After the Ice Storm6 min read

Severe ice storms the weekend of March 28–30 caused widespread damage throughout northern Michigan. We reached out to our pastors in the affected areas to see how they and their congregations were doing. Here are some of the reports.

Rev. Kurt Klingbeil (Trinity, Gaylord and Mt. Hope, Grayling) says, “We are doing well. Mostly back up and running. No members were injured, but many in the Gaylord area lost power, internet, phone, and heat. Most have their utilities up and running, but we still have a few without power. Members are helping one another as able. Many, and I included, have much to clean up, which will take many weeks.”

Rev. Paul Boerger (St. Michael, Rogers City) reports: “We (in Rogers City and Hawks, Onaway and possibly Moltke) have power. Much has now returned to normal. Cleanup has begun. Lots of trees and branches to be picked up, but that is going well. City trucks are picking up and grinding up branches. There are a few without power and some of them are in shelters. I believe Cheboygan and Gaylord were hit harder. Lots more to be done over there. I have an insurance adjuster coming out this afternoon. There is a tree on the roof of the garage that has to be lifted off. We are doing well; a few trees will need to be removed.”

Rev. Joshua M. Schultz, Associate Pastor at Immanuel, Alpena says that the church “is back to normal as far as day-to-day operations. We did have significant flooding (almost 3 feet) in our basement which holds our utilities. Through some hard work, our systems got back up and running and we were able to have worship services last weekend and school resumed on Monday. Our boilers are shot, as well as air handlers. These will have to be replaced. Fortunately, a few years ago we put in mini split AC units that also produce heat, so we are able to heat up the main areas. There are still some from our congregation who still do not have power, but those whom we’re aware of have generators and have what they need. Most have been told they should have it back by Monday. Thank the Lord for all the professional power crews from downstate and further who have come to assist. Our area (to our understanding) does not have the same amount of damage as others around us.”

Rev. Dennis Dufon (Drummond Island Lutheran Church, Drummond Island) says, “We came through decently well on Drummond Island. We were definitely spared the worst of it and only lost power for one day for most of the island. Things are back to normal; winter has not loosened its grip quite yet, but things are good.”

Rev. Matt Peters (Zion, Petoskey) reports: “Our members in Petoskey are doing okay. No injuries to our folks, and a few trees through roofs or on cars is the worst I’ve heard of. No damage at church beyond some melted popsicles in the freezer. 

A few members who live further out may not have power for a while yet—entire miles of aging power poles snapped off in a few areas. But they are hearty folks who are either using generators or creativity to get by. Praise God for the linemen who are working at an amazing pace. 

Lots of insurance adjustors and tree service estimates are happening now. Long-term cleanup efforts of yards and wooded areas will just be starting up as weather levels into ‘real’ Spring.”

Please pray for all who were affected, as well as for linemen, first responders, and all those working to restore normalcy.

Edith Budnik of Rogers City sent the following:

Great Beauty During Devastation

The damage from the massive ice storm that began on March 28, 2025, in Northeast Lower Michigan is still being felt today, nearly three weeks later. While the ice and snow have long melted, many are still without electricity, phone service, or internet, and the cleanup of yards and flooded homes will take months, if not longer, to complete.

When we lost power, the sounds of tree branches encased in ice scraping against each other were deafening. Without the hum of appliances and heating systems, the strong winds and continuous rain became our background noise, along with the crashing of trees and limbs as they snapped from the tremendous weight of the ice. It was scary and exhausting.

So, how could there be beauty during such devastation? The sun’s appearance three days after being locked in our homes created a unique, glittering, dazzling display of nature. But beyond the pictures and social media posts, so much more began happening that brought entire communities and families together in love.

Neighbors checked on neighbors, often opening their homes for hot showers, water, or a place to stay. Volunteers swarmed the warming centers, bringing snacks, food, and coffee to comfort those who had nowhere to go. Area churches and organizations provided meals to the hundreds of linemen and tree service workers who were dispatched to our area. Some even washed laundry and donated socks and boot dryers so the tired workers could concentrate on resting and eating before starting another 16-hour shift in the brutal elements.

And families were reconnecting and enjoying each other’s company. Board games shoved in the backs of closets were brought out and played. The sounds of laughter and conversation filled homes, blanketing the noise of the storm raging outside. Late-night chats and snacks at our candlelit kitchen table were some of my favorite memories with my spouse. Books were dusted off and read, and car rides to warm up took the place of video games, TV, and Facebook scrolling. My running joke was that my social media fast for Lent was going much easier than I had anticipated!

The ice storm of 2025 will go down in Michigan history. The damage has been compared to a category five hurricane. It was and still is causing strife and stress to many. It raged on for days and made all of us so thankful for the little luxuries that we take for granted daily. Hot coffee, the ability to contact others with a few taps of the keyboard, or to drive to the nearest gas station to fill up. What it could not take away from us, and what was able to drown out the noise of the wind and rain, was hope, love, joy, and peace. Hope that our April showers will still bring May flowers. Love from strangers, communities, families, and friends. Joy when the sun warmed the earth and our hearts. And peace from a Savior that holds and comforts us through every storm and sees us safely through.

_{Featured photo © Raychel Sanner/Unsplash | Other photos courtesy of National Guard Sgt. Daniela Schulz and Rev. Kurt Klingbeil}