Jeanne Knight Kyselka
Daughter of Eugene and Lulu Belle (Pierce) Knight. She was the descendant of families that pioneered the Kingsley and Mayfield area, first logging and then farming.
Jeanne graduated valedictorian from Kingsley High School at age 16. She was able to attend one year at Michigan State University before the start of the Second World War and later returned to earn her Bachelor of Social Sciences Degree.
Jeanne wed Robert George Kyselka in 1943. The couple started out owning a grocery store in Fife Lake and moved to Traverse City in 1948. Jeanne worked for over 30 years for the State of Michigan in several different capacities. Jeanne was also a landlady, establishing lifelong friendships with many of her tenants.
She was an informed citizen and educated herself about politics and international affairs, and was an advocate for women's rights. She was a talented conversationalist. She was friend of animals and acquired an extensive cow collection.
Jeanne enjoyed hard work, reading, dancing, cards, gardening, travelling, swimming, boating and time spent with family and friends.
Jeanne and Bob celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary. Bob passed away in 2004, and until her death, she lived a full and independent life.
She was a Daughter of the American Revolution, belonged to the auxiliary of the VFW, the Elks, the Eagles and the American Legion. She was active at the Traverse City Senior Center and was a member of the State Retirees Association and also belonged to the Business Professional Women's Association, The Red Hat Club, and The Elmwood Township Senior's Discussion Group.
Jeanne, the youngest of 12 children, was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Robert; and son, Dominic. Brothers and their wives who preceded Jeanne in death are Lucius (Jo) Knight, Ellis Knight, Cyril (Peggy) Knight, Colon (Ruth) Knight and Ward (Margaret) Knight. Sisters and their husbands who preceded Jeanne in death are Hazel (Joe) Leroux, Winifred (Edmund) Beer, Marion (Lloyd) Maxon, Bernice (Chester) Seel; and bothers-in-law, Lorin Moyer and James (Ellen) Kyselka.
She is survived by her children, Roberta Sarkis, Esq. and husband, Gary Hoover; Dr. Luana Kyselka and husband, Dr. Michael Patt; Kyle Kyselka and wife, Peggy Sue; grandchildren, David Sarkis, Dr. Marisa Patt, Dr. Minda Patt, Amelia Patt, Seth Kyselka, Lars Kyselka, Hans Kyselka and Sven Kyselka; great-grandson, David Sarkis; sisters, Ruth Moyer and Betty (Phil) Bowden; and many nieces and nephews.
