Bettie Ann Sterner

Bettie Ann Sterner, 93, formerly of Kalkaska, Michigan, passed away on March 7, 2023, at Sanctuary at the Oaks in Muskegon, Michigan. She was born on May 16, 1929, in Michigan, to the late Lee Joseph Keenan and Tressa O’Connor Keenan. It’s hard to sum up the remarkable 93 years of life Bettie lived — nearly 70 of which were alongside her late husband, Fred. In her earlier years, Bettie worked in a variety of administrative roles at Northville Public Schools in the greater Detroit area, where she and her husband raised their daughter. She and Fred also traveled far and wide in their trusty camper, blazing a trail across the country. They also enjoyed traveling by rail, both in the United States and abroad, and went to several countries together. Bettie’s eyes would light up especially bright as she talked about her visit to the Holy Land in the Middle East. Back home, Bettie and Fred were longtime supporters of Camp Arcadia in Arcadia, Michigan. They brought their family — including three grandchildren and five great grandchildren — to their beloved “RKD” nearly every year for decades. Bettie also served on the board of the Lutheran Camp Association. Bettie loved nature, and especially birds. She would often stand outside her cabin and whistle bird calls, with a handful of seeds. She’d smile as the birds came and ate out of her hand and exclaim: “Their little feet are so warm!” She also volunteered at Hospice and the Kalkaska County Historical Museum and was active in her church, alongside Fred. They sang together in the choir at St. Paul’s Lutheran in Kalkaska and attended Bible studies. They were also part of a bowling league and also avid card players. Together, Bettie and Fred instilled their love of card games like Euchre, Kings in the Corner and Golf into four generations of family members. Bettie was still beating everyone in cards well into her 90s. To see Bettie and Fred sharing their love story in a video created by their granddaughter, visit bit.ly/FredAndBettie. Bettie was preceded in death by her husband, Frederick William Sterner, and her parents. She is survived by her daughter Denice (Wesley) Wegner; her grandchildren Benjamin (Stacey) Wegner; Jeremy (Melissa) Wegner; and Rachel Wegner; and her great grandchildren: Avery, Madison, Hannah, Rebekah, and Carissah. Visitation is from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 12, 2023, at Kalkaska Funeral Home at 152 South Cedar Street. A funeral service will immediately follow at the funeral home chapel, with Pastor Eric Black presiding. She will be buried at Evergreen Cemetery in Kalkaska, laid to rest next to her husband. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church at 2470 Beebe Road, Kalkaska, Michigan, 49646, or to Camp Arcadia at 3046 Oak Street, Arcadia, Michigan, 49613. Arrangements have been entrusted to Kalkaska Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Bettie Ann Sterner

May 16, 1929 - March 7, 2023