Anna Unkovich Obituary

Anna Unkovich, of Arroyo Grande, Calif., former teacher at Northeast, and daughter of Michael and Helen Unkovich, was born during a blizzard, March 5, 1948. In Anna's words, "That gave her tenacity for life." Anna left life on this earth and "moved on to the next adventure," Aug. 7, 2017.

She is survived by husband, Don Dirkse; three brothers, John (Nadine), Walter and Sam; nieces, Michelle Thompson and Maria McDougall; nephews, Michael and Matthew; and nine great-nieces and great-nephews. She claimed to have had a good life. Her final message to you: How big your heart is, is not measured by how much you love, but by how much you are loved by others! Anna was well loved.

Anna grew up in Alcona County and graduated from Alcona High School (1966). She graduated from Central Michigan University with a B.S. in education (1970), and later also attained an M.A. at CMU (1982). She spent over 40 years teaching, including Oscoda High School (1971-73), the majority of her time at Midland Public Schools, (1974-2001) as well as college level courses while semi-retired, after moving to Arroyo Grande, Calif. She took on many extracurricular activities, including: head coach for track and field teams, cheerleading, pom-pom, swimming and diving teams, as well as serving on several school, local and state committees and boards. She wrote a newspaper column in the Midland communty entitled, "Classroom with a View." She also found time to co-author several books relating to her education field, including Chicken Soup for the Soul in the Classroom. She was bestowed with several prestigious awards. She received both the Gerstacker Award for Excellence in Teaching and the Lloyd Osborn Award for coaching, during her career in Midland. She was beloved by many of her students. A final quote: "I'm passionate about life and about education...and firmly believe that when we teach to the heart, the head will follow."

As per her wish, there will be a joyful celebration of Anna's life on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2017, at 2 p.m., at Creative 360, 1517 Bayliss St., Midland. Wear purple if you'd like.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Midland Daily News on Aug. 19, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Anna Unkovich

11 Entries

Janice Konstantinidis

August 14, 2025

Always a song in my heart for Anna.

Janice Konstantinidis

August 13, 2023

Colorful memories of a beautiful soul. Janice.

Janice Konstantinidis

August 13, 2022

Remembering Anna with much love.

Santiago Brown

August 30, 2020

Anna touched my life a year before she passed. We met on a short flight and helped me make a simple but decisive decision in my life. She was a powerful, intelligent and caring person. If more humans learned to be like her Earth would be a better place. Perhaps that's why she left, someone else needed her ;) Adiós y hasta siempre.

Clare Telford

September 4, 2017

I knew Anna as a force of determined and focused energy. Wrapped in a geometry of bright colors and effervescent energy, she attracted immediate attention. No doubt, the heavens welcomed her arrival with vivid hues of color ~ especially her favorite ~ Purple. She was a fearless seeker, a teacher, and a guide to many. As friends, we joined with others on a spiritual journey of expansion and compassion. Anna's work and contributions of love and light, now radiate outward through the lives of others, to always and in all ways, "pay it forward".

Patrick Raymond

August 28, 2017

Anna was a great Toastmaster member. That is where I was fortunate to get know her. She spoke of teaching and learning with love of the student, the craft and what she gained.

Linda Williamson

August 27, 2017

I really never knew Anna Unkovich personally, but I hear nothing, But Good, about Anna Unkovich! She must have been a very special person...

Janice Konstantinidis

August 25, 2017

Anna was a rare person. I know you're at peace now my friend.
Janice Konstantinidis.

Kara (Pomranky) Malkowski

August 21, 2017

I'm so sorry to hear about Anna's passing. She was a wonderful former neighbor -- full of kindness, gentleness and passion for life. I am grateful I was able to know her and let her beautiful light touch our lives!

Jean and Al Ducham

August 20, 2017

Anna Unkovich was a one-of-a kind. One favorite memory I have is of Anna sending us a Christmas card that was a picture of her and her husband sitting in lawn chairs in the ocean with a sign that said, Merry Christmas. She was very unique and she was very loved by her students and friends. She will be missed by many.

Shelli Wixtrom

August 19, 2017

Anna was a mentor in both life and education. She taught me that it was ok for students to see you as vulnerable, as human, because that made it ok for them to be vulnerable too. She believed that, if you endure hardship, the only way to survive was to let go of the anger and bitterness and embrace life, love, and hope. She helped me expand my thinking, and my wardrobe :). Though we lost touch, I will never forget her kindness or her example. Anna's impact on the world is eternal - she inspired thousands and we, in turn, will work to inspire, and to carry on her legacy. Love to Anna and all those who love her and will miss her!

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