Mrs. Emajean Lobenherz

Emajean Lobenherz was an active and loyal lady who had gained much wisdom throughout her lifetime. She had seen remarkable events transpire, including the passing of the 19th Amendment granting women the right to vote, the Great Depression, World War II, and the Civil Rights Movement. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, taking great joy in her loved ones. In 1915, the world was closely watching events in Europe as World War I intensified with a blockade of Britain and the sinking of the passenger ship S.S. Lusitania. Despite the tension and uncertainty of America's role in the conflict, William George and Ema (Keck) Krautheim of Muskegon, Michigan, were hopeful with anticipation for the arrival of their first child. On August 19, they were rewarded by the arrival of little Emajean. Emajean grew up as the apple of her parents' eyes, their only child. Emajean's first job was working as a secretary at Sealed Power Co. in Muskegon. She met a man named Ernest Pomeroy Lobenherz, originally from Detroit. They fell in love and exchanged vows on February 5, 1944, in Oklahoma City. Together they raised three wonderful children on Duck Lake in Muskegon County, Michigan, and spent over forty years sharing the joys and sorrows life brought their way. Emajean enjoyed being active and had many outside interests. She was elected Clerk of Fruitland Township where she served through the 1960s and '70s. She was a faithful member of the Lebanon Lutheran Church in Whitehall for many years. She loved being outside and living on the lake gave her opportunities to enjoy two of her favorite activities, fishing and swimming. Indoors, she enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles, and playing cards. In 1984, Emajean suffered the loss of her dear husband. She took comfort in her children and grandchildren, and continued to participate in the activities she enjoyed, becoming an avid bridge player. Later, she moved into a retirement home where she made friends and became the bridge champion on her first day of play. Emajean loved her family and always looked forward to spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Holidays were special and she treasured each additional year that passed. She leaves her loved ones with sweet memories and the assurance of her love. Emajean died on Monday, November 27, 2006. She is survived by her daughter, Gretchen Ann (David) Martin, and two sons, William (Carla) Ernest and Richard Ernest; eleven grandchildren: Heidi, Joanne, Jessica, Rebecca, Christopher, Alexandra, Austin, Andrew, Elizabeth, Matthew, and Alan; and nine great grandchildren: Mary Grace, Joseph, John, Charley, Calvin, Marley, Cortie, Jacob and Calvin. The family will provide the flowers for a Memorial Service to be held Wednesday, December 27, at 5:30 p.m. at Clock Lifestory Funeral Home-Muskegon, with the Rev. Doug Ogden officiating. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Lebanon Lutheran Church, 1101 S. Mears, Whitehall, MI, 49461, or to the Hospice of Michigan, 400 Mack Ave., Detroit, MI, 48201. Please visit Emajean's personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a favorite memory or photo or sign the online guestbook.