Carol Wichman

Age 77, passed away May 10, 2018 in Kalamazoo. Toni was born on August 19, 1940 in Kalamazoo, the daughter of Harvey and Mary Florence (Crum) Harrington.

Toni’s father, Harvey, was in the Air Force and the family moved with him during those years living in Detroit, Missouri, Hawaii and California. After her father’s death the family came back to the family farm in Galesburg. Toni grew up with a love of animals with a special fondness for horses and dogs.

On March 7, 1959, she was united in marriage with Robert (Bob) Wichman, who preceded her in death on February 25, 2016. Toni and Bob had a wonderful life and a lot of fun together. They built a home on the family property in 1964 and enjoyed their life surrounded by the beautiful trees, birds, deer and all the other wildlife that passed through their yard.

Toni and Bob loved to entertain and had some legendary parties over the years. Early in their marriage they held annual Halloween parties. There were many creative costumes and one party even included a pony in the dining room! Toni always hosted a five-star Thanksgiving each year. She was an amazing cook and loved trying new recipes.

After Bob retired, he took up golf and Toni was not going to be left behind, so she became a student of the game. She never hit the ball a long way, but it was almost always straight and she was a master of the short game. Her skill led her to having two holes-in- one!

Bob and Toni loved to travel. Mexico, Arizona, Wyoming and Hawaii were some favorite destinations. On their first trip to Hawaii, Toni was able to return to Hickam Air Force Base where she had had so many happy childhood memories.

Toni was a lifelong Michigan fan. She loved football, basketball and the band. She and Bob were season ticket holders and loved tailgating at all the home games. Over the years they were able to attend games at most of the Big Ten schools and traveled to California to watch their team play in the Rose Bowl.

Their home was never without a dog or two. Black Labradors were the first dog of choice, but later in life Toni fell in love with Welsh Cardigan Corgis and leaves behind two special boys, Earl and Apollo, who were her constant and faithful companions.

During her career she worked for the Family Health Center, Imperial Beverage and Fry’s Automotive. She loved working, made many friends and enjoyed a good practical joke with her co-workers.

She is survived by three children: Carl Wichman, Mary (Mark) Haskamp and Daniel Wichman; two grandchildren: Kaytie (Ryan) Hare and Kristen (Rick Parker) Haskamp; two great-grandchildren: Griffen and Gunnar Hare and a sister: Mary Jo (Paul) Frauenhofer.

Toni was predeceased by Bob Wichman, her husband of 57 years and her sister Margaret (Margo) Shanley.

Visit with family and friends while sharing food and refreshments on Saturday (May 19) from 11 AM -1 PM at the Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive; Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900.

Memorial contributions may be made to Rose Arbor Hospice. Please visit Toni’s personal webpage at www.BetzlerFuneralHome, where you can archive a favorite memory or photo of her and sign her online before coming to the funeral home.