Carolynne Wegmeyer

Born in Alpena, Carolynne was the cherished daughter of the late Alvin and Naomi Torsch. She was a city girl until she met the love of her life, Fred Wegmeyer of Herron. With his easygoing charm, hard work ethic, and compassion, Fred helped Carolynne transition to farm life. Together they shared 57 beautiful years of marriage and built a fantastic life on their family dairy farm, Elm Drift Farms, in Herron. As a full co-owner and partner, Carolynne managed the farm’s finances, books, payroll, and employee relations but her favorite job was taking care of the baby calves. She did all this while raising her family and teaching her children invaluable life lessons. In their early years together, their partnership was even recognized statewide when they were named Michigan’s Outstanding Young Dairy Couple.

In addition to her dedication to the farm, Carolynne was a remarkably gifted professional with an uncanny ability to discover and enhance the best qualities in others. A dedicated counselor, her life mission was to help people heal and grow emotionally and spiritually. After earning her Master’s degree in Counseling from Spring Arbor University, she devoted over four decades to serving her community in diverse therapeutic and administrative roles. When Turning Brook Senior Living Community first opened its doors in 2006, Carolynne served as its very first administrator, helping to establish its foundation of care. Her extensive background in senior care also included serving as the social services director for AuSable Valley Community.

Carolynne was deeply committed to providing a safe atmosphere of confidence, trust, and safety for those navigating life’s heaviest burdens. She worked extensively in grief and loss, notably serving as the grief support services manager for Hospice of Michigan. She also touched lives as an outpatient therapist, an adoptive case worker, a maternal and infant support counselor, and an independent contractor providing marriage and family therapy.

Her empathy extended far beyond her practice and into pioneering community leadership. Carolynne was a key leader in founding the Alzheimer Chapter of Northeast Michigan, securing its initial grant funding, designing seminars for caregivers across 11 counties, and serving as its chapter president. She lent her leadership to numerous boards, including the Northeast Michigan Community Foundation Board and the Alpena Senior Citizens Board, and was one of only 30 participants chosen statewide for the prestigious Michigan Agricultural Leadership Program. Her legacy of compassion, empathy, and healing will live on in the countless lives she transformed.

Carolynne’s greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her beloved husband of 57 years, Fred; her devoted children, Timeen Wegmeyer of Denver, Colorado and Tyler Wegmeyer of Hamilton, Virginia along with his wife, Harriet. She was the incredibly proud grandmother of Torsten, Tucker, and Colden Wegmeyer. She also leaves behind her living brother, Ron Torsch, and many cherished nieces, nephews, friends, and former colleagues. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Marilyn Torsch Sangiuliano, and her brother Ken Torsch.

A celebration of Carolynne’s life will be held at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Alpena at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 18. Visitation will be at McWilliams Funeral Home on Friday, July 17 at 6 to 8 p.m. and at 10 a.m. on Saturday before the service at the Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church in Alpena.