Kathrine Krohn

Katherine Fay Krohn

August 5, 1939 – November 15, 2025

With heavy hearts we celebrate the life of our beautiful mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend, who went to be with her Heavenly Father on November 15, 2025, at the age of 86. Surrounded by her loving family, she passed peacefully into the arms of the Lord she faithfully served and trusted.

Born on August 5, 1939, Katherine "Kati" was raised on a farm in Interlochen, Michigan where she learned the values of hard work, perseverance, and love of family that would always guide her. She carried those values with her into every season of life and shared them generously with all who knew her.

Kati married and began the family that became her greatest joy and life's purpose welcoming her six children. She often said she was so happy to have grown up alongside her children, sharing in their lives, adventures, and accomplishments. Her family was always at the center of her heart.

A woman of many talents, Kati not only excelled as a loving mother, but also enjoyed floral arranging, playing the accordion, and working as a beautician. She later owned her own daycare business for many years. Caring for others came naturally to her, and she touched countless lives through her kindness, patience, and nurturing spirit.

Kati found happiness in life's simple pleasures. She loved listening and dancing to country music, polka dancing whenever she had the chance, going to car races, and camping in her trailer alongside friends and family. She never missed attending the annual Buckley Old Engine Show, a tradition she enjoyed for over forty years with dear lifelong friends. She especially liked spending time thrifting, always enjoying the hunt for a treasure and the laughter shared along the way. Her special friendships brought her great joy and companionship throughout the years.

The love of God was always in Kati's heart but her faith became especially profound following her youngest son Leith's automobile accident in 1980 that changed his life. Through that difficult season, her trust in the Lord deepened and her faith grew stronger than ever. She leaned on God's promises and demonstrated unwavering devotion, spending years faithfully going to Grand Traverse Pavilions each evening to help feed, care for, and spend precious time with Leith. Even her diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis late in life did not hinder her spirit, never complaining and always a smile on her face. Her steadfast love, sacrifice, and faith were an inspiration to everyone who witnessed them.

Kati was preceded in death by her parents, Leo (Eva) Kratochvil and Zelda (Charles) Medd; husband, Edward "Pete" Krohn; brother, Edward Kratochvil; sister, Clara Jo; son, Wayne McCarry; son-in-law, Gary Baldyga; infant grandson, Jaxon Baldyga and her fiancé, Gary Couturier.

She is survived by her loving children, Pamela (Mark) Branum, Leith McCarry, Lori (Robert) Toedebusch, Michelle Baldyga, and Melissa (Brian) Immink and her step-son Edward "Pete" Krohn, Jr.

She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren: Monica McCarry, Matthew McCarry, Drew (Robert) Welch, Lane (Ashley) Branum, Kale (Greer) Branum, Kalin (Dathan) Ritzenhein, Kelsey Coffin, Weston Baldyga, Liam Baldyga, Lyndzie Cole, and Brianne Immink.

Her legacy continues through her beloved great-grandchildren: Beau and Rob Welch IV, Dylan, Ellison, and Buddy Branum, Sonny Branum, Addy and Jude Ritzenhein, Leland Coffin, Taylor and Maddy McCary, Marley Lantz and Paisley McGrath.

Kati's family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff at Grand Traverse Pavilions for the exceptional care, kindness, and support they provided during her short stay, and for the continued care they provide to Leith. Your dedication has been a true blessing to our family.

Though our hearts are broken by her absence, we rejoice knowing she is now reunited with her loved ones gone before her and resting in the presence of her Savior. Her life was a beautiful example of faith, devotion, perseverance, and unconditional love. She leaves behind a legacy that will continue to live on in the hearts of her family and all who were blessed to know her.

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith". 2 Timothy 4:7

A private family graveside service will be held at Oakwood Catholic Cemetery, Traverse City.

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