Amy Putman

Amy Lynn Putman, 57, of Charlevoix, Michigan, passed away peacefully at home on September 2, 2026, surrounded by her loving family after a courageous journey with breast cancer.

Amy was born on June 4, 1969, in Charlevoix, Michigan, to Roger and Connie Pischner. She grew up in Charlevoix alongside her siblings, Francis, Lisa, and Michael, and remained deeply connected to her hometown and the people she loved throughout her life.

Amy began college at Ferris State University, where she played basketball, before transferring to Central Michigan University and earning a bachelor’s degree in education. Teaching became an important part of her life and a place where she made an immeasurable impact on others. She taught students at St. Francis in Petoskey, St. Mary’s in Charlevoix, and Charlevoix Middle/High School. As an elementary educator working with fifth- and sixth-grade students, and later as a paraprofessional supporting middle and high school students in special education, Amy touched countless lives. Her impact extended beyond the classroom through her many years coaching middle school basketball. She had a remarkable ability to make her students feel seen, accepted, and valued.

On December 3, 1994, Amy married the love of her life, Chris Putman. Together they built a life filled with love, laughter, family, and countless memories. Amy was also an amazing and deeply loving mother to her children, Kourtney (Jason) Klus and Austin (Ali) Putman. Her family was at the center of her world, and the love she had for them was evident in everything she did.

Amy was funny, outgoing, stubborn in the way only Amy could be, and fiercely devoted to the people she loved. She had a gift for making anyone feel welcome and cared for. She was the kind of person who could make a room feel warmer simply by being in it. Her laughter, personality, and ability to connect with people left an impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Throughout her 14-year battle with breast cancer, Amy showed extraordinary strength and determination. She faced each challenge with positivity and incredible resilience, rarely complaining and never allowing cancer to take away the person she was. She continued to love, laugh, work, and make memories with the people around her. Her strength was not just in how she faced her illness, but in how she continued to live her life and care for everyone else along the way.

Amy found joy in the simple things, holding onto many of the interests she had loved since childhood, including The Brady Bunch and Fisher-Price Little People. Her many interests also included crocheting and making friendship bracelets, often creating things to share with the people around her. She adored her two cats, Henry and Ford, who were cherished members of her family, and treasured the people closest to her. Among them was her lifelong best friend, Heidi (Bolduc) Seijas, who was more like a sister. Their friendship began in childhood and grew into one of the many enduring relationships Amy held so dear.

Amy’s greatest legacy will not be found in a list of accomplishments, but in the people whose lives she touched. She gave so much of herself to her family, friends, students, and community, leaving each of them better for having known her. Her influence will continue through the people who carry her memory, kindness, and joyful spirit forward.

Amy is survived by her husband, Chris Putman; her daughter, Kourtney (Jason) Klus; her son, Austin (Ali) Putman; her siblings, Francis Pischner, Lisa (Steve) Kindt, and Michael (Amy) Pischner; her many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins; and countless friends and loved ones who considered Amy family.

Amy will be remembered for her strength, her stubborn spirit, her sense of humor, and most of all, her extraordinary ability to make people feel loved. She leaves behind a lifetime of memories and a legacy that will remain with her family, friends, former students, and all those lucky enough to have known her.

Her family takes comfort in knowing that while Amy’s life was far too short, the love she gave was immeasurable, and that love will never leave them.

Arrangements are in the care of the Charlevoix Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.  Please sign her online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com