Lois Kircher

1935 - 2021

Lois Eileen Kircher, affectionately known as "Granny," "Lo-ie" and, as her husband Everett would say, "Mother," passed peacefully on December 12, 2021 with devoted family members by her side following the celebration of her 86th birthday.

She was preceded in death by her husband Everett Kircher, her parents Louise and Ralph W. Moore and her brother Stephen.

Lois was born in Illinois of British and Italian heritage, and spent her early years in Glencoe before moving to Birmingham, Michigan where she attended Birmingham schools. She earned her baccalaureate degree in education from Northwestern University and her Master's degree from the University of Michigan. Not only was Lois an educated lady of the time, she was a career educator of young people in Wilmette, then returned to Birmingham where she continued teaching math in Bloomfield Hills.

A true lover of nature and animals both big and small, Lois was an accomplished young equestrian at the former Outland Riding Stables in Bloomfield Hills. Growing up, her family summered at their cottage in Harbor Springs. As her love for skiing grew, she would frequently travel North in the winter months to Boyne Mountain. It was here she met the love of her life, Everett Kircher, in December of 1962. They married on September 14, 1963.

Over the years Lois became the matriarch of both the Kircher Family and the Boyne Resort Family. Together Lois and Everett furthered the company mirroring the manner in which she raised her own family. Lois was shy but strong, quiet but direct, reserved yet convicted, patient yet driven. Although she was never publicly outspoken, many knew her as the grounding force and a moral compass for Everett--a strong businessman and father of four--as well for the Boyne Resort Family.

Lois had a passion for spending time outdoors including trail riding on horseback after a family dinner, fly fishing, hunting, mushrooming, walking her dog, playing golf with friends, skiing, watching her grandchildren jump on the trampoline and just being on the water. She loved spending time with her lifelong lady friends, playing bridge and planning her next 'girls' ski trip' to Big Sky Montana. She loved hosting the family's annual deer camp in Northern Michigan and spending winters at her home in Naples, Florida. She enjoyed watching The Detroit Tigers and never missed a University of Michigan football or basketball game.

Lois was deeply committed to giving back to her community by supporting many charitable organizations, while also volunteering her time mentoring children. She never missed a week volunteering for the Boyne Falls School ski program and was the Boyne City High School golf coach in the 80's. She was proud in her later years to be the founder of The Lois and Everett Kircher Family Foundation supporting McLaren of Northern Michigan, Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Northwestern University, Northwood University, Challenge Mountain, The Humane Society and others. Lois was a woman of devout faith, a devoted member of Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Petoskey Michigan.

Lois aged with incredible grace and will happily be remembered for her sparkling blue eyes, iconic silver hair and warm and welcoming smile.

She is survived by her children John (Kim) Kircher, Amy (Greg) Wright, Steve (Molly) Kircher, Kathryn Kircher and her loving grandchildren Andrew (Stephanie) Kircher, Tyler (Cheyanne) Prange, Loren Kircher, Evelyn Kircher, Everett Kircher, Douglas "Rett" Krug, Piper Krug, Stein Kircher, and Finn Kircher.

Visitation will be held at Stone Funeral Home located at 2098 E. Mitchell St. in Petoskey Michigan on Monday, December 20th from 5:00-7:00pm.

A Celebration of Lois's Life will be held at Emmanuel Episcopal Church located at 1020 E. Mitchell St. in Petoskey, Michigan on Tuesday, December 21st at 1:00pm.

Following the Service private interment will be held for family members.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of The Lois and Everett Kircher Family Foundation to Challenge Mountain - an adaptive skiing program, PO Box 764, Boyne City, MI 49712 or www.challengemtn.org