Ingeborg Katherine Grost

With deep love and gratitude for a life beautifully lived, we share the passing of Ingeborg Katherine (Kuehl) Grost, affectionately known as Inge---a devoted mother, proud grandmother and great-grandmother, faithful friend, and steady source of warmth and encouragement. Inge passed away peacefully on January 29, 2026, in Traverse City, Michigan, at the age of 97.
Inge was born November 23, 1928 in Detroit, Michigan, to Robert and Elsa Kuehl. She carried with her a quiet strength, a generous spirit, and a deep love for family that shaped every season of her life. She made homes in St. Johns and Traverse City, and treasured time at the family vacation home on Higgins Lake, where laughter, sunsets, and time together created lasting memories. Inge was preceded in death by her beloved husband of almost 60 years, Dr. James M. Grost; her son, Mark Grost; and her sister, Marlit (Ed) Chmiel.
Inge spent her life caring for others—first through her calling as a nurse, then as an educator; and throughout her life as a volunteer who served in schools, churches, and the community. She attended Marygrove College and then earned a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing from the University of Michigan in 1951, remaining a lifelong U of M fan, cheering with the same enthusiasm she brought to everything and everyone she loved.
With her faith as a foundation Inge believed in showing up, lending a hand, and caring for others through kindness and humility. She loved the fullness of life—golfing, traveling, reading, painting and crafts, skiing, sailing and the Tigers and Lions! But above all else, she loved her family. She was her children's greatest cheerleader, faithfully attending and celebrating their sports, activities and milestones. Inge had a special gift for making the people around her feel supported and deeply loved.
Inge is lovingly survived by her children: Kathy (Ron) Sergeant, Mike (Ann) Grost, Lynne (Bob) Frye, Eric (Dee) Grost, Tim (Colleen) Grost, and Karen (Jerry) Taylor. Inge was a proud and devoted grandmother to Nick (Amber) Sergeant, Chloe (Chris) Wilson, George (Lexi) Frye, Mariah (Stu) Colie, Joe (Haley) Frye, Jimmy (Shelby) Frye, Scott (Ali) Grost, Brian (Corie) Grost, Matthew Grost, Jessica (Sam) VanHouten, Brad Grost, Kaitlin Grost, Daniel Grost, Jake (Libby) Taylor, Tim (Sarah) Taylor, and Max Taylor. She was also a joyful great-grandmother to Julia Sergeant, Mila Wilson, Apollo Frye, Sylvia Frye, Sayla Colie, Henry Colie, Gatlin Frye, Aria Frye, Marcus Frye, Teo Frye, Sofia Grost, Dylan Grost, Leighton Smail, and Jude Taylor. Inge is also survived by her sister, Elsie (Al) Benson; numerous nieces, nephews, and other loving relatives.
Inge's family is extremely grateful for the compassionate care she received from the staff at Bay Ridge Assisted Living Center and Hospice of Michigan. In lieu of flowers, the family requests you consider a donation to one of Inge's favorite charities: Dennos Museum or Father Fred's Foundation. A Mass and Celebration of Life Luncheon will be held July 18, 2026 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Traverse City, Michigan, beginning with Visitation at 10:00 am; Mass at 11:00 am. The family is being served by the Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home.