Kraag Lieberman

Kraag Carl Lieberman was born June 26, 1952, in Saginaw, Michigan and passed away November 1, 2016. When he was one year old, his parents Bob and Jane moved to Charlevoix to open a department store, which they operated for thirty years. Kraag attended the Charlevoix School system, graduating in 1970. While in high school, he earned all-Conference recognition in basketball, and All-State honors in football and track. He graduated from Alma College in 1974, with majors in English Literature and Political Science. He ran collegiate track and played football for teams that won three MIAA Championships. He is a member of the Alma College Athletic Hall of Fame.

Kraag graduated from University of Detroit Law School in 1977, with a Juris Doctorate. After passing the Bar Exam, he began work at the Legal Aid Society for Calhoun County and later became the Chief Assistant Prosecutor in St. Joseph County. In November 1983, he returned to Charlevoix where he was appointed Prosecuting Attorney, a position he held for nine years. While serving as Prosecutor, he worked with the Sheriff’s Department to establish the first drug investigation Grand Jury in Northern Michigan. In January 1993 he opened a private law practice in Charlevoix, where he passionately represented clients through their legal and personal issues. He continued to practice law up until his death. He served on the Board of Directors for BASES for eleven years (seven as President), and taught Sunday School at the Charlevoix Congregational Church for over fifteen years.

Kraag was a man of many passions. He loved participation sports, playing competitive league basketball and fast-pitch softball well into his 50’s. He was an avid golfer, kayaker, and snorkeler, who particularly loved trips to the Caribbean to snorkel with his wife Cyndie. He enjoyed the Performing Arts, serving for several years as a judge for high school theatric performances. He also held a passion for oil painting, which Cyndie encouraged him to resume after a twenty-one year hiatus.

Kraag is survived by his wife and Earth Angel, Cyndie; daughter Candice (Aaron) Wiers and their children, Addy, Mimi, and Ainsley; daughter Katie (Michael McLeod) and their son, Castle; and son Tyler Lieberman (Chris Cotoco); sisters Kris (Tom) Schaperkotter and Kit (Mark) Weaver, and brother Karl. Preceding him in death were his parents, a sister, Karen, and brother, Kirk.

Visitation will be held on Friday, Nov. 4, from 5-7:30 pm at the First Congregational Church UCC (Corner of State and Park) in Charlevoix, and you are invited to the Celebration of Life on Saturday, Nov. 5, at 1:00 pm at the same location.

In lieu of flowers, the family would ask that any memorial contributions be made online to the Amyloidosis Foundation at www.amyloidosis.org (click on “donate”) or send to: Amyloidosis Foundation, 7151 N. Main St., Ste. 2, Clarkston, MI 48346.