Myrtle Mae Wackerle Obituary

Myrtle Mae Wackerle, known lovingly to many as GG Mae, age 102 1/2, passed away on September 26, 2026, at Sheffield Place in Bay City, Michigan, as our heavenly father opened and shut doors exactly as her life needed. She was born on March 25, 1924, in Pinconning, Michigan, to the late Hazen and Viola (Near) Doan. Myrtle lived a long and faithful life marked by devotion to her family, her church, and the many simple joys that brought her happiness.

Myrtle grew up in Pinconning and graduated from Pinconning Area High School, where she was a lettered basketball player and also took part in school plays. Even in her younger years, she showed the creativity, determination, and warm spirit that would remain with her throughout her life. She carried those qualities into adulthood and into every role she embraced, whether as a wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend, or neighbor.

On April 21, 1945, Myrtle married Willis Wackerle at the Pinconning United Methodist Church. Together they built a life centered on hard work, faith, and family. Willis preceded her in death on March 2, 1995. Myrtle worked alongside her husband in the Willis Wackerle Construction Company, where she served as a self-taught bookkeeper. Her careful work and steady presence were an important part of the family business, and she took pride in contributing to the life they built together.

Myrtle was deeply rooted in her church and community. She was a cradle roll member of the Pinconning United Methodist Church and remained connected to the faith that guided her life. She was also known for her skill as a seamstress, lovingly making formal dresses for her daughters' proms and weddings. Her hands were always busy creating something beautiful, and her talents were matched by the care she poured into every stitch and every project, being a 4-H leader for many years.

She was a member of the Linwood Pinsters Quilting Group and enjoyed many quiet and meaningful pastimes. Myrtle loved reading, sewing, working crossword puzzles, and socializing with friends and family. She was a die hard Tigers fan. Myrtle belonged to bowling and golf leagues and made lifelong friends and travel companions within their Anniversary Club. She especially treasured attending her grandchildren and great grandchildren sporting events and activities, where she could cheer them on and share in their accomplishments. Those moments brought her great joy, and her presence was a source of encouragement and pride to those she loved.

Myrtle is survived by her daughters, Bev Billingsley and her husband Dale, and Jan Knochel. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Marla Kennedy and her husband Brian, Robyn Clemens and her husband John, Brad Billingsley and his wife Teresa, Scott Knochel and his wife Carie, and Lindsay Ling and her husband Dan. Her legacy continues through her great-grandchildren, Alexandra, Brady, Kensi, Lakyn, Drew, Landon, Josh, Kaia, Trevin, Talan, Ethan, and Evan. She was preceded in death by her daughter Brenda Anderson, her grandson Nathaniel Clemens, and her son-in-law Mike Knochel also, her Brothers Vern (Eileen) Doan and Glen (Gladys) Doan.

Those who knew Myrtle will remember her as loving, creative, and was a Mom to more than just her own children. She had a gentle way of making others feel welcome and cared for, and her life reflected a deep devotion to the people around her. Her family was the center of her world, and she leaves behind a legacy of kindness, strength, and steadfast love that will continue to live in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Lea, her home caregiver. To Sheffield Bay Assisted Living a special thank you for the caring staff and to, Paula who tucked her in and gave her kisses every night and to Optimal Hospice and her nurse Toni who mom attached to quickly.

Funeral services will be held Saturday October 3, 2026 at 11 am from the Midland Church of the Nazarene 5700 N. Jefferson, Midland, Michigan, with private interment at Floral Gardens Cemetery, Bay City, Michigan.

Family will greet friends and family on Friday October 2, 2026 at Rivertown Funeral Chapel from 1 to 8 pm and on Saturday at the church from 10 am until services. Those wishing an expression of sympathy are asked to consider a charity of choice in Mrytle's memory.