Sylvia Veitengruber

Birch Run, MI

Sylvia Jane Veitengruber triumphantly entered her heavenly home on April 6, 2026, surrounded by the same deep love she so generously gave throughout her life. Born February 4, 1937, in Birch Run, Michigan, to Dan and Sylvia Beach, she graduated from Birch Run High School in 1955. On June 30, 1956, she married Willis Veitengruber. They shared 69½ years until Willis's passing in November 2025. Their marriage reflected deep faith, steady devotion, and a shared joy in raising a family rooted in love.

Before raising her children, Sylvia worked at the Bavarian Inn Restaurant. She later joined Bronner's, where she remained until retirement, forming many cherished and lasting friendships along the way.

Sylvia was blessed with many God-given gifts, and she used each one to enrich the lives of others. Her deep compassion made her a source of comfort for those facing illness or hardship, and many considered her a trusted confidant. Her creativity shone brightly—whether crafting unique decorations at Bronner's, beautifying local businesses during the holidays, or transforming her passion for china painting into a thriving business.

But her greatest gift was hospitality, a true expression of her heart. She welcomed others with warmth and generosity, creating a home where friends felt like family and family gatherings became treasured traditions. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren carry countless memories shaped by her loving presence and the joy she brought to every celebration.

Cherishing Sylvia's memory are daughters Jayne McMeans, Carla (Jerry) Roethlisberger, and Susan (Mike) Fresorger; grandchildren Ryan (Stacie) Smith, Andrea (Beau) Beson, Patrick Smith, Christa (Adam) Rensel, Andrew Roethlisberger, Elizabeth Roethlisberger, Rachel (Ryan) Peters, and Kevin (Sidney) Fresorger; great-grandchildren Gabe, Dawson, Adriel, Kyleigh, Dusty, Dalton, Shay, and Lexi Smith; Brinley, Kaede, Gareth, and Christian Beson; Reed and Rylee Rensel; Hudson, Madison, and Camden Peters; and Ava Fresorger; honorary grandchildren Nathan, Brittany, Kimberly, and Sullivan; sisters Ruth (George) Shauger and Ila Pickelmann; brother Ed (Carol) Beach; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and close friends.

In addition to her parents and husband, Sylvia was preceded in death by her infant son Neil Patrick, brothers Frank (Clara) Beach, Jim (Donna) Beach, Andy (Dorothy) Beach; sisters Viola (Ed) Hak, Anna (Otto) Koester; Marietta (Joe) Daniels; and sister-in-law Loraine Veitengruber.

The family is extremely thankful for and appreciative of the wonderful and compassionate care provided to Sylvia by Wellspring Hospice.

Funeral service will take place Friday, April 10 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Lorenz Lutheran Church, 1030 W. Tuscola, Frankenmuth, Michigan, with burial in St Lorenz Cemetery. Sylvia's family will receive visitors at Cederberg Funeral Home of Frankenmuth, 590 N. Franklin Street on Thursday, April 9, from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and on Friday at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. The service will be livestreamed at https://stlorenz.org/stream/ .

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Sylvia Beach Scholarship Fund, Wellspring Hospice, or St. Lorenz Media Ministry.