Gretna Van Fleet

Frankenmuth, MI

Gretna (Sanford) Van Fleet, age 95 passed away May 18, 2026 at Winter Village after leading a full life with many talents. She was born on October 19, 1930 to the late Leta and Duane Sanford in Branch County, MI at the home of her paternal grandparents. Gretna married Dale Van Fleet on July 17, 1949 at Gretna’s family home in Hillsdale, MI. Having shared their lives for 76 years and 10 months, Dale will certainly miss having his wife beside him.

In 1948 she graduated from Hilldale High School and Elkhart Business University in Elkhart, IN in 1949. She worked as laboratory assistant at Mercy Hospital, Monroe, MI by Hillsdale Community Health Center, and then Hillsdale County Farm Bureau as the office manager.

Gretna was active in an Extension Group in Hillsdale for 15 years and belonged to PTA. She was also very active in the local community theater. Farm Bureau Community Group, pinochle card club, square dance club were enjoyed by Dale and Gretna.

After selling their farm in 1967 Dale and Gretna moved the family to Frankenmuth. Gretna was the office manager at Saginaw County Farm Bureau, then she worked for Weiss Farm Equipment when in was located in what is now St. Julian’s Winery. Throughout their years in Frankenmuth they lived in several remarkable homes, one of which Gretna established a Bed and Breakfast. She enjoyed meeting all guests and offering guidance for their visit.

She loved quilting, designing many original pieces and worked on many quilts for Frankenmuth Women’s Club. Sewing, knitting, crocheting, tatting, she was always inspired to try something new. She was the founding member of the Bag Ladies at Frankenmuth United Methodist Church, anything from sewing wedding dresses to crocheting helmet warmers for soldiers she would tackle. Oil painting and painting Pysanky eggs was another of her talents. She and Dale also shared a passion for antiques, collecting many unique pieces.

Being musically talented brought great joy to Gretna. In her mid 20’s she and her brothers formed a dance band named the Allenaires. In her lifetime she learned to play drum, tuba, coronet, saxophone, standup bass, violin, dulcimer, psaltery, organ and piano, many instruments being self-taught. And yes, the band ‘Greta Van Fleet’ felt she was a good fit for the name of their band.

Gretna was an avid 4-H supporter, being a member for 12 years and a leader for 11. She served in many capacities for service groups such as Chairman of Pastor of Parish Committee at Frankenmuth United Methodist Church, President of FUMC Women’s Group and program chair for the district, Treasurer State Questers Club, President of Past Presidents of Questers. She has been a member of Frankenmuth Women’s Club since 1978 serving as president for the 1983/84 term and in 2016 was the recipient of the Edelweiss award. In 2017 she was the recipient of the Emerald Clover award through 4-H. Gretna and Dale were also long-time members of the local Northeast Farm Bureau Community Group.

Gretna joined the Frankenmuth United Methodist Church in 1967 continuing her membership until her death. Aside from being an active member, she held various positions mentioned above as well as directed both Sr and Jr choir, sang in choir for over 50 years, and was a substitute organist. Another joy for Gretna was being a member of FUMC band, Holy Jeans, where she played hammer dulcimer and violin. She and Dale spent many months a year for 10 years performing missionary work for NOMADS in the US and Mexico.

In 1971 Dale and Gretna bought a cabin in Lake City, MI and enjoyed time with family and friends. Being on Lake Missaukee brought many blessings of the usual summer and winter sports as well as music around the bonfire, playing Euchre, Phase 10, Sequence, and other shenanigans. The family gathered there for 44 years, very important years for all.

Surviving are her four daughters Marcia (Dan) Sadowski, children Amber Sykes and Grey (Jill) Gustafson. Pam (Bruce) Wright, children Lisa (Jordan) Philyaw and Edward (Joe) Wright. Cheryl (Tim) Weirauch, children Sarah (Mike) Weiss and Jon (Nicole) Weirauch. Joni (Dave McCormic) Van Fleet, children Amy (Stan) Potoczny, Jake (Sorcha) Bartlett and Neil Bartlett. 11 great-grandchildren and one great- great grandchild. In 1969 Dale and Gretna hosted exchange student Anne from Finland, in 1975 Carla from Switzerland and in 1977 they welcomed foster daughter Jill Schroeder to the family. Gretna is also survived by one brother Joe (Joyce) Sanford, sisters-in-law Mary Sanford and Jo Solaro, many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Two brothers predeceased Gretna, Doug Sanford and Darl Sanford, brother-in-law Dick Solaro, nephews Joseph Sanford II, Bill Sanford, Roland Sanford and great nephew Matthew Sanford.

The family would like to thank all those who shared in Gretna’s life as a friend, caregiver, fellow church members and those who stopped to say hello! The staff at Winter Village, A and D Health, A and D Hospice nurses Lori and Jessica were so compassionate, we appreciate you all.

Funeral Service will take place on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Frankenmuth United Methodist Church, 346 Vates St., Frankenmuth, Michigan. Rev. Ryan Wenburg will officiate. Gretna’s family will receive visitors at Cederberg Funeral Home of Frankenmuth, 590 N. Franklin St. Frankenmuth, on Tuesday, May 26th from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and at the church on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to Frankenmuth United Methodist Church, Bag Ladies or a charity of donor’s choice.