Betty Karnitz

Resided in Gladstone, MI
Died June 13, 2020

Betty Karnitz, age 90, passed away peacefully into the arms of her Lord and Savior, on June 13, 2020, at her home with family by her side.

Betty was the first born daughter of Gaylord and Florence (Dittrich) Blake of Wells, MI. She was a 1946 graduate of Escanaba High School.

On December 28, 1948, Betty was united in marriage to Victor Karnitz and together the couple built their home and raised their eight children in Gladstone. They spent many happy summer days at their cottage in Maywood Shores.

After a long and industrious career, Betty retired from the Bay De Noc Lure Company at the age of 85. She continued to stay busy and nurture her love of children by volunteering as a Reading Buddy at the Gladstone Schools. She remained a devout member of her church, St. Martin Evangelical Lutheran Church, in Rapid River, MI, throughout her life.

Survivors include:
Daughters: Mary Jo (Tom) VanHorn, Karen (Gary) LeClaire,
Nancy (Jim) DeGrand, Patti (Mark) Hager,
Sandey (Mark) Hereau, and Sara (Bill) Hawker
Son: Paul (Cindy) Karnitz
Sister: Marlene (Lloyd) James
Brother: Leroy (Karen) Blake
Son in law: Mark (Cindy) Phillips
Brother in law: Ron Nelson
Sister in law: Ruthie Blake

17 Grandchildren and many Great Grandchildren

In addition to her parents and her husband Victor, Betty was preceded in death by:
Cherished Daughter: Sue Phillips
Brother: Jimmy Blake
Sister in law: Lois Nelson
Brother in law: Gordon Everett

Family will receive friends on Tuesday, from 5:00PM to 7:00PM, at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Funeral services will follow visiting hours, at 7:00PM, at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone, with Pastor Philip Paustian of St. Martin Evangelical Lutheran Church officiating. Betty will be laid to rest next to her husband Victor in the Gardens of Rest Cemetery in Wells. Betty’s family would like to extend a warm hearted thank you to the Bishop Noa Home and OSF Hospice for their superb care of their mother. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting with arrangements.

12 Tributes for “Betty Karnitz”

    Our love & Christian Sympathy to all of the great family Betty & Vic were blessed to have & love. Betty & Vic were the nicest people & we were blessed by their extended family connection. God bless. You are remembered in our prayers.
    Jim & Karen Hager Ombrello

    As a little girl, Betty was the mom of my friend Nancy. She was the person who had coffee with my mom. I had the good fortune of reconnecting with Betty as a Facebook friend. It was then that I got to know a little more about what was important to her. Thank you, Betty. You brought sunshine to the lives of many people.

    Dear Karnitz Family,
    My most heartfelt condolences on the passing of your mother/grandmother/sister… She will always hold a special place in my heart. While growing up, as Sara’s friend, her warm kindness always made me feel welcome and part of the family. I also had the pleasure of working with her at Bay De Noc Lure for a brief time. I don’t remember the specifics of what we talked about to pass the time, but I do know that I considered her a friend. I hope that you all find comfort in each other and in happy memories during this difficult time.
    Much Love,
    Tonya Laakko Train

    Betty; No words could ever thank you for the kindness and generosity you and your family showed me while growing up. Because of you, I had stability, inclusiveness, comfort and the peace of knowing everything would be alright. Your intuition was second to none. You offered sound advice in a gentle way. The impact you made by including me as a part of the family still touches my heart to this day. I will cherish your memory always. Thank you Karnitz’s for sharing your amazing mom. Rest well sweet Betty.

    Betty was such a special lady. I have so many fond memories of her as our families were very close. She could effortlessly feed crowds of people. Our cottages were built next to each other and I remember asking my mom what are we having for dinner. Her reply was we are waiting for Betty to invite us and she always did! We would have her famous paprika chicken legs homemade blueberry pies and no one could fry perch like her. To this day if I see a pressure cooker I think of Betty. She was a faith filled person . I dont remember her worrying about things or ever complaining about the pain I know she was enduring . She gave these things to God. When you were with her the world just seemed a happier place. So many wonderful qualities to emulate. I will never forget her and treadure the times together. Luckily I can still see her loving ways in her children. God bless I know she is happy in Heaven surrounded by loved ones.

    The Karnitzes were our next door neighbors while growing up in Gladstone. For several years I considered them my second family. I was especially close with Sue, Mary Joe, Karen and Paul. I spent a lot of time in their house and special fun times at their cottage. Rest In Peace, Betty.

    Many wonderful summer vacations were spent in the UP. I was a lucky to have so many cousins I could spend summer fun with.
    The only time I got in trouble was when Paul and I put birds in the garbage can. Betty came out to throw the garbage out and the birds flew into her as they escaped.
    All I heard her say was “SANDYYYYYYY ! We were running too fast to hear anymore.
    My heart aches. She was one in a million.

    To all my Karnitz cousins, Hard to believe her time has come. My heart aches for all of you. She was such a sweet lady and raised a wonderful family! I know you all have many happy memories of time spent with her. Keep your memories close and know she is now with your dad and suffers no more! Hugs and love to all!❤️❤️

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