Gretchen Lisa Dewey

Gretchen Lisa Dewey, 76, of Palm City, Florida, was called home to the Lord on March 25, 2025. Gretchen was born on September 30, 1948, in Detroit, Michigan, the daughter of Edgar "Ed" and Kathryn "Kay" Krahnke.

Gretchen graduated from Carlson High School in 1966, then went on to take college coursework in computer programming. She landed her first, yet short-lived, job with the Internal Revenue Service upon completion. As a self-willed and independent woman, working for "the man" was not the best fit, and Gretchen found success and career satisfaction in real estate. She spent most of her career as a residential real estate broker and entrepreneur who owned and managed many residential buildings.

Gretchen married Michael Dewey on January 15, 1977. They were introduced by mutual friends and shared a lifelong interest in photography. Michael and Gretchen went on to have one daughter, Lisa, who enjoyed traveling with Gretchen on her many adventures. She was a devoted grandmother to her three grandchildren, Nathan, Isaac, and Eleanor, who loved baking with her.

Gretchen loved music and the arts. She enjoyed attending live concerts, especially jazz, and plays. Gretchen was a talented photographer and was a member of the Martin County and St. Lucie County photography clubs. Although she spent a good portion of her life in Florida, she took pride in being a Detroiter and loved attending Tigers games. Gretchen was an avid hiker and conservationist. She enjoyed hiking with the Tropical Trekkers, her local hiking club, and always found a trail to hike on her vacations.

Gretchen lived a life of community service and strong Christian faith. She always found time to volunteer for various organizations throughout the years. When her daughter was young, Gretchen was a Girl Scout leader and PTA volunteer. In her later years, she dedicated her time as a guardian ad litem, helping to represent the best interests of the Treasure Coast's most vulnerable children in the court system. Gretchen was also an active volunteer with the Salvation Army and recently served as president of the Salvation Army of Martin County's Women's Auxiliary. As a woman of faith, Gretchen was an active participant in various Bible studies through her church, Palm City Presbyterian, and Bible Study Fellowship. Throughout her life, she held an unwavering faith in God, which she shared with those who surrounded her.

Gretchen joins her parents, Ed and Kay, in heaven. Remaining to cherish Gretchen's memory are her husband, Michael; daughter, Lisa (David) Arnold; grandchildren, Nathan, Isaac, and Eleanor; brother, Kurt (Jodi) Krahnke; sister, Karla (Ted Elswick) Krahnke; and brother-in-law, George Ruff.

Memorial services will be held April 22 at 11:00 a.m. at Palm City Presbyterian Church. Memorial donations in Gretchen's memory may be directed to the Florida Guardian ad Litem Foundation.