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Age at Death: 73
Cause of Death: brain cancer
Classmate City: Tobyhanna
Classmate State: PA
Classmate Country: USA
Was a Veteran: No
Survived By: Siblings: Christine, Timothy, & Katherine (K.C.) Steiner
Preceded in death by her husband, Donald Meyers. Attended NMU for her undergraduate & graduate degrees in Music Education. Taught elementary classes in the Webberville, Michigan Public School system before moving to NYC where she sang in the Metropolitan Opera and lived with her husband and beloved cats until retiring to Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania. While a student ar NMU, Gretchen fell in love with Lake Superior. At her request, cremated remains of Gretchen, husband Donald, and their special cat "Jack" are now in the waters of Superior.
Please feel free to attend this memorial service.
Memorial Service
Saturday, October 8, 2022 TIME: 1:00 p.m. PLACE: Saint John’s Episcopal Church 574 Sheldon Road Plymouth, Michigan 4817
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Betsy Maurer (Volaric)
I am so sorry to hear this. A wonderful life taken way out soon.
Beth Barnett (Underwood)
I am so sorry to hear this! I'd written a long memory relating my PHS experience to hers but then I lost it. I do remember her wonderful singing voice and it sounds like she had a happy amazing life. Gone too soon! I'd have loved to see her but I couldn't make the 50th reunion and don't know if she did or not. But RIP Gretchen And my sympathy to her family.
Jean O'Donnell (Fannin)
This is such sad news. Gretchen's numerous talents will be missed by many.
Mary Vallier (Vallier-Kaplan)
What I remember most about Gretchen was her sense of being grounded. Having been a vocalist too at PHS I don't remember her voice. She obviously was very gifted. Now I wonder if I heard her at the Met and didn't even know it was her. I love obituaries when you get to know someone better and it makes you smile. Gretcnen always had a warm smile. A bit like Mona Lisa as I never knew what she was really thinking.
Martha Arnison (LeComb)
I have so many memories about Gretchen. I loved visiting her at her family's farm in high school and listening to her beautiful voice in the choir. She had the most beautiful voice I'd ever heard. She was my room mate at NMU too for the first year so I had the honor to hear her sing in our room and at rehearsals where she almost always got the solo. We had so much fun. We spent a lot of time on Presque Isle back then and I understand her love of the U.P. since it drew me back a few years ago. I always wondered what happened to Gretchen but over the years she faded from memory. I didn't know she sang at the Met but it doesn't surprise me in the least. Strangely, in just the last few months I started thinking about her again and did searches for her on the internet just to see if I could find her and make contact. I'm so very saddened to hear of her death and if I had known her cremains were going to be gracing the big lake, I would have tried to hook up with her family for a lunch. She's singing with the angels now and they are lucky to have her.
Brian Foust
My heart truly goes out to Gretchen's family. So sorry to hear of her passing. I have known Gretchen FOREVER! She was always so friendly and supportive of others. She will be truly missed. Gretchen, you added so much value to so many people! I am so glad you are comfortable now with GOD, our Father!
Wilma Little (Stoops)
I remember going to dinner (first time I had mexican food!) at her home on Ridge Road. I still revisit that memory every time I go down that road. I also remember her voice and her plan to make a future in music, so I was glad to read that she was in the Met opera house. She had such a sweet smile and soft voice. Rest in peace, Gretchen!
Lynn Cash
It's always so sad to hear of obituaries of our friends, classmates and families. My condolences to the Steiner family.