JoAnn Elizabeth Grutze-Kroll

JoAnn Elizabeth Grutze-Kroll of Traverse City, passed away peacefully on April 17, 2018, with family by her side.

JoAnn was born in Detroit March 25, 1942 to Thomas and Elizabeth (Brown) Trailer. She later moved to Grayling where she graduated in 1960. JoAnn enjoyed a rewarding career with Michigan Bell, later becoming Ameritech, where she established lifelong friendships with some of her colleagues. She was loved by all who knew her.

JoAnn was married on August 21, 1965 to Arthur J. Grutze, who proceeded her in death August 4, 2004. On November 6, 2010, she married her best friend, Harry Kroll. Although their time together was brief, those were clearly the best years of her life. Whether it was tending the lawn, their flower and vegetable gardens, cooking in the kitchen , fishing, visiting family, putting jig-saw puzzles together, or watching their favorite T.V. shows together. But their favorite times were watching the grandchildren, nieces and nephews sporting and school events.

She is survived by her husband and his family, along with her siblings Thomas (Dena) Trailer, Judith Trailer, Jackie (Leon) D’Amour, Wayne (Lori) Trailer, and Mike Trailer; her children Yvonne Groves and Arthur Grutze Jr, and three bonus children Randy (Mickey) and Ryan (Kendra) Kroll and Renee (Josh) Gerrie.....and the true loves of her life, her grandchildren Emily (Kevin) Tuskey, Molly Tulipano, Elliott (Taylor) Tulipano, Jacob and Benjamin Bragenzer, Madison, Joshua and Julianna Groves and Cameron and Isabelle Gerrie, and great grandchildren Charleigh Hackney, Olivia Tuskey, and Breanna and Sadie Tulipano. JoAnn is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

She was proceeded in death by her parents and her grandparents Addison Mills and Florence Brown and Albert and Cora Trailer.

A Mass of Christian Burial is planned for Wednesday, May 2nd at 11 am. with visitation one hour prior at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Traverse City. Rev. Kenneth Stachnik officiating. A luncheon will follow. Burial will take place immediately following the luncheon at Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church Parish Food Pantry.

The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at Munson Hospital, the nurses and staff from Munson Home Health, Dr. Alvardo and staff at Thirlby clinic, and also the wonderful people at the Heart Failure Clinic where they became more like friends and family.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Covell Funeral Home of Traverse City.