Jane F. Kirschke

Jane Freeman Kirschke, 86, of Traverse City, Michigan passed away on Monday, May 8, 2023 at Munson Medical Center. Jane was born in Southampton, New York on May 12, 1936 to the late Eugene and Sarah (Halsey) Freeman. She married the love of her life, William H. Kirschke on Dec. 27, 1958 in Niagara Falls, New York. He preceded her in death on Dec. 11, 2018. Jane graduated from LaSalle High School in Niagara Falls in 1954. In 1958, she received a Bachelor’s degree in home economics from Michigan State University. She continued the family tradition of teaching at Corunna High School in Corunna, Michigan, before giving birth to children in 1961, 1962 and 1963. She was an avid quilter with a group of friends, they called themselves the “Quilting Divas.” Among her other interests, Jane loved to cross country ski, being an aerobics instructor and playing dominos biweekly with friends. She also enjoyed knitting with the super-secret knitting club, and reading with her book club. She was a fan of the National Writer’s Series and she did wordle and sudoku daily. She was a member of St. Michael’s Lutheran Church, AAUW and the American Petroleum Institute Wives Club. Jane volunteered at the Traverse City Film Festival and was a member of the “Save our Downtown” advocacy group. She also enjoyed traveling and her many adventures throughout the U.S. with William in their R.V. She loved jazz music. Jane loved her family, friends and neighbors, and her meet-ups at the impromptu dog park (even though she did not have a dog.) She loved to talk, laugh, and facetime with lifelong friends. She took daily walks and enjoyed flowers. Jane built a meaningful and adventurous life, with deep connections to the people she loved. She was kind and nurturing and raised three children with patience and love. She was a creative and talented quilter, honing her craft and seeking perfection in every stitch. She is survived by two sons and a daughter; Brian (Nancy) Kirschke, of Lake Ann, MI, Mark Kirschke, of Houston, TX and Anne (Steve) Hiltner of Ann Arbor, MI. Also surviving are five grandchildren; Dustin Housh, of Newton, KS, Sarah Hiltner, of Ypsilanti, MI, Ethan Hiltner, of Boulder, CO, Tyler Kirschke, of Traverse City, MI and Kaylee Kirschke, of Dickinson, ND and a great-grandchild, Khloe Ann, of Dickinson, ND as well as a brother, David Halsey Freeman, of Jacksonville, FL. Also, many extended family members in New York state and throughout the U.S. Along with her husband and parents, Jane was preceded in death by a brother, Patrick Freeman. Friends are welcome to visit with Jane’s family from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Monday, May 15, 2023 at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 305 Sixth Street, Traverse City, Michigan 48684. A memorial service honoring Jane will take place at 3:00 p.m., with visitation starting at 2:00 p.m., on Tuesday, May 16, 2023 at the funeral home. Pastor Chris Lane will officiate. In accordance with Jane’s wishes cremation has taken place. Burial of her cremated remains will take place at a later date in Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a memorial donation to the Traverse City Public Library, 610 Woodmere Ave., Traverse City, Michigan 49686 or the Traverse Health Clinic, 1719 S. Garfield Ave., Traverse City, Michigan 49686 or the Father Fred Foundation, P.O. Box 2260, Traverse City, MI 49685. Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories with Jane’s family at her tribute page at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.

Jane F. Kirschke

May 12, 1936 - May 8, 2023