Ihla Marie (Hawald) Aulgur

Ihla Aulgur, 99, of Petoskey, Michigan, passed away peacefully in the early morning on November 20, 2025, four days before her 100th birthday.

She was born Ihla Marie Hawald at the family farmhouse in Shelby Township, Michigan, November 24, 1925. Ihla graduated from Utica High School in 1943. Soon after graduating she took an administrative job at the newly built Utica Proving Grounds for the U.S. Department of Engineers in support of the war effort. She continued working at that same location for the Chrysler Corporation and later the Packard Motor Company.

After World War II she met a returning soldier named Larry Aulgur, who she married in 1950. Together they ran successful businesses in residential construction and development, as well as owning and managing several apartment complexes. Ihla handled the bookkeeping and secretarial duties.

Together they raised three children in Utica, Washington, and Romeo, Michigan areas. The family enjoyed spending time at the farm in Capac and the cottage in Lakes of the North and at nearby Aulgur’s Country Store.

Ihla spent her later years in Petoskey. After Larry’s passing, she enjoyed reading and watching mysteries, baking her famous triple chocolate cake, a favorite for her grandchildren’s birthday, dancing with her friend Elmer Lashmit, and hosting the family gatherings, especially the white elephant game.

She is preceded in death by her parents Frank and Minnie Hawald; brothers Leonard (Ednra) and twins Hank (Terry) and Joe (beryl); and her husband Lawrence Aulgur.

Ihla is survived by her three children: sons Bernie (Cathy) and Doug (Rebecca) and a daughter; nine grandchildren, including: Andrew (Jennifer), Alan, Aaron, Dwayne, Lydia, and Debbie; six great-grandchildren: and numerous step-grandchildren, step great-great-grandchildren.

Those wishing to make a charitable donation in Ihla’s memory are asked to consider McLaren Hospice or the Little Traverse Bay Humane Society.

A memorial service officiated by Pastor Steve Beigle at Stone Funeral Home on November 24, 2025, at 11:00 AM. A visitation will begin at 10:00 AM.