Ann Witkop

Ann Witkop passed away peacefully on April 17, 2025, at Munson Medical Center surrounded in love by her family. She was born on May 14, 1937, in Piqua, Ohio to Marion and Rachel Hageman. They lived in Ohio and Indiana before settling in Traverse City in 1952. Ann graduated from Traverse City High School in 1955. Her favorite memory was her potluck club that included twelve of her closest friends, which gathered to celebrate friendship before football and basketball games. Upon graduation, she attended Michigan State University and pledged Alpha Phi sorority. Ann married Dan Deering in 1957 at Immaculate Conception Church. Together they had four beautiful daughters: Christine, Jane, Nancy and Carolyn. Ann and Bob Witkop were married in 1975. They later joined First Congregational Church in 1985 and became active members of the congregation. Ann joined the “Caregiving Group”, dedicated to supporting the needs of church members who needed extra help. She took many members to various appointments, made meals, delivered flowers and visited members at their homes and in the hospital. Ann was seen at Glenn Loomis Elementary School almost every day, volunteering for all her daughters. In 1985 she was asked to take a full-time Title 1 teaching role, tutoring students who needed extra help with reading and math. Her devotion and passion for helping young students resulted in being honored with the Chamber of Commerce award for “Educator of the Year” at Glenn Loomis in 1996. She retired after 16 years with the school system. Her favorite quote: “the world might be a little better because I was important in the life of a child.” Ann and Bob enjoyed traveling with friends and taking trips in Bob’s airplane. They enjoyed spending time in retirement together in Boynton Beach, FL and later heading west to Casa Grande, AZ. Following Bob’s passing in October 2021, Ann transitioned back to living in Traverse City full time to be close to her family, friends and her Church. Ann had many close and special friends that she treasured. She often enjoyed playing Scrabble, Mahjong, Mexican Train, Bridge and Euchre with friends and family. Ann is preceded in death by her parents, Marion and Rachel Hageman, her husband, Bob Witkop, her brother, Verne Hageman and daughter, Christine Kuhnke. She is survived by her 3 daughters, Jane Deering (Matthew Zimmerman), Nancy Sands (Ed), Carolyn Decker (Tobin) and stepdaughter, Wendy Witkop (Randy). Ann was blessed to have 9 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. Reflecting on her senior years, she was so thankful for a blessed life and the ability to always help others. Being a mother to her girls and Nana to her Grand and Great Grandchildren was the most important aspect of her life. Visitation will be held from 2-4pm at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home on Friday, May 2, 2025. A funeral service will take place on Saturday, May 3, 2025 at 11am with visitation one hour prior at Mission Hill Church (formerly First Congregational Church.) This is the Link to watch the Memorial Service Live: https://vimeo.com/event/163197. A luncheon will follow the service at the Church. A private family burial will take place at Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, remembrances can be made to Mission Hill Church or a charity of your choice. www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.