Kay Irene Wertman

Kay Irene Wertman, 72, of Rapid City, passed away Saturday September 3, 2016 at Munson Medical Center from complications with Parkinsons. Kay will be taking a side trip to the Rainbow Bridge, where she will meet up with: Gracie, Bailey, Brandy, Chablis, Buck, Buttons, Spike, and punk; her four legged loves of her earthly life.

Kay was born on April 11, 1944 in Peoria, IL to the late E.J. and Irene Kay (Lorenz) Willmering. She married George William Wertman on October 1, 1982 at their home on the back deck, with Pastor Homer Nye officiant.

Kay attended the University of California Berkley where she obtained a degree in Psychology. She loved her job as a Wish Coordinator for the Make A Wish Foundation of Michigan. She was the Director of Hospice for Kalkaska County, and finally opened her own business K-Kreations making flags and banners. She was also an avid University of Michigan Fan.

Fondly Kay will be remembered as a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, as well as a scrap booker, sewer, cross-stitcher, lover and owner of Llamas, volunteer and director of the National Cherry Festival for over 30 years, devoted member of Eastern Star including many Grand Families and Associations, founder of a Red Hat chapter, and a lover of Christmas and the Christmas spirit.

Surviving Kay is her husband George of over 33 wonderful years; son, Kent (Rebecca) Tillitt, step-children, Kelly (Sean) Connery, Matt (Lauren) Wertman, Mark (Elizabeth) Wertman; grandchildren, Alexandra, EJ, Graham, Cora, Meredith, Olivia and Andrew; brother-in-law John, her cat Panda and many other loving family members and friends.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 15 at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home from 5-7pm with an Eastern Star Service held at 7pm. A memorial service will be held at 11am at the Presbyterian Church in Traverse City on Friday, September 16 with a visitation beginning at 10am at the church. Memorial contributions may be directed to the ASPCA or your local Humane Society. Kindly share thoughts and memories with Kay's family at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com < http://www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com >. The family is being cared for by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home