.
In his leisure time Bill enjoyed pursuing his interests. He loved being out in nature and was a talented hobby photographer whose work often included beautiful things outside. Bill even had his own darkroom. Fishing was another favorite activity. When relaxing he enjoyed watching television including nature shows, foreign movies, westerns, and Lord of the Rings. Convinced that he would find a reason for everything, Bill was a bit of a pack rat who threw next to nothing away.
Known for his amazing sense of humor, his constant smile, and his fantastic cooking skills, Bill Hilmert was an extraordinary man to know and love. Nothing put a sparkle in his eye like being around kids, especially his grandson, CJ. He will never be forgotten.
Bill Hilmert died on Wednesday, February 12, 2014. Bill�s family includes his children: William Keith Hilmert, Joseph Del Hilmert, David Keith Hilmert; siblings: Robin McLoud, John Hilmert; 4 grandchildren; and former wife Rosie Hilmert. Bill was preceded in death by his son, Crespin in 2004; parents, and brother, Charles. Funeral Services will be at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, February 18, 2014, at the Life Story Funeral Home, Betzler-Thompson, 60900 M-40, Paw Paw (657-3870). The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Please visit Bill�s personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can sign his guestbook or archive a favorite memory or photo. Memorial contributions may be made to the family.

Documents:
Burial monument, Saint Mary of the Woods Catholic Cemetery, Barker Creek, MI

Obituary:
Edward Alexander Chwastek, 74, of Kalkaska, passed away July 12, 2004, at home surrounded by his loving family.
Edward was born on June 6, 1930, in Detroit. He married Helen M. Gutowski on Feb. 11, 1961.
Edward served his country honorably in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War. He worked at Shanty Creek for 27 years as a chef and retired in 1994. He was a member of St. Mary of the Woods Catholic Church.
Edward is survived by his wife, Helen; children, Todd Edward (Renee) Chwastek, Linda (Craig) Barrett and Cyndie Witt, all of Kalkaska; and four grandchildren.
Memorials may be given in behalf of Edward to Munson Hospice, 1105 Sixth St., Traverse City, Mich. 49684-2386; North Country Hospice, P.O. Box 1087, Kalkaska, Mich. 49646, or American Cancer Society, 525 W. 14th St., Ste. 5, Traverse City, Mich. 49684.
- Detroit Free Press, 27 May 1979

 

  

Obituary:
Katherine �Katie� Renee Konsella, 58, of Traverse City, passed away on July 1, 2025.
Katie was born on November 27, 1966, in Traverse City, Michigan, to the late Carl and Doris (Keene) Martin. She graduated from Traverse City Central High School in 1984 and went on to attend Michigan State University to further her education. Later, she worked to teach the community about health and nutrition, something she felt passionate about.
Katie had a deep love for music�especially rock �n� roll�and during her teens and twenties, she sang in several local bands. She had an incredible voice and a gift for writing heartfelt, beautiful songs.
One of her favorite hobbies was singing and playing guitar, bringing loved ones together, and filling gatherings with music and warmth. She loved sharing about different musical artists and their bands, often lighting up as she talked about their performances and the unique stories behind their songs. Katie delighted in learning and telling others about the history of musicians she admired, sharing details about their lives, the bands they were in, and the stories behind the music that meant so much to her.
During high school, Katie met the love of her life, Steve Martin Konsella. The two were married in 1986 and together raised five beloved children: Steven, Brittany, Kassandra, Nickolas, and Christian.
Katie was a devoted and loving mother to her children who meant everything to her. She was also passionate about all airshows and fighter planes, particularly the Blue Angels, and enjoyed sharing her enthusiasm for fighter planes with anyone who would listen. Katie loved attending the harness races at the fairgrounds, watching the Kentucky Derby and other horse races, a hobby she shared with her father. She also loved listening to Ernie Harwell call the Detroit Tigers game's over the radio on sunny summer afternoons with her dad, a memory she cherished.
Her deep affection for animals was evident in everything she did. Katie was an animal advocate who found joy in raising her horses and caring for her dogs, especially her beloved labs and husky. Even feeding the birds and squirrels meant so much to her, reflecting her heart of gold and the love she had for all animals.
Katie loved to laugh and had a great sense of humor. She rarely missed watching Saturday Night Live and enjoyed sharing a good laugh with those around her.
Katie will be missed by all those who knew and loved her.
Katie is survived by her loving children, Steven (Rachel) Konsella, Kassanda �Kassie� (boyfriend Steven Lyons) Konsella, Nickolas (Tamara) Konsella, Christian (Amber) Konsella, grandchildren, Reagan, Collyns, Alexandria, Sylis, Serenity, and Samson, her siblings, Cheryl Burnett, William (Susan) Dewar, Candace (Paul) Demianenko, her boyfriend Wayne (Pico) Mitchell Cockrum, Jr. of many years, and many other loving family members and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her infant daughter, Brittany, her husband Steve in 2014, her brothers Karl and Tom, and her brother-in-law Charlie Burnett.
A visitation will take place on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, beginning at 12:30 PM, followed by a funeral service at 1:30 PM Katie will be laid to rest at Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens immediately following the service with her husband Steve.
- Reynolds Jonkoff Funeral Home

Obituary:
Wayne Roy Watson, 85, a lifelong resident of Kalkaska, peacefully passed away at his home on Tuesday, January 9, 2024. He was born on April 30, 1938, to the late Roy and Ardis (Cross) Watson. Wayne's legacy is one marked by love, laughter, and a deep family connection. A man with a zest for life, Wayne had an innate ability to bring joy to those around him. Wayne was the owner of his own excavating company and he enjoyed woodworking. He was known for his quick wit and joy of reminiscing. Despite life's challenges, he never uttered a complaint. His kitchen table was his meeting place, a testament to his welcoming nature and the love that surrounded him. Wayne enjoyed trout fishing, fly fishing, and time around farm animals, especially cows. His affinity for grilling and campfires made gatherings with friends and family unforgettable, creating cherished memories that will endure. A man of strength and determination, Wayne possessed a tough exterior, but his heart was truly giant. His love extended not only to his family but also to his loyal companion, his beloved dog Harley. Wayne Roy Watson leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and resilience. As we mourn his passing, let us also celebrate a life well-lived and the memories we now cherish. He is survived by his loving wife of over 67 years, Sally (Cruse) Watson; three children Robin (Michael) Mamo, Wanda (Dan) Fritzsche, and Rita (Chuck) Snyder; grandchildren Ryan Haynes, Lucas Mamo, Matthew (Rebekah) Gerring, Aaron Mamo, James (Lindsay) Gerring, and Hannah (Ray) Fettes; great-grandchildren Hailey, Rylee, Landen, Jacob, Lucas, Brennan, and Jason; siblings Sandy, Dale, Arnie, Kathy, and Phyllis. He was preceded in death by his parents; infant son Mark Allen Watson; son Roy Wayne Watson and brother Gordon Watson. A Celebration of Life will take place in the spring. Arrangements have been entrusted to Kalkaska Funeral Home and Cremation Services.
- Kalkaska Funeral Home

  

Obituary:
Dan Rhoat, 55, of Kalkaska, passed away on October 14, 2017 at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City. He was born on May 10, 1962 in Green Bay, Wisconsin, the son of the late, Gordon and Linda (Schmidt) Rhoat.
Dan is survived by his children, Daniel Scott Rhoat, and Amber Renee Eggars, both of Kalkaska; grandchildren, Hunter Rhoat, Natalie Rhoat, Fischer Rhoat and Aries Eggars; his sisters, Amy M. (George) Raymond of Kalkaska, Ann L. (Mike Pudlo) Rhoat of Montana; the mother of his children, Barb (Ken) Miller of Kalkaska; dear friends, Freddie C. Bechtol, Jr. and Kathleen Marie LaLonde, both of Mancelona.
Dan was proceeded in death by his daughter, Shanda Marie Rhoat; and his brother John Edward Rhoat.
Dan enjoyed working in the garage, ice fishing, disc golfing and the �great outdoors�. He loved his cars.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 21st at 4:00 pm at Wolfe-O�Neill Funeral Home with visitation beginning at 3:00 pm.
Memorials may be given to Dan�s family, c/o Kathleen LaLonde, 106 S. Cherry St., Kalkaska, MI 49646.
- Wolfe-O�Neill Funeral Home