Linke’s Flowers was established in 1907 by Alfred Linke. Margaret Linke Knechtel ran the business on Mirre and Fifth Street until it was destroyed by fire in 1997. The business then moved to M-32, where she ran the business unitl her death in 1999.

In the early days of fall, Margaret and Dennis would start growing poinsettias in their greenhouse to have them ready for Christmas. Margaret loved to donate those flowers to churches and organizations for their pleasure. She would also have an open house at her shop for people to view the beautiful arrangements for Christmas.

This is just a small part of what Linke’s Flower did to beautify Alpena.

In this season, we miss Margaret and the beauty she gave to our city.

DENNIS KNECHTEL,

Alpena