Evelyn Birkholz

Resided in Gladstone, MI
Died February 11, 2025

Evelyn Birkholz, age 86, of Gladstone passed away on Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at the St. Francis Hospital in Escanaba.

Evelyn was born March 1, 1938 in Gladstone, the daughter of Charles and Flossie (Pelkey) Godfrey. She was born as a twin with her brother, Everett. She was the last of 16 children to be born and the last to pass. She was united in marriage to Michael Birkholz in 1971. Together they spent 53 years of marriage making memories which included them owning and operating the Bavarian Bakery in Gladstone from 1988 to 1993 and supporting Mike as an Unfranchise Owner with Market America for 35 years. Evelyn also operated a sign business when she was younger and ran the Happy Clown Ice Cream Truck for several years in Gladstone. She loved traveling every summer with friends on Mike’s Honda Gold Wing named the Rambling Rose. She also enjoyed gardening, oil painting, making porcelain dolls, crocheting, basket weaving, going to the casino and spending time with family.

Evelyn is survived by her children, Fred (Donna) Khollman, Anna (Mike) Gasperich, Chris (Dave) Hamrin, Randy Khollman, Michelle (Greg) Anderson, Roxann (Mike) Hebert and Ricky (Sarah) Khollman; grandchildren, Crystal, Cory, Jason, Heather, Jacob, Erin, Brandon, Jarred, Miranda, Ethan, Conor, Mike, Jessica, Jeff, Sheena, Stacy, Eric and Mindy; great grandchildren, Alexis, Gianna, Mackenzie, Brantly, Wyatt, Westyn, Kamryn, Rylee, Jack, Matthew, Ella, Luke, Hailey, Taylor and Ayden, great great grandchildren, Milania and Gabriella, numerous nieces and nephews and her cat and best friend, Annie.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Michael, her parents, daughter, Cathy Lynn Khollman, grandsons, Travis Hebert and Tommy Kholllman, her brothers, Ralph, Art, Merlan, Walter, Harrison, Robert, William, Ted, Irving, Gerald, Lyle and Everett and her sisters, Martha, Dorothy and Alice.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, February 19 from 3:00 to 5:00 PM at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Funeral services will begin at 5:00 PM with Fr. Brandon Yanni officiating. A luncheon will follow services at the Gladstone Yacht Club.

13 Tributes for “Evelyn Birkholz”

    My deepest sympathy for your loss. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. Evelyn was a truly lovely lady and she will be missed by so many.

    Our thought and prayers are with you. Evelyn was a sweet lady. May she rest in peace.
    Gary and Kathy Maynard

    I will miss you Evy, You and Mike were always so fun to be around! We enjoyed so many Motorcycle trips together! I will remember them always! You both got me through some rough times when Dad had his accident! I will never forget what you did for me! I know for sure you twowill be cruising in Heaven with CJ (Grandpa) tearing up the heavens! Rest in peace Evy, Love you lotts!

    To all Evelyn’s family. Harland and I are so sorry for your loss. She was a wonderful lady. My mom and her were great friends when they were in school and into adult life. My mom talked about her friend often. Moms are a heartwrenching loss that never goes away. Bless all of you in this difficult time.

    Evelyn, you remain in my heart and mind always, as the most kind and welcoming person to know. All the children you raised that I was privileged to know (Anna Gasperich being my closest & best), they stand as a testament to being raised by a loving Mom and Stepdad, Mike. You’ll be greatly missed by all who knew and loved you. May God comfort all of your family as they learn to live without you hear, yet embrace the knowledge you’ve gone ahead of them to Jesus.

    My condolences to you all. The loss of a mother is difficult. In time may your sorrow be replaced with all great memories of the time you had with her.

    I am saddened by the passing of my Aunt Evy but rest on the fact that she is free and happy in the arms of Christ. I can tell you that my first experience with Evy was at her wedding to her husband, my uncle, Micheal Birkholz and she was so sweet to me every day since that wedding. Every time we spoke, she was always more interested in my wellbeing and was always very supportive. My life has been enriched greatly from knowing her, her children and the entire Upper Michigan experience is a memory I hold dear. May the face of God shine upon my UP family and give you peace. Rest well Evy, we love you and will miss your kindness.

    My Prayers and Thoughts are with your family. She was a beautiful lady with a bright happy smile.
    Another angel went home. God Bless you all.

    Oh sweet lady I am so thankful that I got to know you over the years. You truly made Bill and I feel like family. Rest easy sweetheart a true angel you are. To all of the family our hearts are with yous today God bless you all. Love Bill and Leslie Mattson

Post a Tribute

Your email address will not be published. Tributes are moderated before posted. Required fields are marked *