Pam Ryskamp

December 1, 1958 - May 26, 2020

Pamela Ryskamp, 61, of Traverse City passed away on May 26, 2020 with her family by her side after a courageous battle with cancer. Pam was born on December 1, 1958 in Traverse City to the late Anthony “Tony” Joseph and Jeanne Kathryn (Baesch) Halachukas. Pam graduated from Traverse City Senior High School class of 1977. She worked for Schelde Enterprises for over forty years. She was well loved by her co-workers and the restaurant patrons. Many described her as the best boss ever. She was a gifted decorator and loved to decorate the restaurants for the holidays. Most recently she worked for Maxbauer’s Meat Market where she was instantly adored by her fellow staff and customers. Her beautiful smile, positive attitude and kind spirit truly enabled all those she met to become friends. In her free time she was an avid gardener, enjoyed reading, going to the beach, as well as hosting family gatherings at her home over the years. She loved flower arranging and had a knack for transforming a variety of options into projects big and small like stunning wedding table centerpieces, beautiful bouquets, and zen-like gardens. She was also an animal lover and adored her kitties and dogs. Above all else, she cherished her time with her three grandchildren who called her Grammy. She helped to raise them and always took them on adventures to the beach, overnight slumber parties,outdoor camping, library and countless other fun spots. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Pam is survived by her daughter Heather (Bruce) Addison; grandchildren Adrianna, Braylen and Kamdyn; sisters Sandy (Dennis) Schichtel and Bonnie (Rick) Gamble; brother David (Debbie) Halachukas; significant other of 15 years Jonathan Burfiend; nephews Tyler (Kati) Schichtel, who was also her Godson, Eric and Logan Schichtel and Brent and David Halachukas Jr; father of her daughter whom she spent 22 years with Brian Ryskamp; and countless other family members and friends. Pam was preceded in death by her brother Bob Halachukas and niece Angela Kirt. An outdoor funeral service celebrating Pam’s life will be held on June 1 at 12 pm in the garden at Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home. The family will also greet friends and family at Heather and Bruce's private residence in an outdoor celebration starting at 2:30 pm. In lieu of Covid-19 family, friends, patrons and colleagues are welcome to attend any or all of the gatherings or share their memories with the family at Pam’s online guestbook at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.