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We are sad to share the news of the passing of Anita May (Weinkauf) Laich on March 16, 2025, at Woodland Haven of Canal View – Houghton County, where she was a resident patient for the past five years. Anita was born on April 22, 1938, in Wyandotte, Michigan, to Elmer and Genevieve Weinkauf. Her mother passed away in 1946, leaving her, her brother, Jack, and their father, who later married Verna (Gola) Ulbin. Verna’s two children, Jerry and Yvonne, became siblings to Anita and Jack. Anita graduated from Bellville High School. She married Robert (Bob) Laich in 1961 and soon after moved into their forever home in Westland, Michigan, where they raised their daughter, Lynn, and son, Robert (Robbie). In addition to raising their two children, Anita worked as a bank teller and supported Bob’s conservation activities with the Western Wayne County Conservation Association (WWCCA) and Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC). She held elected leadership positions in WWCCA and was the “first lady” of MUCC while Bob was president. They traveled all over the State, attending conservation-related meetings and conventions, and were active among the leaders of the 1976 Michigan Bottle Bill referendum and the Rouge River Rescue, among other conservation efforts. For the better part of two decades, nary a Friday fish fry nor wild-game dinner happened at WWCCA without Anita managing supplies, organizing volunteers, and compiling receipts; fundraisers that supported untold numbers of youth conservation education programs at the club. Despite her petite stature, Anita was a devout bowler and for a time competed in an archery league. She loved to quilt and crochet. She even dabbled in cross-stitching. Anita loved to fish. She was a loyal Detroit sports fan and loved listening to music. Cardinals and chickadees were her favorite birds. Anita was preceded in death by her parents, including her stepmother, her brother, Jack, sister-in-law, Cathy Ulbin, husband of 47 years, Bob, and later her partner for 8 years, Jerry Gault. She is survived by siblings, Jerry Ulbin and Yvonne (Ken) Kieft, children Lynn (John) Gierke and Robbie (Pam) Laich, grandchildren: Genny (Karl) Romanowicz, Mike (Lizzy) Gierke, Erin (Kevin Molesky) Laich, and Heather (Brad) Saranas, great-grandchildren Karl and James Romanowicz and Ryker Laich, nephews, Craig Weinkauf, Braxton, Wesley, and Chad Kieft, and many, many friends, like long-time friends Nancy McKarge, Barbara Jo and Grace Becht and local friends Ken Hinkel and Wendy Eisner. She will be severely missed by her close friends, children, grandchildren, and her favorite son-in-law. We are immensely grateful to the Canal View staff for their wonderful care over these past five years. A simple visitation with her local family will be held Friday, March 21, 2025, from 2-4 pm, at Memorial Chapel, 1017 Quincy Street, Hancock, Michigan, all are welcome. In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, please donate to your own charity that supports conservation efforts. To view Anita’s obituary or to send condolences to the family please go to www.memorialchapel.net. The Memorial Chapel Funeral & Cremation Service – Hancock Chapel is assisting the family with the arrangements.
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