Ann Altermatt

Loving, supportive, and hard-working, Ann Altermatt lived a life rich in family and friends. Ann embodied her beliefs, welcoming each day as a gift, choosing hope over fear, and treating others with loving respect and care. Ann's steadfast companionship, unwavering kindness, and unfailing support inspired all who were blessed to know her. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, Ann will long be remembered by those she so dearly loved.

Born in Yugoslavia on July 24, 1933, Ann and her family came to America to avoid the impending war. The family arrived in Chicago, Illinois, before settling on a farm in Lawton, Michigan. Ann’s father, Frank Barich, was an excellent tailor but not much of a farmer. Fortunately, Ann’s mother, Mary Barich, confidently tended to the majority of the farming. Along with her brother Frank, Mary was responsible for many daily chores. Waking early and returning home after school to handle the chores taught Ann the value of hard work. Fortunately, the neighbors pitched in with the harvest.

After graduating from Lawton High School, Ann moved to Kalamazoo at her father’s urging because there were no jobs in Lawton. Once in Kalamazoo, Ann secured a job at Michigan Bell, where she worked for 38 years. She started as a switchboard and eventually moved into a position in the main office.

Ann had the good fortune of being set up on a very successful blind date with George Altermatt. The couple for a year before marrying on June 28, 1958, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Kalamazoo on June 28, 1958. Soon after exchanging their vows, the newlyweds made their first home on Lay Boulevard and then a few years later they settled into their forever home, a modest home in Meistro Acres, a new neighborhood on the south side of Portage Township. With woods to explore and a big hill for sledding in the winter, it was the perfect place for Ann and George to raise their three sons, Scott, Jeff, and Bob. Committed to providing a loving and supportive home for their children, Ann and George worked opposite shifts, so one of them would always be home with the boys.

As a mother, Ann instilled discipline and a strong work ethic in her sons that was balanced with healthy fun. Ann lived by example, teaching her children to save money and treat others as they wished to be treated. When Ann and George installed an in-ground pool in the backyard, it quickly became the favorite summer hangout for friends and neighbors. Many great memories were made around that pool for many years! Many special summertime memories were also shared at a rental cabin on Eagle Lake in Bloomingdale, where the family enjoyed having time to unwind from the hustle and bustle of life, relax, and reconnect with one another. An important family tradition was big Sunday dinners that often featured American and Yugoslavian dishes. Holidays were made special with gifts and rich-laden foods from Yugoslavia.

Later, when they became empty nesters, Ann and George would enjoy a leisurely ride to enjoy the colors or a trip to Mackinac Island. In retirement, they enjoyed an epic month-long trip to Arizona in 1993 and also took a grand trip to Orlando, Florida, in 1998 with their grandchildren. At home, Ann enjoyed tending to her flower and vegetable gardens and indulging in her love of reading. She read countless books over the years. Family was most important to Ann; she was always close to her family, brother Frank, and nieces. Though she rarely saw her half-sister, Vera, who lived in Europe, Ann loved and cared for her.

As grandparents, Ann and George relished time spent with their grandchildren. For a time, they watched them a couple of days a week and had many fun adventures. Whether taking them to the fish fry, Old Country Buffet, back-to-school shopping with lunch, or the Shipshewana flea market, they always made cherished memories when they were together.

After sharing 56 happy years of marriage and family life, George died in April 2014. Though she missed him dearly, Ann found comfort in knowing he was at peace and spending time with her children and grandchildren. She would later come to struggle with memory issues and eventually required the skilled, loving care that was offered at Hawthorn Landing Assisted Living, where she lived the rest of her life.

As we celebrate Ann’s life, may we find much comfort in our many treasured memories of the woman we were so blessed to know. May we also find comfort in the honor of carrying her beautiful legacy forward. In each moment we gather with family, share our long-held traditions, enjoy a Yugoslavian dish, confidently meet life’s challenges, enjoy a good book, and cheer on our loved ones’ endeavors, we keep Ann’s memory alive and inspiring others as she so inspired each of us.

Ann Altermatt, age 91, of Portage, died on Friday, December 13, 2024, at Hawthorn Landing in Kalamazoo. Members of her family include her 3 sons, Scott, Jeff, and Bob (Kristen) Altermatt; 4 grandchildren, Calvin, Kayla, Kyle, and Jamie; 3 great-grandchildren, William, Preston, and Madelynn; and two expected great-grand babies in 2025. She was preceded in death by her husband, George; an infant daughter, Elizabeth Mary Altermatt; and her brother, Frank.

Please join us at a Life Story Celebration where food, drinks, and stories will be shared on Thursday, January 2, 2025, from 5-7 PM at Betzler Life Story Funeral Home, 6080 Stadium Drive. Burial will be at Ft. Custer National Cemetery. Celebrate Ann’s life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on his dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com.