Lydia E. Wegmeyer

Lydia Esther Wegmeyer, age 87, of Gaylord, passed away on Monday, January 20, 2020 at The Brook in Gaylord with family surrounding her.

She was born on June 7, 1932 in Alpena, Michigan.  Lydia was the daughter of Ralph and Olga Lobert, the second of 3 daughters.

Lydia married Willis on August 12, 1949 and together, they operated the Wegmeyer family farm in Alpena until moving to Gaylord.  In 1971, Lydia and Willis built the Gaylord KOA Kampground on M-32 West.  During their years as owner-operators, the couple combined their business skills and genuine love of people to create a campground people returned to year after year.

Lydia and Willis provided leadership in the community and supported several charitable organizations in the area.  Because of Lydia's involvement in these organizations, she formed many friendships that lasted over 50 years.  She cherished her friends and always enjoyed getting together for weekly coffee.  For many years, Lydia spent her winters in Florida.  She was there as recently as 2019 enjoying the warmer weather and playing cards with friends.

Lydia delighted in her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.  She is survived by her children:  Marcus (Sharon) Wegmeyer of Gaylord, Sharon (John) Newman of Naples, Florida, Gayle Barker (Mike Sanford) of Royal Oak and Jeff (Trish) Wegmeyer of Gaylord;  her grandchildren:  Amie (Herbert) Hopp, James Wegmeyer, Shawn (Michele) Barker, Josh Barker, Kory (Alice) Wegmeyer and Lauren Wegmeyer and great grandchildren: Brian Barker and Andrew Barker.

She was preceded in death by her husband Willis in 2002 and her son Kim in 2013.

She will be missed by all for her great sense of humor, her independent nature and her love of angels.

A service celebrating her life will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 1, 2020 at the Gaylord Evangelical Free Church where the family will visit with friends beginning at 12:30 p.m.  In lieu of flowers, those who wish are asked to consider memorial contributions to Hospice of Michigan.

Arrangements are by Gaylord Community Funeral Home & Cremation Service. Please share your memories and personal messages with the family at www.gaylordfuneralhome.com