Obituary of Augusta Germani

Augusta Frieda Kallenberg was born in Monroe, Michigan on March 5, 1918. She was one of three children a daughter born from the union of the late Nicholas and Matilda (Hoppert) Kallenberg. Augusta was raised in Holy Ghost Lutheran Church attending their grade school. At the age of 13, Augusta, set out on her own, taking employment with the American Red Cross. Just three years later at the age of 16 she married Charlie J. Johnson. Together the couple would share forty-seven years of marriage. After Charlie's passing she married the love of her life Gene J. Germani in 1983. Augusta was a hard worker her entire life. For many years she was employed as a machine operator for Weiss Manufacturing. She also worked fifteen years for Monroe Public Schools serving in the cafeteria and as a janitor in various capacities. Augusta was well-known as a "Gutsy Lady". She was a truck broker and for many years operated, Charlies' trucking business, through Associated Truck Lines. It was constant responsibility to keep the couple's four trucks operating to capacity but she was up to the task. Augusta's work even led to her picking up Jimmy Hoffa and bringing him to the Johnson home for a meeting with Charlie. A lifetime member of the Holy Ghost Church, Augusta volunteered many hours through church ministries. Augusta loved the outdoors and tending to her gardens and flowers were a favorite pastime. She was also skilled at crocheting. Augusta, age 96 of Monroe passed away at 1:00pm on Monday, May 26, 2014 at her home. She had been under the care of Mercy Memorial Hospice. In addition to her parents, her passing was preceded by husband: Charlie on October 8, 1981, husband: Gene on January 13, 2000; a brother: Adolph Kallenberg; a sister: Magdalena Bushey; and a cousin: Jimmy LaPrad. To cherish her memory she leaves a nephew: Robert (Valerie) Johnson of Carleton; a niece: Linda Graczyk of Monroe; a cousin: Beth Mueller, and eight additional nieces and nephews. Private funeral services were held on Wednesday, May 28, 2014 at Holy Ghost Lutheran Church, 3589 Heiss Road in Monroe. The Reverend Larry Loree Jr. pastor of the church officiated. Burial followed at Gethsemane Cemetery. Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185 was entrusted with her arrangements. Memorials are suggested to Holy Ghost Lutheran Church. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort, share a photo, or make a donation by visiting www.merklefs.com; Online Tributes page.