Thelma Canfield

TRAVERSE CITY — Thelma Jane Canfield, 91, of Traverse City, died Thursday, Oct. 14, 2010, at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City.Thelma was born here Sunday, Sept. 21, 1919, to the late Elmer and Lovina (Sieger) Bagnel, one of the pioneer families of the area. She and her sisters worked hard on the family farm on Hoch Road helping with the daily activities of farm life. In August 1940, she married Arthur Canfield Sr., also a member of one of Traverse City's pioneer families. She and Art farmed the Canfield Farm, a centennial farm, as well as owning and operating Progressive Dairy. Thelma later was employed as a cook for Traverse City Area Public Schools, retiring after 25 years of service. Thelma and Art maintained a home where all of their children's friends were welcome and it was a gathering place for the neighborhood. She enjoyed gardening, raising beautiful flowers and enjoyed fishing. Thelma was a wonderful dancer, especially enjoying the polka, loved to play euchre and work crossword puzzles. Thelma also never missed watching her game shows on TV. A former member of the Eagles, Thelma still maintained her membership in the Gunton Club. Thelma is survived by her loving family, her children, Helen Wisniewski and Harold (Carole) Canfield, both of Traverse City; Margaret "Dolly" (Bill) Rackow, of Buckley, Elaine (Joe) Flees, of Grawn, and Arthur (Janet) Canfield, of Traverse City; her grandchildren, Mike, Lisa, John, Charles, Randy, Rick, Joe, Scott, Arthur III, Bill and Shelly; 16 great-grandchildren; and a sister, Eunice (Vern) Groesser, of Traverse City, along with nieces and nephews.In addition to her parents, Thelma was preceded in death by her husband Arthur in 1967, by her son-in-law Richard Wisniewski and by her sister, Helen (Frank) Kosar.Visitation for Thelma will take place at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 17. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 18, also at the funeral home with Pastor Matt Herron officiating. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed to the American Legion Post 35 or to The American Cancer Society. Please share your memories of Thelma with her family by way of the online guest book at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.The family is being served by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Thelma Canfield

October 14, 2010