Elizabeth Darlene Kroupa

Elizabeth “Liz” Darlene Kroupa January 1, 1935 – August 23, 2026 Elizabeth “Liz” Darlene Kroupa, 91, of Traverse City, passed away peacefully on August 23, 2026, at Grand Traverse Pavilions. Liz was born January 1, 1935, in Traverse City. She graduated from high school in 1953 as an honor student in secretarial preparation. Over the years, she worked for Gleason & Co., Kroupa’s #2, and later as a personal assistant for Bob Underwood, at Underwood Farms. Building a long career she was proud of utilizing her bookkeeping, shorthand and secretarial abilities. Liz married EJ Lakies, and together they had three sons, Mike,Steve and Ron. 

On October 3, 1975, she married Norman Dale Kroupa. Dale became her longtime partner and best friend in life. In 1993, Liz and Dale became the owners of Quality Collision and Restoration Center, where she once again put her career skills to work. Away from work, Liz had no shortage of things she loved. She was a devoted country music fan and an enthusiastic concertgoer for decades. If one of her favorite artists was performing anywhere in the state, chances were good Liz would be there. Liz loved the holidays! Christmas decorating took her two weeks, with a fancy tree in her beloved “blue room” and a colorful, fun tree in the living room for the grandkids. She went all out for the holidays, creating traditions and memories that became part of family life. Christmas also meant cookies. Liz’s Christmas cookie recipe had been handed down through generations. She would spend an entire weekend decorating them, making sure each one was just right. Her sister Kay affectionately nicknamed her “Liz Prissy” for her attention to detail. Liz loved photographs and became known as “Camera Grandma,” capturing birthdays, holidays, milestones and countless everyday moments over the years. She filled albums with memories and especially loved sharing life with her beloved grandchildren. And then there was Kohl’s. Liz loved retail therapy, and Kohl’s was her go-to for that. Especially after Younkers closed their doors. She could happily spend hours walking through the store. More than once, she was known to arrive early and sit in the parking lot waiting for the doors to open. She enjoyed collecting Fenton Hobnail milk glass, among other things, but most precious to her was her collection of items made for her by her grandchildren. 

Liz was preceded in death by her husband, Norman Dale Kroupa; her mother, Bertha Bannen; her sister, Kay Cooper; and her sons, Ron Lakies and Steve Lakies. 

She is survived by her son, Michael Lakies; her daughter-in-law, Kristy Lakies, wife of her late son Steve, whose care and presence during Liz’s final days meant so much to the family; her grandchildren, Brandi, Sarah, Lisa, Dustin, Melissa, Nicholas, Jamie and Stephanie; and many great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her youngest sister, Beverly Bannen and her niece and goddaughter, Tamara Lentz — “her Tammy.” Liz leaves behind a lifetime of photographs, family traditions and favorite recipes that will continue to be shared by those who knew and loved her. 

The family would like to sincerely thank the staff at Grand Traverse Pavilions for the kindness and care shown to Liz, and Munson Hospice for their compassion and support during her final days. A private graveside memorial will be held in October. Memorial contributions may be made in Liz’s honor to Grand Traverse Pavilions Foundation.