Republic- Erna R. Letz, age 100, Republic resident passed away Sunday, November 27, 2016 at the Lighthouse at Ishpeming Health & Rehabilitation Center in Ishpeming Township while in the loving care of UP Home Health & Hospice.

Erna was born on March 22, 1916 in Gladwin, MI to Rudolph & Amanda (Beutler) Rode.  Her family moved to the Detroit area where Erna graduated from Detroit Central High School.  She lived in Farmington Hills and Southfield prior to moving to Republic in 1980 with her husband Daniel Letz.

Erna was a member of the Bethany Lutheran Church where she belonged to the quilters group.  She also belonged to the Red Hat Society, PEP Group, Eastern Star, and the Republic Lions Club.

Erna was preceded in death by her husband Daniel in 1990, 2 sisters: Ruth Steffen and Lorretta Rode, and a brother Lawrence Rode.  Erna is survived by 3 nephews: Lloyd (Emmajane Finney) Steffen of Bethlehem, PA, Alan Steffen of Medina, OH, and Glenn Steffen of Chicago, IL, a niece Cathy (Bill Williams) Steffen of Columbus, OH, along with 5 great nieces and great nephews.

Erna's family will greet relatives and friends from 10:00-11:00 am on Thursday December 1, 2016 at the Bethany Lutheran Church in Republic where funeral services will be held at 11:00 am with Rev. Kevin Kaiser officiating.  Interment will take place at Oakland Hills Memorial Garden in Novi, Michigan.

A luncheon will follow the service in the church fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the Bethany Lutheran Church 110 Poplar St. Republic, MI 49879 in memory of Erna Letz.

Erna's obituary may be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com

The funeral service recording, when it becomes available, can be found here .