Althea K. Petritz

Althea Kraker Petritz, a dynamic, kind and cherished friend, died at age 98 peacefully in her home at Cordia in Traverse City, MI on June 15, 2022 surrounded by family, friends, a powerful belief in goodness and indefatigable optimism for the future.

Althea is survived by her children: Chris MacInnes (Jim); George Lewis Petritz; David James Petritz (Iris Herrero); Dosie Kermode (Steve); Mimi Appel (Gary); and Laura Lee Petritz. Grandchildren include Mark Petritz (Holly); Scott Petritz (Jenn); Kimberly Krogstad (Matt); Kayla Six (Steve); Luke Kermode; Raffi Appel (Emmy Parsons); Micah Appel; Zachary Smith; and Fabian Borges (Rebecca Kimitch). Great-grandchildren include: Evelyn and Maddie Petritz; Gavin & Wyatt Petritz; Charlie & Oliver Krogstad; Fulton & Blaise Six; Rowan Appel and Gabby and Sammie Borges.

She is preceded in death by her husband George Karl Petritz (1917-2010) of Beulah, MI; her parents James Lewis and Dorothy Rogers Kraker of Beulah, MI; and her "Big Brother" that she adored, Jim Kraker Jr. of Gouverneur, NY.

Althea was born on August 24, 1923 on the family cherry farm at Orchard Corners, in Beulah, MI. She graduated from Benzonia High School in 1940, and then Michigan State College in 1945 with a degree in physical education. In 1946, she moved to Chicago to study at Northwestern University. There, she not only earned a certification in physical therapy, but also met the man who quickly became the love of her life and soulmate for 64 years, George Petritz. They were married in October of 1946.

They shared a passion for playing outdoors, (their honeymoon was a canoe trip), and living a healthy lifestyle. They fulfilled their common dream of living in a place that enabled this lifestyle when they decide to make Benzie County their home and destiny.

In 1946 they moved to Beulah and started a business based on the Kraker family's famous Cherry Hut pie recipe, but with an innovative twist – as a frozen product. Pet-Ritz Frozen Pies became a major area employer and was purchased by the Pet Milk Company in 1955. From 1950-1958 they also owned and operated the Cherry Hut.

But Althea's focus wasn't just about growing businesses and raising a family. She cherished outdoor recreation and wanted this to be part of the fabric and culture of her community - skiing, swimming, hiking, sailing, tennis, canoeing and rustic camping, often overlooking Crystal Lake.

In 1955, Althea became a director of the newly formed Buck Hills Ski Club, whose mission was to build a community ski hill near Thompsonville and increase access to outdoor winter recreation for local families. It was an ambitious project, but Althea's passion, determination and fun spirit helped bring this winter playground to life in 1955-56. Serendipitously, in 1966, the Petritz family and two partners bought Buck Hills, which had been renamed Crystal Mountain and which remains in her family's ownership today.

Althea wasn't just about play. Her True North was sharing not only her material resources and skills, but ideas that often spurred action: protecting the environment, preserving our precious land and landscapes, and supporting local art, culture and history, including the Michigan Legacy Art Park, which honored her contributions with the Legacy Award in 2010. She was celebrated during Women's History Month as one of Benzie County's most impactful people.

Althea was also deeply spiritual, which she defined in her own terms, centered on kindness and acceptance of all. But her hallmark was being a friend – a kind word for all; a smile that expressed her joy in being with you; her intense interest in listening to your story; and an indomitable sense of fun and energy that charged the universe!

Friends of Althea are invited to gather at the Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home in Traverse City on June 22 for a public Rosary at 4:30pm and visitation from 5:00 to 7:00pm. A funeral mass will be held at St. Ann's Catholic Church, Frankfort June 23 at 11:00am with Fr. Jim Doherty officiating, and a luncheon immediately following. A Celebration of Life is planned for later this summer.

In lieu of flowers, (Althea loved flowers, but she loved helping others and the environment to thrive even more) the family has selected the following organizations to which memorial contributions would be gratefully received:

FLOW: For Love of Water
Crystal Community Ski Club
or Mass Offering (at Church)

Althea and her family are being cared for by the Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home.