Allien G. Cartner

IRONWOOD TOWNSHIP, Mich. — Allien G. Cartner, 87, of Ironwood Township, passed away peacefully at home on Aug. 17, 2013. She died of cancer, surrounded by her husband, Vern, children, Ted, Janice, Loretta and Dan, and daughter- and son-in-law Cindy and Matt.

She was born June 14, 1926, in Chicago, and moved to “the farm” in north Bessemer in 1972 with Vern.

Allien and Vern celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary this year with many fine memories. She smiled when they danced in the kitchen with Vern singing a tune.

She was a loving mother and gave much of herself to them. Allien, Vern and the kids had many fun times, including ice skating, sledding, camping and canoeing, fishing, skiing (downhill and cross-country), cooking, gathering around the table and playing cards.

Her sparkling eyes and laughter will live on in their hearts.

She took first place in 2009 for the biggest fish at the Black River Harbor Fishing Tournament. She made amazing apple and cherry pies from her north Bessemer “farm-picked fruit.” She won first place in the county fair for her quilt. An accomplished seamstress, she taught her daughters how to sew. At family reunions, she won the jarts tournament trophy many times.

Allien worked in the Chicago area as a computer programmer, and when she moved to the Northwoods, she worked and retired from Gogebic Community College in the computer department.

She had many memorable gatherings with her family and friends; hayrides with kazoo tooting and homemade farm fruit wine, apple picking and pressing for cider, cookie baking exchanges during the Christmas season, outings on Father’s and Mother’s days, and the list goes on.

She is survived by her husband Vern, Ironwood; children and daughter- and sons-in-law, Ted and Cindy Cartner, Antioch, Ill., Janice Cartner (husband Al Thompson), Moses Lake, Wash., Loretta Cartner (husband Matt Wilkin), Wrenshall, Minn., and Dan Cartner, Watersmeet; and grandchildren, Naomi Miicke and Matt Welch.

Cremation has taken place, and a memorial service and gathering to celebrate her life was attended by family and friends Tuesday, Aug. 20.

Memorial donations are requested to the Regional Hospice Services, 100 S. Mill St., Bessemer MI 49911.