Annette Ryckman

Annette Jane (Wallrath) Ryckman, Ph.D., 83, of Traverse City, formerly of Flint, MI, Roscommon, MI, Emporia, KS, and Sault Ste. Marie, MI, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 16, 2022 at Munson Hospice House. Annette Wallrath was born on Nov. 13, 1938 in Flint, Michigan to the late Peter and Jane (Szymanski) Wallrath. She married the love of her life, Lynn Avery Ryckman on Jan. 30, 1965 at St. Matthew Catholic Church in Flint. He preceded her in death on Dec. 16, 1998. 

Annette was a 1956 graduate of Flint Technical High School. Her love of education ran throughout her entire life. She attended Mott Community College receiving an Associate’s degree in Business, Eastern Michigan University obtaining a Bachelor’s in Science and a Master’s of Art.  Annette completed her education journey at Michigan State University achieving an Educational Specialist degree and a Doctor of Philosophy.

In 1960, Annette startedher teaching career at Wylie Groves High School and Ernest Seaholm High School. She later became a professor of business and marketing at Emporia State University in Kansas. Upon moving to Traverse City, she taught at Northwestern Michigan College and the Traverse Bay Area Career Tech Center. Lastly, Annette taught at Lake Superior State University, retiring in 1999 in Traverse City on Old Mission Peninsula. 

Annette was the co-owner of Higgins Lake Pro Hardware with Lynn from 1965 to 1976.   She was a member of the National Business Education Association, Delta Pi Epsilon (an honorary graduate society), the Women’s Economic Development Organization of Traverse City, Grand Traverse area Retired School Personnel, Old Mission Women’s Club, Book Club and many other organizations.  She was also a longtime member of the Eagles Club and Elks Lodge #323. At the Elks, she was lovingly known as the “Ambassador.”  Annette volunteered countless hours to her community with a dedicated interest in Carepacks for kids and Elks Charitable Scholarships. 

She is survived by a daughter Susan (Michael Taylor) Ryckman-Taylor, son Roger (Tammy) Ryckman and three grandchildren; Kathryn Ryckman, Avery Ryckman and Aislyn Ryckman.

She was preceded in death by a daughter, Jennifer Lynn Ryckman, her brother, Edwin Everett Wallrath, sister-in-law Marjorie J. (Edwards) Wallrath and brother-in-law Erwin Ryckman.

A memorial service honoring Annette will take place at 3:00 p.m., with visitation starting at 2:00 p.m., on Wednesday, August 24, 2022 at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 305 Sixth St., Traverse City, Michigan 49684, with final resting place at Sunset Hills Cemetery in Flint, MI.  Deacon Rene Hoenscheid will officiate. 

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a memorial donation to Elks Charitable Grant Fund, (Carepacks or the Scholarships Fund), c/o Elks Lodge #323, 625 Bay St., Traverse City, Michigan 49684. 

Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories with Annette’s family at her tribute page at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.

The family is being cared for by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.