Agnes D. Kushner

The year was 1914 and great changes were sweeping across the country. The skies darkened over Europe and the raging conflict slowly dragged the U.S. into the trenches of war. People everywhere braced for the conflict as everybody from farmers to factory workers rallied to support the troops abroad. In Freesoil, Michigan, George Jados and his wife, Mary, had more important things on their mind than the war. On January 10, 1914, the couple welcomed the birth of their daughter, Agnes. Along with her sisters Rose, Monica, Vicky and brothers Edward, Andrew and John, Agnes spent her growing up years on their family farm in Freesoil. Known for its fertile rich soil, George made a living off of farming, while Mary tended to the house and children. The couple raised their children with an awareness and appreciation of their Polish heritage, and instilled in them a strong Catholic faith. Like many young girls of the age, Agnes attended Freesoils one-room schoolhouse until the 8th grade, and then left to work on their farm full-time. In 1931, at the age of 17, Agnes married her first husband, Bruno Witek, in Freesoil. However, the newlyweds then moved to Chicago for a time, but as the Depression took its toil on everyone and everything, they returned to Freesoil. Agnes and Bruno welcomed the births of their three children: Edward (1932), Paul (1934) and Barbara (1936). Unfortunately, Agnes marriage to Bruno ended in divorce. Thereafter, Agnes and the children moved to Ludington, where she found work at the Watch Case Co. She then met her second husband, Carl Granbacka, and they were eventually married, and had a daughter together, Cheryl (1950). Besides being a dedicated wife and mother, Agnes did whatever work she could to help support their family, including babysitting, taking in laundry and doing housekeeping. Agnes also loved to go mushroom hunting, she never considered this work. 1967 was an eventful year for Agnes as her marriage to Carl ended, she moved in with her son Paul, and her daughter Cheryl moved out on her own. But Agnes soon met John Kushner, and they were married in 1968 in Muskegon. They made their home together at 2820 Jefferson Street in Muskegon Heights, where they shared many wonderful memories over the next ten years. Sadly, Agnes lost her beloved John in 1978. She continued to live independently in her home, though over the years, she had several grandchildren come live with her too. She loved all her grandchildren dearly, and fostered a special relationship with each one. It was good to have them around especially when Agnes needed help getting that thing over there! Agnes rode the bus or walked and sometimes family took her where she needed to go since she never got her drivers license. Thank goodness her wits were about her one evening when her home was broken into; she just acted like she was asleep and wasnt hurt. As long as she lived in her home on Jefferson, Agnes always had a vegetable garden she loved to tend, and grew beautiful flowers all around her house. She also enjoyed cooking, baking, doing arts and crafts and dancing. After the break-in, Agnes went to live in an upstairs apartment in her daughter, Cheryl, and her husband, Carls home in Holton. After her health began to decline, Agnes moved to Harbor Hospice in the Poppen Residence where she received the constant care she needed. Family was always first in Agnes heart. She cared for her mother during her battle with cancer until her death in 1954, and then lost her father fourteen years later in 1968. Caring and devoted, Agnes was there for anyone at any time, not because she had to be, but because she wanted to share fully in their lives. And although she was a petite lady, Agnes had a mighty look she gave when someone was misbehaving, and that was all it took to make them straighten up quick. But everyone knew her heart was smiling and full of love! Agnes will be deeply missed and frequently remembered. Agnes D. Kushner, age 94, died on Thursday, February 14, 2008. She is survived by her 2 sons, Edward (Beverly) Witek of CA, Paul Witek of Twin Lake; 2 daughters, Barbara Zetterberg of CO, Cheryl (Carl) Swenson of Holton; many grandchildren, great grandchildren & great great grandchildren; 2 sisters, Monica, and Vicky Gorney, both of Manistee. Agnes was preceded in death by her husband, John Kushner. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, February 20, at 11:00 a.m. at Clock Chapel of Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Muskegon with Fr. Bill Langlois officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Harbor Hospice - Poppen Residence. Please visit Agnes memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a memory with her family or sign her online guest book.