Sheryl Lynn Kashmerick

Born on September 1, 1944, in Detroit, Michigan, she was the daughter of Theodore Edward Kashmerick and Gloria June (Steele) Kashmerick. Sheryl excelled academically and artistically from a young age. She pursued her passion for the arts at Wayne State University and the University of Michigan, where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts. Painting was her first love, but she also created pottery and stained glass, selling her work through her home-based “Morningstar Studio” and at art fairs across Michigan.

As her family grew, Sheryl transitioned to a career in technical drawing, taking courses in trigonometry, geometry, and drafting. She was hired by an engineering firm in Harbor Springs before moving into computer-aided design. Her skills led her to General Motors, where she built a successful career in administration and management, working in both the Detroit and Lansing areas until her early retirement due to health challenges.

Despite these challenges, Sheryl remained resilient. She adapted to mobility limitations and embraced life fully. In 2007, she married Paul Pretzlaff, a retired Lutheran minister, and they made their home in Petoskey, Michigan. There, she enjoyed gardening, quilting, and caring for her beloved dogs. Later, she moved to East Lansing to be closer to family, where she continued to find joy in nature, birdwatching, and tending to flowers and tomato plants.

Sheryl is survived by her children, Heather Morningstar Kay (Bryan Kay), Shaun Evenson MacKay, and Jesse Ian MacKay (Jamie Watson); granddaughter Kylee Lipinski (Colton Lipinski); sister Sybil Lenzi (Bill Lenzi); nephews and nieces Adam Stansberry (Carmen), Noah Stansberry (Stephanie), Alisha Downs, and Ashley Brabant (Zachary). She was predeceased by her husband Paul Pretzlaff and brother Ted Kashmerick.

A private family memorial gathering is planned for early spring. In remembrance of Sheryl, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Humane Society.