Kathryn Burkholz

Kathryn Burkholz, (94), passed away peacefully at Pine Ridge Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Stevensville on March 18, 2014. Born on October 23, 1919 in Benton Harbor, Michigan, Kathryn was the daughter of Conrad and Martha (Demske) Burkholz.  When she became a teenager, she helped raise her three younger siblings. After graduating from Benton Harbor High School in 1937, she worked at McClellan’s Dime Store in Benton Harbor. Then she attended the Marshall Business School in Benton Harbor where she became proficient in typing and shorthand. During World War II, she worked in the Navy office located in Benton Harbor, and continued working nights while working as a ticket agent for the C & O Railway at the Water Street train station. After the War, Kathryn moved to Chicago where she worked in various office settings and the historic Carson Pirie Scott & Co. in downtown Chicago. Returning to Benton Harbor, Kathryn lived with her sister Betty in a beautiful home in Fairplain for more than 25 years. She enjoyed cooking, baking, and gardening. She created lovely needlepoint and hand-knit items, and played the piano with great dexterity. She also helped care for her sister Carolyn Jean’s five children. Kathryn was always eager to help with Sunday dinners, holiday, birthday, and other family celebrations. In her final years, Kathryn resided at Lakeland Continuing Care Center which is now Pine Ridge. When Kathryn interacted with her health care professionals it was with gentle kindness. Kathryn will be remembered forever in the hearts of her remaining family, friends, and caregivers at Pine Ridge. Kathryn is survived by her three nieces: Susan Burkholz of Benton Harbor, MI, Connie Bull of Brownsville, OR, Barbara (Cliff) Reitzloff of Northville, MI; three nephews: Bob (Pat), Chinick of Jupiter, FL, Don (Leslie) Chinick of Coral Springs, FL, Steve Chinick of Coral Springs, FL; three grand nieces: Carly and Alexandra Chinick, Kelsey Reitzloff; and seven grand nephews: Michael and Alex Burkholz, Travis, Brett and A.J. Chinick, Jake and Cody Reitzloff. She is preceded in death by her parents, sister, Carolyn Jean Chinick, sister, Betty Jane Burkholz, brother, R.J. Burkholz, and nephew, Robert Conrad Burkholz. A “Celebration of Life” service will be held Sunday, March 23, 3:30 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 475 Green Avenue on Morton Hill in Benton Harbor with Rev. Laurie Hartzell officiating. Those wishing to send a condolence message on-line may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pine Ridge Activity Fund or Hospice at Home. Kathryn’s final resting place will be at Crystal Springs Cemetery in Benton Harbor.