Wilma Stachnik

Some people shuffle through life, walking along their paths without ever finding true happiness. Wilma Stachnik certainly wasn’t one of them. Wilma waltzed her way through life, dancing to the song that played in her heart every day. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend, a tiny woman with a huge heart, a heart she shared with all who knew her.

Wilma’s story began on a cool spring day in 1937, as the snow finally melted in Hannah, Michigan, south of Traverse City. Those were hopeful times in this country, as Americans went back to work, especially in Northern Michigan, which was home to many members of the Civilian Conservations Corps. On April 23, 1937, a cool, damp Friday in Hannah, Arlington and Nettie (Wilson) Weber celebrated the birth of a beautiful baby girl, a daughter they named Wilma.

Wilma was born into a very large family, and was one of 16 kids on the family farm in Hannah. Times were very tough on the family in those days, especially with so many mouths to feed. The dark days of World War II, with the economic troubles and food rationing, only made things more difficult for Wilma and her family when she was growing up.

Wilma attended school through the seventh grade, when she decided staying home to help care for her younger siblings was more important, which was a common choice in those days. The family didn’t have much money, but they had each other, teaching Wilma the meaning of what was most important.

Eventually, Wilma grew into a beautiful young woman, petite and sweet, and she married a young man named Richmond Sumner. Before she knew it, she was the loving mother to three wonderful children, her daughters Laurie and Amy, and her baby son Brian.

Her first marriage ended in divorce, yet Wilma was far too pretty and sweet to remain alone for long. She soon met a wonderful man named Gerald “Herb” Stachnik, and the sparks flew between them. Wilma loved to dance, and Gerald was the perfect partner for her, making her heart dance as well as her feet. The two soon fell in love.

It wasn’t long before Wilma and Gerald added to their family, with the birth of three beautiful little girls, Sharon, Jennifer and Barbara. Wilma was a wonderful mother, so caring and compassionate, who taught her children with a firm hand and a loving, open heart. She not only cared for her own kids, but also many of the neighborhood kids who came to her door. Wilma was a woman small in stature, but so huge in heart, with a wide wingspan for loving those around her.

Whenever her kids would bring home stray animals (which was quite often, it seemed), Wilma agreed to let them keep their new pets, but on one condition: they had to pick cherries to earn money to help pay for them! Her kids learned about responsibility and the meaning of a dollar from their mother, as well.

Wilma was very protective of her kids, and was there for them whenever they needed her. She was a great listener, who always seemed to have just the right advice.

Wilma’s life wasn’t without its challenges, though. In the mid-1970s, Wilma’s separated from Gerald, though the love between them remained. Needing a change from her life in Northern Michigan, Wilma moved to Oregon, where she always enjoyed traveling.

Wilma loved it out West, from Oregon to Arizona and up the beautiful Pacific Coast. She adapted well, and even joined a dance group called the Single Trees Square Dance Club in Oregon. Wilma loved to dance, her all-time favorite hobby, from square dancing, to the Polka and the jitterbug, too.

While she enjoyed being a part of the Single Trees, it’s always hard to forget your roots, and Wilma eventually reconnected with Gerald. Though they had their differences, their love for each other wouldn’t be denied. So Wilma returned to Traverse City, and returned to Gerald, beginning a beautiful second verse in their life together.

While accompanying her daughter, Sharon to her maternity appointment, Wilma saw the doctor about some late in life changes only to find out she too was pregnant. After her appointment she told Sharon she was, going through a life change. Wilma and Gerald added a lovely daughter Tammy to the family, and all was right in the world once again. As the new baby of the family, Tammy became very special to her parents. Wilma and Gerald married on July 29, 1983.

The happy couple enjoyed their life together, surrounded by their family, and made so many fond memories over the years. Wilma continued to dance through her days, and could always find a dance partner. She’d talk her kids into going out with her, but wouldn’t tell them they were going dancing! Once they’d arrive, they had to dance with her, too.

Eventually, Gerald’s health declined, and he sadly died in 2005, at the age of 72. Wilma took his loss hard, but relied on her family and friends to see her through. With a large and loving family of children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Wilma was surrounded by the same warmth and love she so generously gave over the years.

Wilma’s own health began to fade, as well, as the years began to take their toll on her. Sadly, Wilma died on Friday, May 2, 2008, at the age of 71.

Wilma was a wonderful woman, who lived a wonderful life, a life so full of family and fond memories. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend, and a lady who danced through her days, dancing to the song that played in her heart. Wilma was small in stature yet huge in heart, a heart she shared with all who knew her. She will be so greatly missed.

Wilma’s family includes her children, Laurie (Don) Slone, Amy Sumner, Brian (Karen) Sumner, Sharon (Russell) Greinke, Jennifer Garrison, Barbara (Kevin) Morgan, Tammy (Richard) Waananen and, Tamara Wilson, grandchildren, Richard, R.D., Angela, Dawn, Christopher, Kurstin, Amber, Gerry, Stacy, Jeremy, Krystal, Danny, Jason, Nicole, Brandon, Tiffany, and Tamara, great-grandchildren, Tanner, Kaeden, Hannah, Justine, Anthony, Chloe, Karley and Savannah, and brothers and sisters.

Wilma is preceded in death by her parents, husband, Gerald Stachnik and son-in-law, Kent Garrison.

Visitation is scheduled for Tuesday, May 6th, 2008, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at Life Story Funeral Home, Traverse City, 752 Munson Ave., Traverse City, MI, 49686 (231-941-9034).

Services are scheduled for Wednesday, May 7th, 2008 at 11 a.m. at the Life Story Funeral Home, Traverse City, 752 Munson Ave. To share a memory or photo of Wilma, or to sign the online guestbook, please visit her personal Memory Page at www.lifestorynet.com.