Obituaries

Anne B. Kalchik

Died Dec. 18, 2015

Anne B. Kalchik, 89, of Northport, passed away Friday, Dec. 18, at Tendercare in Suttons Bay.

Born January 2, 1926, Anne was the first of Wencil and Emma (Houdek) Sedlacek’s five children. Raised in East Leland on the family farm, a strong work ethic was instilled in Anne from a young age.

Anne graduated from Leland Rural Agricultural School in 1944. Possessing an independent spirit, she moved to Grand Rapids to attend cosmetology school. At this time, she also worked as a nanny, honing her multitude of household skills. After becoming licensed in cosmetology in 1946, she began working in a salon in Traverse City. Although she stopped practicing after a few years, her expertise in the field was always evident in her own perfectly curled and set hair.

Anne married Edward Kalchik in 1948 and the two remained inseparable until his death in February of this year. Theirs was a true and lasting love, something that many aspire to but few find with such certainty and depth. Together, they had three children, Barbara, Mark, and Patricia.

In 1963, the family moved to a farm on Jelinek Road. Living here, she often wore a shirt emblazoned with the saying: “This ain’t no ordinary farm wife you’re dealing with.” This phrase fit her well. She raised dozens of chickens, collecting and selling the eggs. Tending to her raspberry plants was another pastime. Eggs and berries were cleaned and examined precisely and individually, the result being items that she was proud to sell or give to an appreciative family. She prided herself on her tractor-driving abilities. To see a petite, white-haired woman whip a tractor around tight turns was quite a sight. No matter the farm task, if it required another person, Anne filled the role competently.

She found happiness in growing lush colorful flowerbeds, full of gladiolas, as well as African Violets and Christmas Cacti raised indoors. Growing her vegetable garden from seed each year, she tended to the plants with the same care and gentleness that she gave to her children and grandchildren. Vegetables and fruits from the garden were used to keep her family almost entirely self-sufficient. Anne’s talent in the kitchen helped her to find a use for all of the foods that she grew; whether fresh, canned, or frozen, nothing went to waste. Her swiss steaks and raspberry pies were incredible, as was her ability to create birthday cakes in any size, design, or flavor.

Anne and Ed would frequent the Cherry County Playhouse, an eagerly-anticipated break from outdoor farm work. Anne also found enjoyment in sewing and embroidery, where her patience and thoroughness were obvious in every evenly-spaced stitch. A full-blooded Czechoslovakian, Anne could speak Czech, and would often playfully speak it with Edward. 

A very active member of St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, she put much time and energy into supporting it. She also collected for the American Cancer Society for over 10 years.

For decades, her day ended at 11:00pm and resumed at 5:00am seven days a week, year-round. Anne was always moving, working, and ready for what came next. The onset of dementia proved to be the only thing that could slow her down. The disease took many things from Anne, but flashes of her younger self were regularly visible. Her strength in the face of the disease, a well-timed wink or giggle, or a loudly proclaimed, “jeepers creepers!” all demonstrated that Anne was still present, albeit in a different capacity.

Anne is survived by daughter Barbara (Bradley) Price; son Mark; daughter, Patricia Grimmer; brother, Anthony (Fay) Sedlacek; sister-in-law, Vonda Sedlacek; grandchildren, Lindsay (Dan) Sapp, Ajax and Rory Price, Savannah and Annalise Grimmer; great-granddaughter, Marni Sapp; and many in-laws, nieces, nephews.

Anne was preceded in death by her parents, Wencil and Emma; her husband, Edward; sister and brother-in-law, Elizabeth (Al) Winowiecki; brother and sister-in-law, Wencil (Mazie) Sedlacek; brother, Charles Sedlacek; and son-in-law, Dale Grimmer.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 29 from 5 to 8 p.m. with the Rosary to be prayed at 7 p.m. at the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.  The funeral mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, Dec. 30 at 11 a.m. at St. Wenceslaus Church, Gills Pier, with a visitation held one hour prior.  Burial will follow at St. Wenceslaus Cemetery.  Father Anthony Cureton will serve as celebrant.

The family thanks the staff at Tendercare in Suttons Bay, as well as Cathy and Bonnie Smith, for their compassionate care for Anne. Endless thanks to those who visited Anne during her illness, and for those who have given prayers, thoughts, and support during this time. Thank you to Martinson Funeral Home for their guidance and organization.

In lieu of flowers, please consider directing donations to the Shriners 1-800-491-1979 or the Alzheimer’s Association at 1-800-272-3900, or any organization of your choice.

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