Karoline E. Merchand, age 97, of Midland, Michigan passed away on Wednesday, June 10, 2015 at Stratford Village in Midland.  Karoline was born on August 27, 1917 in Seattle, Washington, the daughter of Frank and Leah (Frizzell) Kriesche.  On September 6, 1936, she married Victor Joseph Merchand on Mackinaw Island.  Victor passed away on January 7, 1987.

       Karoline was a nurse for many years working at the State Home.  She was a former member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and a 4-H leader for many years.  She enjoyed quilting and was a member of a quilting club.  She enjoyed fishing, gardening and going to the casino where she had a magic touch for winning.  Traveling was a favorite also and she had a suitcase packed and by the door so that she could leave at a moments notice.

       Survivors include her children, Michael Victor and Margo Merchand of Mt. Pleasant, Gerald Francis Merchand of Mt. Pleasant, Susan Leah and Jim Moggenberg of Midland, Michigan, William Alfred and Teddy Merchand of Pickford, Michigan, Annette Marie and Larry Nickols of Langisburg, Michigan, Denise Cecelia Latham of Engadine, Michigan and Patricia Louise Merchand of Perrinton, Michigan.  She is also survived by thirty-two grandchildren, numerous great grandchildren and several great great grandchildren along with two sisters, Myrtle McDonald of Mt. Pleasant and Mary Smothers of Magnolia, Texas.  Karoline was preceded in death by her husband, an infant son Joseph, a daughter Katy, both parents and four brothers, Gerald Kriesche, Frank Kriesche, Jack Kriesche and Michael Heckert.

         A service celebrating Karoline’s life will be held on Sunday, June 14, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. from the Rowley Funeral Home with Deacon Larry Fussman officiating.  The family will meet with friends on Sunday from 1 p.m. until service time.  Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery on Monday.  Friends have been asked to consider Michigan Special Olympics or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital for memorials.