Kathryn Garten Obituary

Kathryn Louise Garten, 93, of Charlevoix, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at Grandvue Medical Care Facility in East Jordan. She was born on July 10, 1932, in Elkhart, IN, the daughter of Chester and Muzette (Gorsuch) Ort.

Kathryn graduated from Elkhart High School in 1950, and shortly after she met William Garten, whom she married on October 16, 1954, in Elkhart. They made their way to Charlevoix in 1963 where they would go on to raise three children.

Kathryn worked all across town over the years: Charlevoix Hospital, the Charlevoix Courier, Charlevoix State Bank, Great Lakes Shipwreck Co., Kit Carson Lumber Co., Walohan Lumber, Oleson’s Food Store, Dapper Dick’s Deli, and the Staley Hardware Store to name just a few. She and her late husband also owned and operated the “House on the Hill” rooming house for many years on the North side. Kathryn had a love of people as well as working with the public and enjoyed every moment she was able to do so. She also attended the Community Church of God for numerous years.

Kathryn loved nothing more than time spent with her family – especially her grandchildren – and her friends. She also enjoyed traveling across the United States, making sure she could always catch the Tigers on the TV or the radio.

Kathryn is survived by her three children, Greg (Claire) Garten of Carolina Shores, NC, Holly (Larry) Kitson of East Jordan, and Debbie (Kevin) Janisse of Nashua, NH; two grandchildren, Samuel (Sierra) Janisse of Chicago, IL, and Matthew Janisse of South Carolina; and a niece & several nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, William Garten; her parents, Chester and Muzette Ort; and her sister, Phyllis Whisler.

Kathryn will be laid to rest during a private ceremony with her husband William at Norwood Township Cemetery in Charlevoix.

Arrangements are in the care of the Charlevoix Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Please sign her online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com