Florabelle (Schlosser) Kruzel

Florabelle Kruzel, 86, of Cross Village, died September 12th at Bay Bluffs Emmet County Medical Care Facility in Harbor Springs.

Florabelle was born December 5th, 1930 in Petoskey, Michigan. She was the daughter of Arthur B. and Katherine (Parker/Readmond) Schlosser. She was raised in a modest home in Readmond Township; she lived her entire life on Wormwood Lane. Florabelle attended grade school at the Sogonosh Valley School, a 1-room school house in Readmond Township. She later graduated from Harbor Springs Schools in 1948. After graduation Florabelle married Lawrence Kruzel on September 25th, in Cross Village.

Florabelle became a housewife and was great at providing her family with what was needed to survive. She enjoyed gardening and was proud of her canning accomplishments. She was one of the last few survivors of a generation from the Cross Village area when families supported each other to make life a little easier. She and her best friend Audrey Keller spent time raising their families as well as supporting the Holy Cross Church in Cross Village. Together they also enjoyed countless hours of BINGO. Florabelle was a board member of Sogonosh Valley Schools. She retired from the Emmet County Medical Care Facility in Harbor Springs.

Florabelle's door was always open. She enjoyed having friends and family over on Sunday mornings where she would provide them with a cup of coffee, a homemade donut, bacon, sausage and the usual soggy toast. Florabelle's kitchen was the place to hear the local gossip and where many life lessons were learned. Nothing happened in Cross Village that Florabelle didn't know about. She had a quick wit and a unique sense of humor. Thick skin was a must upon entering her front door.

Survivors include her four children Robert (Lisa) Kruzel of Cross Village, Arlyn Kruzel of Cross Village, Dennis (Julia) Kruzel of Cross Village, and Kevin (Jennifer) Kruzel of Harbor Springs; grandchildren, Joe, Larry, Katie, Nikki, Fred, Kathy, Adam, Josh, Danielle, Kaela, Sam, TJ, and Jennifer; many great-grandchildren; and numerous nephews and nieces.

Florabelle was preceded in death by her husband Lawrence Kruzel in 1999; her parents Arthur and Katherine Schlosser; sisters, Mildred Schlosser, Gene (Radford) Cary, Opal (Taft) Kerridge, Ireta (Jack) MacInnis, and Lucille (Adam) Kruzel; and her brothers, Merlyn (Beverly) Schlosser, Milford "Toad" Schlosser, and Gerald "Joe" (Madeline) Schlosser.

There will be a memorial service, Wednesday, September 27 at 11:00 a.m. at Stone Funeral Home in Petoskey with a one hour visitation prior to the service. Rev. Dave Behling will officiate the service.

A special thank you goes out to the caregivers at Bay Bluffs Emmet County Medical Care Facility, the RFC Fire Department, and her in-home care givers.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Readmond, Friendship, Cross Village Fire Department would be appreciated.

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