Leann Kay Ufer

KINGSLEY - Leann Kay Ufer, 70, of Kingsley, passed away unexpectedly at her home on Sunday, February 28, 2016.

Born in Manistee on December 26, 1945, Leann was the daughter of Lela Bell (Lyke) and Donald Emery Casselman. Raised in Kingsley, graduating in 1964; she was a basketball player and also played in the band. Leann was very outgoing and competed in several local festival venues, winning the title of Miss Congeniality at the Cherry Festival and had been the Trout Queen at the Trout Festival in Kalkaska. Leann loved to hunt and fish, she was known to out hunt and fish the men that were in her party . She will long be remembered for her wonderful sense of humor, her love of nature, watching the birds at her feeders, and especially for her beautiful smile. She dearly loved her family and enjoyed the times spent with them.

She worked at the Traverse City State Hospital, Burwoods Manufacturing Products, and the Traverse City High School food service program. The last 15 years she spent in Sault Ste Marie, recently moving back to the Traverse City area to be closer to family.

She is survived by her husband John Karl Ufer, married on July 18, 1975 in Norfolk, VA; by her children, Mona (Timothy) Shannon of Interlochen, Eric (Chris) Johnston of Grand Blanc, Kristine (Steven) Winwiecki of Cedar, Holly (Willard) Hanna of Traverse City and Melissa (Joseph) Rassel of Kingsley. Leann is also survived by her beloved grandchildren, Ryan Maddox, Kyle, Trevor and Cameron Johnson, Joseph Galla, Taylor Marie Smith, John Wyatt Hanna, Parker and Elizabeth Rassel and a great grandson, Aurelius "Ari". Leann's sister Nancy (Harry) Muse of Williamsburg also survives. Leann was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, David Casselman and a granddaughter, Lily.

Visitation for Leann will take place from 6 until 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 2 at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. The service celebrating Leann's life will begin at 2 p.m. Thursday, March 3, also at the Funeral Home with Pastor John Clark officiating. Burial will be in Cleon Township Cemetery in the spring.

Please share your favorite memories of Leann by visiting her online guest book at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .

The family is being cared for by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.