Freda Marie Kullik

Freda Marie Kullik passed away peacefully on January 20, 2025, at American House in Petoskey where she was living the past 2.5 years. Freda was born in Dusseldorf, Germany to her parents, Herman and Maria Spohn on August 13, 1922. She came to this country by boat when she was around four years of age, landing on Ellis Island and settling in Detroit. Her father, Herman, had come to this country first and sent for his wife and daughter once he was settled in. She was joined by her sibling Johnny, who was born on July 5, 1931. Freda was always protective of her brother as he was growing up and she graduated from Eastern High School in 1941. Freda married Irvin Henning on February 14, 1942. They had 2 children, David and Kathleen. Tragically Irvin was killed by a hit and run driver. 

Freda then moved to Boyne Falls with her children to be closer to family. She attended business school and obtained a degree in bookkeeping and general business. She went on to work for Northern Auto in Petoskey. Down the hill from her home lived another family who had lost their mother. Tony Kullik had 2 children, Loretta and Donald. The two families met and got along well. Donald stated that he lost his mom, David and Kathleen lost their dad, so Tony and Freda should get married and be a family. Tony and Freda wed on June 6, 1953, and on August 1, 1961, their daughter Lisa was born. Tony and Freda ran Kullik’s Sunoco and Boyne Motel for many years, retiring in 1980. It was a lot of work but instilled a good work ethic for all involved. They built a home on their property near the business and enjoyed many years there together. Freda was a member of St Augustine’s Catholic Church in Boyne Falls. She taught catechism for 13 years, sang in the church choir and was a member of the Ladies Altar Guild. Her faith was very important to her. 

She enjoyed volunteering with community members and working towards the betterment of the community. She was chairman of the Charlevoix County Cancer Crusade. Freda was also involved with a school fact-finding committee that was involved in bettering the future of the Boyne Falls school system. She worked at Boyne Mountain selling ski tickets after retirement and was instrumental in helping develop the Boyne Falls Polish Festival of which she was so proud. She was Honored Citizen in 2012. She was an excellent homemaker and always had dinner on the table every night, not neglecting the occasional gas customer who might drive up during meals. When anyone heard “customer!” someone would get up and wait on them. Freda enjoyed ice skating, swimming, and dancing in her younger years. She especially loved dancing the jitterbug. Playing Bingo and playing the “slots” was a favorite pastime. She loved all types of music and enjoyed listening to the music channel as her vision dimmed in later years due to macular degeneration. One of her favorite songs was “Hound Dog” by Elvis. She dearly loved her little town of Boyne Falls. 

She was preceded in death by her parents Herman and Maria, first husband Irvin, 2nd husband Tony, stepson Donald, brother Johnny, son David, and step daughter Loretta. Survivors include daughters, Kathleen Huber (Flushing), Lisa Fitzpatrick (Keith) Harbor Springs, daughter-in-law Susan Henning (Boyne Falls); sister-in-law, Marge Spohn (Boyne City). Together they had 10 grandchildren,15 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, and many nieces and nephews. 

Mass of Christian burial will be held Friday, September 26, 2025, at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Boyne Falls. Family will receive visitors at 10:00 AM with mass at 11:00 AM. Internment will follow the cemetery at St. Augustine Catholic Cemetery. All are invited to a luncheon in the church hall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Augustine Catholic Church, the Humane Society or Macular Degeneration Society. The family would like to thank all the care providers at American House for the excellent care and friendships provided. You truly made it “home”.