Sophia Susan Bucholtz, age 87, of Gladstone, formerly of Marquette passed away on Friday, October 23, 2009 at the Christian Park Health Care Center in Escanaba.
Sophia Susan Bongartz was born to Henry and Susan Bongartz in Marquette, Michigan on October 19, 1922 and had three sisters, Yvonne (Ron) Merkel, Evelyn (Ike) Weiger and Betty Stack.
Sophia married James R. Bucholtz of Trenary on November 25, 1948. They enjoyed raising their four children, James H. (Marilynn) Bucholtz of Marquette, Paulette (Thomas) Ciociorka of Alpena, Michigan, Mary Lou (Dean) Krieg of Safford, Arizona and Judy (John) Davidson of Schaumberg, Illinois. She was blessed with nine grandchildren, twenty great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren.
Sophia
Anonymous
I have no will to weep or sing,No least desire to pray or curse;
The loss of love is a terrible thing;
They lie who say that death is worse.
…C. Cullen
Jim:
I know you loved Sophia…
My heart and prayers are with you now…
Linda Carso
Marquette, MI
The first time I met Sophia was over 7 years ago on my first trip to Michigan. As Kayce and I pulled into the driveway, I noticed their address number, 7481. The birth years of both mine and Kayce, together as one. I saw that number as a sign that perhaps this was the wife and family I had been looking for. Sophia was gracious, entertaining, and charming as she walked along with us as we looked at her flowers and plants, a favorite of both hers and Kayce. She accepted me without hesitation, made me welcome, and erased my doubts and fears of fitting in with my new family to be. Sophia’s life shows its effects over two generations, in the son who is the best father-in-law I could ever have, and in her grandaughter Kayce, my wife. Kayce shares many attributes with Sophia, but one stands out, her work ethic. Kayce, like Sophia, is always working, always doing, always making sure each and everything that needs to be done is done. Sophia we will miss you always, rest easy for your work here is done, you have done it so well, and the lesson you taught live on through Jim and Kayce. Thank you for everything. Rest Well and enjoy the next part of your journey. Love, Kayce and Gabe.
Kayce and Gabe Gordon
Marquette, MI
What I know about grandma was her determination to always be doing something. We all should have been raised on a farm. But at the end she said she was tired and wanted to go to sleep. Grandma we all give you permission to rest now. And when you’ve had enough rest you can go cut the lush green lawns in paradise and pick up as many apples, leaves as you wish. You never complained about your aches and pains. Instead you told me how good I looked, how good our dinner was, and how beautiful our place was. I will miss your gentleness, but then again I receive it through your son Podkey. He is kind and gentle and giving. your love goes on. your daughter in law, Marilyn.
Marilyn Bucholtz
Marquette, MI
Dear Polly and family,
Please accept our deepest sympathy on the loss of your dear mother. David and I know first-hand how difficult it is to watch one’s parent suffer in illness . . . and yet when the suffering is over we are left to feel the permanence of our loss.
We wish you and your family love and peace.
Barbara Mason
Rockford, IL
Jim,
Our deepest sympathy is with you and your family.
Ben and Priscilla Mayhew
Safford, AZ
Grandpa,
Sorry to hear about grandma. But just know that she is looking over all of us. We love you and miss you very much.
Clay Mayhew & Family
Safford, AZ
We love the memories we had shared with you and Grnadpa, you will be greatly missed!
Angie Jefferson (Cieicorka)
Grand Rapids, MI
Dear Grandpa: I am so very sorry to learn of Grandma’s passing. I wish I could find words that would comfort you at this time. I do know that she loved you so very much. I could see it in her eyes when she looked at you. I am certain that you will both be together again some day.
I send you all my love. . . . Lisa
Lisa Mullen
Grand Junction, CO
Grandpa I wish I could’ve been there. I am glad that my children all got to know and love Grandma as much as I did. We went to mass for Grandma, said a rosary, had a nice dinner with all the kids and went through pictures of you and Grandma and the kids. It was nice to go through the good memories. I love you and God Bless.
Tammy & Eric Mayhew & Family
Safford, AZ
Dear Grandpa, What a beautiful, strong, and optimistic woman she was. I am sorry for your loss and I want you to know that my mom really appreciated your dedication to her care, especially over the past few years as her health declined. I hope that your memories of the best times will bring you peace in the days ahead. I will see you in the spring. God bless.
Sarah Pasia
Port Huron, MI
I was surprised and saddened to hear of Sophia’s passing, may her friends any family rest easy knowing she has gone to a better place.
Krieg Steven Short
Trenton, MI
Jim, I am very sad to hear about Sophie passing away. I found her to be a very delightful woman. My sister Chris, in a short amount of time, thought the same thing about her. Definetely she a was a very special person and my sister and I were very happy to get to know her for that short time. Our condolences to you. Mike and Chris
Mike Pryal
Gladstone, MI