Grace Erlandson

As family and friends can surely agree, Grace Erlandson truly understood the secret to a life well lived. She was a constant source of strength, even in the most difficult of times, and she was always supportive and encouraging of everyone around her. Nothing brought Grace greater joy than surrounding herself with her loved ones. Her rock-solid faith formed the foundation of all that she did, and she faced challenges head on with a spirit of fierce determination. Forever loved, Grace will be deeply missed by those who knew her best.

The 1930s are remembered as a time of great struggle for the United States and much of the world. The Great Depression was a dark shadow over the nation, and families all across the country worked hard to find a way to thrive. During these dark years, however, there was a ray of light for Carmelo John Collica and Hilda Anna Schultz as they eagerly awaited the arrival of their first baby in Detroit, Michigan. On February 10, 1934, they welcomed their daughter, who they named Grace, into the world.

Throughout her childhood, Grace was a typical young girl of her generation in many ways. She was raised in the Ann Arbor and Grand Rapids areas. Grace was one of four children and was often a caretaker for her three younger siblings, Ken, Carl, and Judi, while both of her parents worked to support the family. She discovered her love for reading at a young age, and she also had a passion for music and playing her violin. Grace attended local schools, including Ann Arbor High School, where she was an active member of the orchestra. She graduated in 1952, ready to move on to bigger and better things. Grace worked as a nanny for a prominent doctor who generously offered to pay her college tuition, but she chose to attend secretarial school and pursue a career working as a secretary for an insurance company.

New and exciting changes were on the horizon for Grace as she met the man who would soon become the love of her life. His name was Arvid Erlandson, and the two first met at the Newman Club, a Catholic social club at the University of Michigan where he was studying. There was an instant spark between them. Grace and Arvid enjoyed playing cards and ping pong there, and they also spent a lot of time with Grace’s family. The couple endured a long distance relationship for a time while Arvid was stationed at Bethesda Naval Hospital before they decided to pledge to spend the rest of their lives together. Grace and Arvid were married in 1955, stepping into their future together as husband and wife.

All who knew Grace can certainly attest that, of all the things she loved in life, she treasured her family above all else. She and Arvid welcomed their first child, Paul, into their hearts and home in Bethesda. They then moved to Detroit and were blessed to receive Kathy, Terri, and Mark. The Erlandson family was completed with the arrival of Susan in Milwaukee before they settled down in Kalamazoo, Michigan, in 1973. Grace thrived in her role as a mother and went above and beyond to be involved in the lives of her five children. She served as a room mother, a Girl Scout leader, and a den mother, and she frequently volunteered with the PTA. Later in life, Grace was overjoyed to become a grandmother and even a great-grandmother as well. She adored her grandchildren and doted on them whenever she could. Grace was happy to watch her family tree grow to include so many loved ones.

As a devoted member of her community, Grace could often be found volunteering with local groups and organizations. She was involved with the Welcome Wagon, Newcomers Club, Encore Club, and Recipe Tasters. During the busy season, Grace worked as a part-time cashier at the Western Michigan University bookstore, a job she truly loved. She also volunteered at the Bronson Hospital gift shop and at Health Answers. Grace served through her church by hosting funeral lunches and Bible studies, as well as bringing the Eucharist to hospitals and retirement homes as a Eucharistic minister.

Never one to sit still for long, Grace pursued many hobbies to stay busy in her free time. She was known for her lifelong passion for reading, which she passed down to her children as well. Grace enjoyed cooking and baking, and in her household, there was always a homemade dessert ready for “milk and cookie time.” She liked all kinds of musical performances, including symphonies, operas, and Broadway musicals. Grace was able to see the world through many cruises and memorable trips, and she stayed active with pinochle and golf. She enjoyed her ceramics and keeping her house and yard in excellent condition. Grace’s favorite way to spend her time was surrounded by neighbors, friends, and family. She loved making holidays special with activities and baked goods, and she thought it was so important to make each of her children and grandchildren feel unique and treasured.

When reflecting on the life of Grace Erlandson, it is easy to see both her unwavering strength and her unconditional love for her family. She was a shining example of thoughtfulness and generosity, and she was always willing to serve others. As a dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother, Grace was a friend to many and beloved by all. Her primary focus in life was forming deep and personal relationships with those around her. Though she will be dearly missed, Grace leaves behind a priceless legacy that her loved ones will be proud to carry on in her footsteps.

Grace Erlandson of Portage, age 90, died on July 29, 2024. She is preceded in death by her husband, Arvid; and sister, Judi Hartman. Surviving are her children: Paul (Jan) Erlandson, Kathy Chuhran, Terri (Kerry Getman) Negri, Mark (Alice) Erlandson, and Susan Duff; grandchildren: Erin Warnez and Chris Erlandson, Brandon, Jesse, and Megan Chuhran, Tyler Negri and Melyssa Barazi, Maddie, Emma, and Claire Erlandson, and Andrew, Austin, and Allie Duff; many great-grandchildren; and siblings: Ken (Judy) Collica and Carl (Shirley) Collica.

Please join us at a Life Story Celebration where food, drinks, and stories will be shared on Sunday, August 4, from 3-5 PM at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900. A Life Story Service will begin at 5 PM. Burial at Fort Custer National Cemetery on Monday, August 5, at 10 AM. Celebrate Grace’s life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on her dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com. Memorial contributions may be made to Kalamazoo Loaves and Fishes or The Warm Kids Project.