Rita I. Kiessel

Died Aug. 26, 2013

 

SUTTONS BAY – Rita Irma Kiessel, 93, of Suttons Bay, passed away Monday, Aug. 26, 2013 at Tendercare of Leelanau surrounded by her loving family.

  Rita was born Nov. 18, 1919 in Suttons Bay the daughter of John and Barbara (Hahnenberg) Priest.  On Sept. 26, 1939 at St. Michael’s Parish of Suttons Bay she married her loving husband of 58 years, Frank G. Kiessel Sr., who preceded her in death on April 29, 1998.

  Rita was one of the founding members of the Friendship Community Center.  She worked for RSVP, TJ’s, Truefit, Leelanau Fruit Co, Home Café & Kroupa’s.  Rita was an accomplished quilter, played bingo, and cards and she loved to get together with her family and friends.  At age 78, to show her children the importance of education; Rita worked studied hard, with the help of her grandchildren, and earned her G.E.D.

  The family wishes to thank the wonderful staff of Tendercare of Leelanau for their compassionate care of our dearest Rita.

  We are celebrating all of Rita Kiessel’s 93 years with the Kiessel Clan.   Thank you Grandma for being a role modeling and teaching the importance of community service, lifelong learning and family.  The lessons are gifts that keep on giving through us, while you rest.

  Rita is survived by her nine children, Willard (Elizabeth) Kiessel, Frank (Marilu) Kiessel, Janet (Ronald) Send, Donovan (Janet) Kiessel, Randall Kiessel, Gary (Betty) Kiessel, Victor (Janice Sue) Kiessel, Susan (Gary) Herman, Jason (Keri) Kiessel; two sister in laws, Jane Priest, Martha Kovarik Brown; forty six grandchildren, fifty two great grandchildren and eight great great grandchildren.

  She was preceded in death by her siblings, Marie Stiemel, Gerald, Gordon, Ernie, Willard Priest, Bertha Kolarik, Ella Herman, Louise Herman and Emil Priest.

  Visitation will be held today, Aug. 28 from 5 to 8 pm at the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay with the Rosary to be prayed at 7 pm.  The mass will be held at 10 am on Thursday, Aug. 29 at St. Michael’s Parish of Suttons Bay.  Father Leonard Paul will serve as celebrant. Burial in St. Michael’s Cemetery will follow the mass.  A lunch will be served in the church center.

   Memorials may be directed to Friendship Community Center, PO Box 51, Suttons Bay, MI, 49682 and/or Mass Intentions.

  Please share memories with Rita’s family on their online guestbook at www.martinson.info.

  Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.

 

 

Irene R. Walters

Died Aug. 26, 2013

CEDAR - Irene Rose (Popa) Walters, age 91, of Cedar, passed away August 26, 2013.

  Irene was born on January 13^th, 1922 in Isadore, Michigan the second oldest of Thomas and Catherine (Nowak) Popa.  She was the first infant baptized in the “new” church at Holy Rosary and grew up during the depression.

  Irene was a loving spouse, mother, aunt, grandmother, and great-grandmother, who always put family first. She loved to create special home-cooked meals to bring family and friends together.

  She was known for her famous baking, especially the Sunday “Sticky Buns,” her cloverleaf rolls, and cream puffs.  For many years, there was a steady group of friends and neighbors gathering in her kitchen for morning coffee, come rain or shine.

  She vividly recalled the wartime years in Detroit, working on a “Rosie the Riveter” assembly line before returning home to Cedar and marrying.

  Mother enjoys sewing, socializing, vegetable gardening, bingo, and working her flower gardens, until her knees would no longer allow her to tend to her flowers. She was a gifted seamstress who could craft a child’s winter coat, fully lined, without a pattern!

  She was a patient 4-H instructor and loved having the other farm wives over for the regular “Extension” meetings.

  Irene is survived by her family: sons-William Walters of Cedar, Edward Walters of Glenwood, CO, Thomas Walters of Cedar, and daughters-Madonna Walters (Gary Hoffman) of Ann Arbor, Karen Kolb (Richard) of Mason, and Christine Knapp (Paul) of Maple City.  Surviving siblings are brothers -Thomas (Ruthie Popa) of Cedar, Leonard (Betty Popa) of Traverse City, and sisters-Katherine (Louie Stachnik) of Maple City, Alice McNeil of Traverse City, and Julie (Joseph McAuliffe) of Flint, Grandchildren are Jessica Smith (Ross) of Denver, CO, Abbey Walters of Glenwood Springs CO, Andrew Walters of Traverse City, Abrahm Walters of Kalamazoo, Jason Kolb (Melissa) of Ferndale, Emily Davis (Eric) of Chicago, Amanda Kolb-Mack (Jeremiah) of Lansing, Laura Walters of St Claire Shores, Michael Walters of Cedar, Brandon Kilgore of Denver, Merissa Knapp of Chicago, and Paul Knapp Jr. of Portland, OR; Great grandchildren are Nico Kolb-Mack, Sevaughn Kolb-Mack, Elis Mack, Addie Walters, and Calvin Davis.

  She was preceded in death by her loving spouse, Stanley A. Walters who died in 2004, as well as brothers Harry Popa, Theodore Popa, Sisters Rose Couturier, Gertrude Lamie, Mary Popa, Teresa Herman, and Agnes Brzezinski.

  Visitation will be held Friday, Sept. 6 from 5 to 8 with the Rosary to be prayed at 7:00 pm at Holy Rosary Church of Isadore.  The mass will be celebrated Saturday, Sept. 7 at 11 am with visitation one hour prior to the service, also at Holy Rosary Church.  Burial will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Isadore.  Father Donald Libby will serve as Celebrant.

  Memorials may be directed to Leelanau Commission on Aging, c/o Senior Services Dept, 8527 E. Government Center Drive, Suite 106, Suttons Bay, Michigan 49682 and/or Mass Intentions.

  Please share memories with Irene’s family on their online guestbook at www.martinson.info.

  Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.



M. Annetta Evans

Died Aug. 19, 2013

SUTTONS BAY   M. Annetta (Annette) Evans, 80, of Suttons Bay, passed away on Monday, August 19, 2013 at her home. She died from complications following knee replacement surgery.

   Annetta was born on August 15, 1933 in Slayden, TN, the daughter of Eddie and Fannie (Smith) Shelton. On November 14, 1953 in Ferndale, she married Albert A. Evans, who survives.

   Annette elevated homemaking to a high art.

  She cared for her husband, Al, and his demanding career as a graphic designer with Skidmore Sahratian. She shared his love of travel, driving the back roads and visiting small towns and touring the great cities. They shared a love and appreciation for art—high and low, folk and craft. They shared a passion for creating a home for their family and friends that was an expression of each of their aesthetic sensitivities.

  She raised her two children Karen and Kent, with joy and unabashed enthusiasm. She instilled a love of learning in her kids and made lifelong friends from Franklin who shared this passion. Her love was unconditional, for Kent, Karen and her favorite son-in-law Ken.
  She took pride and delight in her home, a place nurtured with beauty, love and creativity. She entertained with formal dinner parties, backyard picnics with family and friends, an annual Christmas Eve open house with Franklin neighbors, and breakfast for every teenager found sleeping upstairs.
  She knew farmers at the market, and found joy in the sheer visual beauty of a pear or a pumpkin. She loved to cook. She served chicken curry, kibbe and steak tartar to her kids when they were small, insisting that they try just one bite, and instilling a love of cooking and food in them both. She savored dinners with her husband and children as a time for conversation and sharing.
  She helped to create a supportive and positive community working at the library, volunteering at the church, participating in her children’s school, belonging to the Garden Club, Questers, The Giggle Group, Stitchers and PEO.
  She enjoyed people of all ages and had the ability to turn a casual conversation with a perfect stranger into a meaningful friendship. She delighted in children—her own, their friends, her nieces and nephews. She intuitively understood children and had a way of making each child feel special and perfect, appreciated and loved. She inspired adventures in the woods, ponds, puddles and orchards found around her Franklin home.
  Annette was a wife, a mother, and a friend. She understood that these roles she chose for her life, were hard work, required commitment, dedication and sacrifice. But, also, that they were infinitely important. And while she sometimes struggled to understand and change, she embraced the life she lived. Her legacy is found in the hearts and memories of all she loved. She will be greatly missed.
  In addition to her loving husband of 59 years, Annette is survived by her children, Karen Leslie (Ken) Bryan and Kent Garret Evans; a brother, Larry (Lois) Shelton; and a sister, Carol (Chuck) Ammon. A brother, Fred Shelton, preceded her in death.
  A memorial service will be held at the Leland United Methodist Community Church on Friday, September 6 at 2:00 pm. and at a later date at the Franklin Community Church in Franklin Village.
  Memorials may be directed to Leelanau Christian Neighbors, PO Box 32, Suttons Bay, MI 49682.
  Please share memories with Annetta’s family on their online guestbook at www.martinson.info.
  Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.

Leon E. Kenney

    

                                           Leon E. Kenney

                                Died Aug. 15, 2013

 

CEDAR – Leon E. Kenney, 69, of Cedar, passed away Thursday, Aug. 15, 2013 at Munson Medical Center.

   Leon was born June 29, 1944 the son of Elden and Alvera (Meeries) Kenney.  On Oct. 24, 1982 in Reno, Nevada he married his loving wife of thirty years, Betty Ann Kenney, who survives.

  As a young man, Leon proudly served his country in the U.S. Army stationed in Germany.

  Leon was an avid rock collector, he loved to carve and polish beautiful Petoskey stones.  His life long career was spent as a long haul truck driver traveling the roads of the entire U.S.A.

  Leon was an accomplished fisherman, often times providing fresh fish for his many friends.  Along with fishing he loved to sing and enjoyed playing cribbage.

  Leon is survived by his wife, Betty; a brother, Wayne (Sherry Lynn) Kenney; a sister, Kathleen Richter; five children, Leon E. Kenney Jr., Jonathon Kenny, James Kenney, Clara (Hector) Gonzales, Parvaneh Gallegos Kenney; five grandchildren and one great grandchild.

  He was preceded in death by his twin sons, John and Lonnie Kenney and a sister, Eileen Nelson.

  Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 pm on Monday, Aug. 19 at the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.  The funeral service will be held at 11 am on Tuesday, Aug. 20 at the Northport Covenant Church with visitation one hour prior to the service.  Burial at a later date will be held in Leelanau Township Cemetery.  Reverend Jerry Lange will officiate.

  Memorials may be directed to the Kenney Family, PO Box 159, Suttons Bay, MI, 49682.

  Please share memories with Leon’s family on their online guestbook at www.martinson.info.

 

 

Rose M. Send

Died Aug. 15, 2013

SUTTONS BAY – Rose Marie Send, 90, of Suttons Bay, passed away Thursday, Aug. 15, 2013 at the Grand Traverse Pavilions.

  Rose was born Sep. 22, 1922 in Bingham Township the daughter of Edward and Amelia (Donner) Richter.  On Jan. 23, 1943 at St. Michael’s Church of Suttons Bay she married her loving husband of 48 years, Joseph Frederick Send Jr., who preceded her in death on Oct. 11, 1991.

  Rose graduated from the Suttons Bay Union School (aka Old Stone School) in 1941 and also graduated from Northwestern Beauty Academy in 1942.

  Her quilting talents were evident in the many quilts she sewed during her lifetime.  Rose was always happy when she could find the time to play cards, bingo or enjoy a trip to the casino.

  Rose was a life-long member of St. Michael’s Parish and sang in the church choir.  Most importantly in Rose’s life was her family; her devotion to them was endless.  Rose loved planning and cooking for family functions.  

  Rose is survived by three children, Ron (Janet) Send, Jerry (Karen) Send, Jeff (Nita) Send; a sister, Edna Richter; eleven grandchildren, twenty five great grandchildren and four great great grandchildren.

  She was preceded in death by three brothers, Cyrus, William and Julius Richter; and three sisters, Hannah Smith, Josephine Richter and Blanche Priest.

  Visitation will be held today, Aug. 16 from 5 to 8 p.m. with the Rosary to be prayed at 7 p.m. at the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.  The Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 17 at St. Michael’s Church of Suttons Bay.  Burial will follow in St. Michael’s Cemetery.  Father Leonard Paul will serve as celebrant.

  Memorials may be directed to St. Michael’s Catholic Church, PO Box 9, Suttons Bay, MI, 49682 and/or Mass Intentions.

  Please share memories with Rose’s family on their online guestbook at www.martinson.info

  Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.



John D. Stuart

Died August 8, 2013

 

NORTHPORT – John David Stuart, 74, of Northport and formerly of Flint, passed away Thursday, Aug. 8, 2013 at Tendercare of Leelanau.

  John was born Oct. 12, 1938 in Chicago the son of John Kenneth Stuart and Irene (Charlebois) Stuart.  On May 6, 1978 he married his loving wife of thirty five years, Janis Lou (Jacobson) Stuart who survives.

  John was a graduate of the Northwood Institute and worked for GM and EDS as a computer programmer.  He loved golf, music, marching bands.

  He was a member of the Bethany Lutheran Church Choir.  John enjoyed a good meal, sharing time with family and friends.

  John loved his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

  John is survived by his wife, Janis; two daughters, Donna (Brian) Swartz, Dana (Bob) Nelson; a sister, Jilda Buzzard; five grandchildren, Thomas Windom II, Joshua Windom, Laura Swartz, Erica Swartz, Wesley D. Swartz; and two great grandchildren, Thomas Windom III and Gracie Windom.

  He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Richard and a son, Michael Stuart.

  Visitation will be held on Sunday, Aug. 11 from 4 to 8 pm with a wake service at 7 pm at the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.  The funeral service will be held Monday, Aug. 12 at 11 am also at the funeral home.  A procession to Leelanau Township Cemetery in Northport will follow the Monday funeral service.  Rev. Tom Otis will officiate.

  Memorials may be directed to Bethany Lutheran Church, PO Box 567, Northport, MI 49670.

  Please share memories with John’s family on their online guestbook at www.martinson.info.

  Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.

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Hugh F. Bilyea

Died August 2, 2013

NORTHPORT – Hugh F. Bilyea, 91, of Northport, passed away on Friday, August 2, 2013 at Munson Hospice House.

  Hugh was born on Nov. 11, 1921 in Almont, the son of Fred and Lillian (Rathgeber) Bilyea.  On Jan. 25, 1958 at Annunciation parish in Cincinnati, he married Helen E. Fahs, who preceded him in death.

  As a young man Hugh served his nation during WWII in the U.S. Army.  He was a Grand Knight of Knights of Columbus.  Hugh was a lover of libraries and the librarians of the Leelanau Township Library.

  A cauldron of poems.  Hugh was a leisure bicyclist.  Hugh is loved by his friends and family.  They don’t build them like they used to. 

  “What a story teller, a conversationalist, a gentleman, and an icon to the Northport area.”  Leon Marie.

 Hugh’s family expresses their thanks to the 4^th floor nurses and doctors at Munson Medical Center, the Munson Hospice House and the Munson Hospitality House; and to all who assisted Hugh in his final journey here on earth.
  Hugh is survived by his son, Robert H. Bilyea of Plymouth.

   In addition to his wife, Hugh was preceded in death by a son, James A. Bilyea.

   Visitation will be held on Thursday, Aug. 8 from 4 to 8 p.m. with a rosary to be prayed at 7 p.m. at the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.  The funeral mass will be celebrated on Friday, Aug. 9 at 1 p.m. at Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic Church in Peshawbestown.  Burial will follow at Leelanau Township Cemetery.  Father Andy G. Buvala will serve as celebrant.

  Memorial donations in Hugh’s name may be directed to Father Andy's Charities, PO Box 369, Suttons Bay, MI, 49682 and/or Mass Intentions.

    Please share memories with Hughs’s family on their online guestbook at www.martinson.info.

  Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.

  My friend, my companion, my father, you will be missed.  I carry you with me; Robert Bilyea.

  “And further deponent sayeth not”. Hugh F. Bilyea

Howard R. Kalchik

Died July 31, 2013

NORTHPORT – Howard Raymond Kalchik, 85, of Northport, passed away on Wednesday, July 31, 2013 at his home surrounded by his loving family.

  Howard was born on March 15, 1928, in Northport, the son of Frank and Lydia (Tatch) Kalchik.  On May 8, 1954 at St. Michael’s Church in Suttons Bay, he married Leona Marie Walters, who survives.
  Howard was a Korean War veteran and was known to be meticulous in all he did.  He was a conservationist who was dedicated to the revival of the American Chestnut tree.  He loved hunting and fishing but always put his family first.
  In addition to his loving wife of 59 years, Howard is survived by his children, Lorraine McCurdy, Kenneth (Judey) Kalchik, Marcia (David) Lewandowski, Barbara (Chuck) Bean, Thomas Kalchik, Wayne (Brenda) Kalchik; sisters, Alice Thrun; sister-in-laws, Joy Kalchik, and Veleta Kalchik; ten grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.
  He was preceded in death by his brothers, Earl, Frank, Stanley, and Arthur Kalchik; sisters, Mary Rhyne and Elsie Prout; and sister-in-law, Alice Kalchik.
  Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 6 at 10 a.m. at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, Gill’s Pier, with a rosary to be prayed at 10:30 a.m. until the start of the memorial mass at 11 a.m.  Private family burial will be held at Omena Hillcrest Cemetery.  The Rev. Elias Chinzara will serve as celebrant.
  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Howard’s name may be directed to the Leelanau County Veterans Memorial Committee, 8527 E. Governmental Center Drive, Suite 104, Suttons Bay, MI 49682 and/or St. Mary School, P.O. Box 340, Lake Leelanau, MI 49653 and/or to Mass Intentions.
  Please share memories with Howard’s family on their online guestbook at www.martinson.info.
  Arrangments are with the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.