Gretchen E. Svehla, age 98, of 503 South 10th Street, Gladstone, passed away peacefully early Thursday morning, July 21, 2011, at the Sunny Shores Assisted Living Facility in Gladstone.Gretchen was born March 15, 1913, in Neenah, WI, the daughter of Walter and Emma (Blohm) Cramer. She eventually moved with her family to Munising where she attended and graduated from the Munising High School. On July 11, 1942, Gretchen was united in marriage to Frank R. Svehla, in Munising, and after relocating to Gladstone, Gretchen made a career as a bookkeeper for the Delta County Road Commission. Frank preceded Gretchen in death on October 30, 2001. Gretchen was a member of the First Lutheran Church in Gladstone and enjoyed belonging to the First Lutheran Church sewing and knitting circle. She was proud to have knitted nearly 1000 sweaters, for infants, through the Lutheran World Relief Program. In addition, Gretchen loved to read, work in her garden and enjoy life to the fullest. She will be deeply missed.
Survivors include:
Many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren, friends and caregivers.
Gretchen was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Emma, her husband, Frank and 2 sisters, Kathryn Jacobson and Helen Peterson.
Gretchen
Anonymous
Gretchen was a wonderful lady, who I had the privileged to care-take for. She taught me a lot in the time I was there with her at her home. We strolled all over town, had some really great moments. She touched my heart and I’ll miss her. She very seldom spoke of the pain she had just growing old, instead just embraced each day and what it had to offer her. My condolences to the family.
patricia kalishek
gladstone mi
You are in my prayers. I will always be thankful for having met such a wonderful person as Gretchen.
Sherry Dyszel
Escanaba MI
We loved Aunt Gretchen so much and will miss our Sunday calls to her and our in-person visits made when we were able to get back to Michigan. We always laughed and teased and kept up on the latest. To her nephews and niece on the Jacobson side (her sister Kathryn’s children) she was known as Aunt Gi because when they were little, they could not pronounce the name Gretchen. We call her Aunt Gi still and always will. Her laughter, her generosity, her love of life and her determination to do all that she could no matter her limitations in later years was an inspiration to us all. Although we cannot be there in person, we are there in spirit with all of you who love her, too. God bless and keep her and all of you there who held her dear like we do.
Much love, Paul (son of Kathryn Jacobson, Gretchen’s sister) and Cara Jacobson
Paul and Cara Jacobson
Medford OR
In my mind, Gretchen is purple flowered dresses and high heels, wonderful secretary, wife and friend. A beautiful lady with her signature hair-do, who ran the Road Commission while letting my Dad think he did! Flowered hankies, African violets, fresh cut flowers from my garden (purple), laughing eyes and great sense of humor. She always had time for me, a pencil and paper to play with as a child, and her discarded calculator tape! Love you Gretchen ~ always will! You and Frank were the best!
Barb
Barbara Karas
Rapid River, MI
Peace to you Gretchen and you are know home with Frank. I will always remember growing up next to you on 10th Street. The memories will last forever and so will the fishing poles!!!
Dawn Farrell Sailer
Gladstone, MI