Ann Rutledge Freeman

Died November 17, 2013

 

  Ann Rutledge Freeman, 92, of Leland, MI and previously of Lake Forest, IL, passed away on Nov. 17, 2013 at Effie's Assisted Living surrounded by her loving family.

  Ann was born on April 30, 1921 in St. Louis, MO, the daughter of Thomas and Helen (Stevens) Rutledge. In 1946 she married H. Dodge Freeman who preceded her in death in 1987. Their daughter, Ann, was born in 1950.
  Ann attended Mary Institute (St. Louis), Foxcroft School (Middleburg, VA) and went on to Vassar College, where she majored in art and math. A lover of architecture, she wrote her senior thesis on the mathematics of Borromini's chapel designs.
  She also loved riding, books, gardening and flower arranging. She and her husband Dodge took a six-week pack trip in Arizona for their honeymoon. Ann and her family moved to Lake Forest, IL in 1957. She worked at the Lake Forest Bookstore and then the Lake Forest Library for many years, before running a garden design business with her husband for 10 years.
  Ann lived her life with true grace and grit. She was a loving sister, wife, mother, and grandmother, and will be missed beyond words.
  Ann is survived by her daughter, Ann (Steve) Fisher, and a granddaughter, Alexandra Rutledge Fisher. In addition to her husband, Ann was preceded in death by her brother, Thomas G. Rutledge.
  A memorial service will be held in April 2014 at Graceland Cemetery, Chicago.
  Memorials may be directed to Lake Forest Library, 390 E. Deerpath Road, Lake Forest, IL 60045. Please share online condolences with Ann’s family at www.martinson.info.

 

 

Julius G. Musolf Jr.

Died Nov. 22, 2013 

NORTHPORT – Julius G. Musolf Jr., 90, of Northport, passed away Friday, Nov. 22, 2013 at his home surrounded by his loving family.

  Julius was born Dec. 6, 1922 in Tawas City the son of Julius G. Musolf and Emelia (Miller) Musolf.  On June 8, 1946 in Tawas City, he married his loving wife of 67 years, Janet E. (McLean) Musolf, who survives.
  As a young man Julius served his nation in the U.S. Navy Seabees.  He served as a cook on Midway Island during WWII.
  After his service Julius was a very accomplished professional photographer.  He was a member of the Optimist Club of Saginaw.  He owned his own business named “Julius the Photographer” in Sandusky.
  He was active at St. John's Church in Saginaw and a member of Bethany Lutheran Church in Northport where he served on the church council.
  After retiring to this area Julius pursued his hobbies of fishing, golf, gardening and travel.
  Julius is survived by his wife, Janet; two daughters, Judith Hewitt of Niles, Janis (Clay) Groomes of Northport; four grandchildren, Lisa Siemiantowski, Erin Stone, Erik Wien, Alexandra Wien and six great grandchildren.
  He was preceded in death by a son in law, Thomas Hewitt; his siblings, Elsie, Martin, Frieda, Fred, Celia, Carl, Eleanor and Walt.
  The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 26 at Bethany Lutheran Church of Northport with visitation one hour prior.  Burial in Leelanau Township Cemetery will be held at a later date.  Rev. Tom W. Otis will officiate.
  Memorials may be directed to Bethany Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 567, Northport, MI 49670; Northport EMS Department, Fire Department, P.O. Box 338, Northport, MI. 49670; Cherryland Humane Society, 1750 Alhberg Road, Traverse City, MI 49686
  Please share memories with Julius’ family at their online obituary at www.martinson.info.
  Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.
 

Gary H. Griffiths

Died Nov. 15, 2013

CLEVELAND TOWNSHIP - Gary Halson Griffiths—“Griff”, 84, of Leelanau and Oakland Counties, was reunited with late wife and love of his life, Barbara Waller Griffiths on November 15.

   Recently best known as a patient and innovative ski instructor, Griff was also a progressive professor of industrial design at Auburn University, an automobile designer for Chrysler and Ford, church builder, community builder, jitterbug-contest winner, jazz enthusiast, civil rights supporter in the segregated south, prankster, painter, photographer, automobile and sailboat racer, and baseball coach.

   He served honorably as a Wolfhound during the Korean War, an experience that profoundly shaped his understanding of the human condition.  He is especially mourned by his children, to whom he gave sage counsel in late night conversations and hours-long telephone calls, offered capacious love, compassion, and forgiveness across all our stages of growth and the miles that rose up between us.

   He will be best remembered for his ability to tell a good story.  He will live on through those stories, each of us a thread of the many winding yarns he spun for us, to us, and about us - yarns which formed our character, shaped our senses of humor, and developed our appreciation for a complexly-layered world in which we each have a story to tell.

    Gary is survived by his children, Robin (Don) Gibbin, Cindy   Drummond, Carron (Tim) Edington, Brett Griffiths (Sebastian Zoellner), Christopher (Mary Ann Kaylor) Griffiths, and Timothy (Garen Nigon) Griffiths, and grandchildren, Charlotte and Elizabeth Gibbin, Ashley (Brian) Bowen, Amanda Steele, Aaron and Raphael Zoellner, and a single great grandson, Brycen Bowen.

   To celebrate Gary’s life, a memorial Torchlight Ski Run will be held at the Homestead Resort in Glen Arbor on January 3, 2014 at 7 PM, followed by a small, casual reception.   

   Please RSVP by contacting the family directly or follow the link at http://bit.ly/1jpD0RN

   In lieu of flowers, his family requests donations be made to Living Arts Detroit at http://www.livingartsdetroit.org/ or the Freedom Builders Association of Grand Traverse at http://www.fbmissions.org/support.  The best way to remember Gary is to tell a story in his absence tonight and to share love and laughter with those you hold most dear.    Please share memories with Griff’s family at the online obituary at www.martinson.info.
   Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.

 

Monica June Anderson
Passed Away on Nov, 19, 2013

Traverse City – Monica June Anderson, 28, of Traverse City, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, Nov.19, 2013 at her home.

    Monica was born on March 5, 1985 in Lansing, the daughter of Sandra Anderson and Michael Hernandez, who survive.

  She graduated from Suttons Bay High School in 2003.  She was a member of Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa Chippewa Indians.  Monica accomplished being in numerous programs throughout the Grand Traverse Band even making it on the Junior Tribal Council as a young woman.  She loved helping everyone and also worked with special needs people as a caregiver.

  Monica was living her passion of baking she did an amazing job with her cakes and cupcakes adding her own personal touch.  She was very determined to open her own business called “June Bugg Sweets”.  One of her proud accomplishments was entering into the Festival of Cakes in Traverse City.  She took pride in her native culture and she was a Fancy Shawl and Jingle Dress Dancer.  She was very family orientated.

  Monica loved spending time with her two children and family; always smiling no matter what.  She enjoyed her social life with friends and meeting new people.

  She was a strong enthusiastic, ambitious young woman who would always keep you smiling.  Monica left us too soon but she knows we all carry on our love for her and will be here for her babies.

  Monica is survived by her parents, her beautiful children, Gnaajiwi Krystal Anderson, 9, and Cassius Waasmowin Nimkee Caldwell, 3; brothers, William (Shiela) Anderson, Michael Anderson; Grandmothers Audry Anderson and Carol Hernandez, many loving nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends on both sides of the bay and in Lansing.

  She was preceded in death by her grandfathers, Steven Anderson Sr. and David Hernandez.

  Visitation is on-going at her parents’ home in Peshawbestown.  The funeral service will be held on Saturday, Nov 23, 2013 at 1 p.m. at the Strongheart Center in Peshawbestown with visitation one hour prior.  Following a luncheon, burial will take place at Kewadin Indian Mission Cemetery.  Pastor Thomas John Sr. will officiate.

  In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be directed to the Monica June Anderson Memorial for her children, c/o Member’s Credit Union, PO Box 795, Traverse City, MI, 49685-0795.

  Please share memories with Monica’s family at their online obituary at www.martinson.info.

  Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.

 

 

 



Rebecca A. Stanchfield

Died Nov. 18, 2013

LAKE LEELANAU – Rebecca Ann Stanchfield, 79, of Lake Leelanau, passed away Monday, Nov. 18, 2013 at Munson Hospice House.

  Rebecca was born on June 15, 1934 on the family farm in East Leland, the youngest child of Samuel and Mary (Esch) Weiss.  On Aug. 15, 1952 she married the first love of her life Merle Bredehoeft who preceded her in death on June 6, 1995.  On August 30, 1997 she joyfully married the second love of her life Norman Stanchfield, who survives.
  Becky felt blessed that she was able to find love twice in her life, first with Merle and later with Norman.  She took her job as homemaker seriously and diligently worked to provide a loving, happy home not just for her husbands and children but also for her many grandchildren.  As the “Cookie Queen” of Leelanau County, there was rarely a time that a grandchild came to visit that their favorite cookie wasn’t available fresh from the oven. 
  Becky was very active in the church where she was baptized, confirmed and twice married.  She loved to sing and was a long time member of the Immanuel Lutheran Choir.  She was President of Women in Mission at Immanuel and could be found every Tuesday morning at the church talking with her friends, making quilts for World Relief and teasing her Pastor.
  Becky will be missed for her beautiful smile, her teasing, fun filled nature and a wry sense of humor that often caught those that didn’t know her off guard.
  In addition to her husband, Norman, Rebecca is survived by her children, Sandra (Roger) Thomas, Michael (Carol Peterson) Bredehoeft, Jeffrey (Cheryl) Bredehoeft, Debra (Anthony) Radjenovich; step-children, Dale (Toshiko) Stanchfield, Norman (Teri Fowler) Stanchfield Jr., William Stanchfield, and Susan (Don) Willecke; 16 grandchildren; 11.5 great-grandchildren; siblings, Susan Brassow, R. Kenneth (Betty) Weiss, and Ardath Davis.
  She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Rupert Weiss, Dorothy Brown, Eunice Kahrs, Edward Weiss, and Lois Duhm.
  There will be a gathering of those wishing to share in the celebration of Becky’s life on the family farm at 1691 N. Eagle Hwy, Lake Leelanau, MI on Wednesday, Nov. 20 from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m.
  A memorial service will be held on Thursday, Nov. 21 at 11 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Leland.  Rev. Lawrence K. Matro will officiate.  Private family burial will be held at East Leland Cemetery.
  Memorials may be directed to Immanuel Lutheran Church, c/o Organ Fund, P.O. Box 436, Leland, MI 49654 and/or to Leukemia Lymphoma Society of MI, 4065 Saladin Dr. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 and/or Munson Hospice House 1105 Sixth St. Traverse City, MI 49684.
  Please share memories with Rebecca’s family at their online obituary at www.martinson.info.
  Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.

 

Yvonne M. Denoyer

Died Nov. 13, 2013

 

LAKE LEELANAU – Yvonne Marie Denoyer, 56, of Lake Leelanau, passed away Wednesday, Nov. 13 2013, with her loving family by her side.
  Yvonne was born on Nov. 19, 1956 in Traverse City, the daughter of Alfred and Rita (Couturier) Priest.
  Von is remembered as a strong, selfless person with a deep faith and unwavering love for her family and her animals.  She always had a genuine commitment to everything she did and found a way to achieve her goals.
  The most important thing to Von was certainly the happiness of her family and friends.  She lived with honesty and kindness and Von's door was open to anyone for any reason.  She was so giving of love.  She always thought of others and would gladly go without if she could give you something you needed.    Von enjoyed being active with things from horseback riding to motorcycles, hunting, baseball and basketball.  As a sophomore at Leland Public School, Von was determined to play ball even if it meant she was the only girl on the boys’ varsity baseball team.  This translated directly from playing sports to coaching the youth of Leelanau county, including her daughters.  She coached with fairness, understanding, and a love of the game.   She carried this commitment and determination to her true passion of refinishing furniture.  She could always see the treasure hidden in the roughest piece of wood and turn it into a masterpiece.  She enjoyed being able to share what she loved with others through her countless garage sales and eventually her dream coming true by opening Skyler’s Resale in Lake Leelanau with her son, Scott.   Von had a pure catholic faith and believed we can get help from above. She used to say, "Just ask Him to help you."  This is evident in everything Von has accomplished during her journey here on earth.  She taught her kids "the footprints poem," and her faith carried her through until the end.    It is easy to see the ripples that have been sent through the lives of so many.  Yvonne Denoyer will be forever remembered by all those she touched in such a caring way.   Yvonne is survived by her children, Bradley (Tracy) Denoyer, Joshua (Janet) Denoyer, Kimberly (Mike) Gordon, Scott (Ashley) Denoyer, Tracy Denoyer, and John Denoyer; her canine companion, Syrus; 13 grandchildren; siblings, Kenneth Priest, Sandra (Fred) Stasiukinas, Elaine (Richard) Bailey, Bert Priest, and John (Kathy) Priest.   She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Larry Priest.   Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 22 with the Rosary to be prayed at 7 p.m. at the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.  The mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 23 at St. Mary of the Assumption, Lake Leelanau, with a visitation held one hour prior.  Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery.  Rev. Michael Janowski will serve as celebrant.
  Memorials may be directed to Yvonne’s family, 4953 S. Green Court, Cedar, MI 49621.   Please share memories with Yvonne’s family at their online guestbook at www.martinson.info.
  Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Donna Mae Baldwin

1932 ~ 2013

    Donna Mae Baldwin (nicknamed Sweetie Pie), born in Detroit, MI, on October 20, 1932, went home to be with our heavenly Father, our Lord Jesus Christ, and her dear husband James Baldwin, on November 11, 2013.

    Donna was born and raised in Michigan and lived a good part of her life in the same Rochester neighborhood where her husband and she raised their children. She and Jim retired in South Carolina and Florida. She was a school teacher prior to having children, and then she was a stay home mom. She received her education at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, MI and the University of Miami in Miami, FL. She loved to teach children, especially her own. She especially loved the English language and once wrote a letter to the editor expressing the correct definition of “kids.” She commented that “kids,” as defined in the dictionary, are baby goats, not children.

    The beautiful characteristics of Donna were her love and affection for her family and her zest for adventure. She loved to swim, sail, ride horses, travel, read, plant flowers, and much more. Her sense of humor enabled her through the hard times of life and she blessed her family and friends with her cute expressions, such as, “Keep the faith, baby!”

She kept the faith herself even into her last days on this earth. Although she struggled with her illness, she lovingly would care for others and would ask, “Are you okay? Keep the faith, baby.”       

    Donna will be remembered by the love and affectionate she gave through all the good and hard times of life.

    She loved Jesus and God and looked forward to being with Him and her husband, Jim. They were married 54 years. She now rests in peace there.

    Donna was preceded in death by her husband, James Baldwin, and daughter, Susan (Baldwin) Gillett, and her husband, Curt Gillett. Donna is survived by daughter Lisa Baldwin and her son Naji Baldwin-Shahin, son Richard Baldwin and his wife Michelle (Atkinson) Baldwin and their children, Kyle, Davis and Lucy Baldwin, Calvin and Jamie Gillett, sons of Susan and Curt Gillett and brother Ed Knorr.

    A memorial service was held on November 17, 2013 and burial took place at the Suttons Bay Township Cemetery.

    Please share memories with Donna Mae’s family at their online obituary at www.martinson.info.    

    Arrangements were with the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay. 

 

 

George H. Bissell

Died Nov. 10, 2013

NORTHPORT – George Henry Bissell, 94, of Northport, passed away, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013 at Tendercare of Leelanau.

  George was born on June 24, 1919 in St. James city on Beaver Island, the son of Charles and Hazel (Woodward) Bissell.  George married Mary Jane Cassidy, who survives.

  George was a Marine during WWII, having to lie about his age in order to serve our nation.  He became a fisherman, then a plumbing and heating until retirement.  George and Mary wintered in Florida for over 20 years in the Daytona Beach area.  George loved to fish, hunt and play cards.

  In addition to his wife, George is survived by his children, Chuck (Ruth) Bissell, Mary Jo Shaffer, George R. Bissell, Darrell J. (Roxie) Bissell, Thomas A. Bissell, and Gerald E. Bissell; special nephew, Clarence Hovey; five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

  He was preceded in death by his nine siblings.

  A memorial service will be held on Thursday, Nov. 14 at 11 a.m. at the Trinity Church of the United Church of Christ in Northport with a gathering of friends one hour prior.  Burial will follow at Leelanau Township Cemetery, Northport.  The Rev. Karen Fenne will officiate.

  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Trinity UCC, P.O. Box 156, Northport, MI 49670 and/or to Leelanau Co. Senior Services, 8527 E. Government Center Dr., Suttons Bay, MI 49682.

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

  Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.



 

George W. Anderson

Died Nov. 7, 2013

NORTHPORT – George W. Anderson, 84, of Northport, passed away, Thursday, Nov. 7, 2013 at Munson Medical Center.

  George was born on Jan. 22, 1929 in Northport, the son of Louis and Murial (Wrisley) Anderson.  On Oct. 25, 1960 in Detroit, he married Carolyn Travis, who survives.

  George served our nation during the Korean War in the Army, as a Transport Sergeant.  He was awarded the bronze star for bravery at the battle of Pork Chop Hill.

  After an honorable discharge, George spent the rest of his life as a businessman and entrepreneur in Northport.

  The Andersons had the Village store in Northport, Country Store at Sugarloaf Mountain, the Depot restaurant in Northport, and the George W. Anderson insurance agency in Northport.

  George was active with many, many, community organizations and activities including Trinity church, the Masonic lodge, S.C.O.R.E., Traverse Symphony Orchestra, Northport Farmers market, Run for Fun cancer race, voters board, volunteer fire fighter, and many others.

  In addition to his loving wife of 53 years, George is survived by his sons, Charles W. and Andrew T. Anderson; grandchildren, Rachel and Jared; great-granddaughter, Lyla; cousin, Albert Wrisley; and brother-in-law, George Basta.

  He was preceded in death by a sister, Eloise Basta.

  Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 21 until the start of the 12 noon funeral service at Trinity Church of the United Church of Christ in Northport.  Rev. Karen Fenne will officiate.  Burial will follow at Leelanau Township Cemetery.  A luncheon will be held after the service at the Leelanau Township Firehall in Northport.

  Memorials may be directed to the Boy Scouts of America, Scenic Trails Council, 1499 Business Park Drive, Traverse City, MI 49686-8741.

  Please share memories with George’s family at their online obituary at www.martinson.info.

  Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.



Kristie L. Yaakoby

Died November 7, 2013

LELAND – Kristie L. Yaakoby, 48, of Leland, passed away on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2013 at her home surrounded by her loving family.

  Graveside services were held on Nov. 10 at Beechwood Cemetery, Leland.
  Memorials may be directed to The Yaakoby Education Fund, c/o Northwestern Bank, PO Box 828, Leland, MI, 49654.
     Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay, www.martinson.info

 

Georgina M. Savage

Died November 1, 2013

SUTTONS BAY – Georgina M. Savage, 103, of Suttons Bay, passed away Friday, Nov. 1, 2013 at Northport Highlands.

  Georgina was born July 2, 1910 in New Kensington, PA the daughter of Luigi and Angela (Coscarella) Desimone.  On Nov. 8, 1952 she married her husband of 58 years, Franklin D. Savage, who preceded her in death on Nov. 18, 2010.

  Georgina was taught to hunt and fish by her husband, Frank.  They did everything together and traveled throughout the country - camping, fishing, and hunting along the way.

  Together, she and Frank built their house and especially loved spending time working on the farm growing exceptional fruits and vegetables.  Her icebox pickles, homemade bread, and her great stories will always be remembered.  Georgina was a very dedicated Tiger fan and was a member of the Eastern Star.

  Georgina’s friends send many thanks to the entire staff at Northport Highlands for the care and love they all shared with her.  Georgina will be greatly missed by her long-time friend, Gail Baker.

  Georgina is survived by a son, Robert Falvo.

  She was preceded in death by her husband, and a son, Donald.

  Graveside services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 9 at Leelanau Township Cemetery in Northport.  Rev. Patricia Hass of Keswick UMC, Suttons Bay, will officiate.

  Memorials may be directed to the Northport Highlands, 215 South High Street, Northport, MI, 49670.

  Please share memories with Georgina’s family at their online obituary at www.martinson.info

  Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.

 

Galen W. Thomas

Died October 24, 2013

PESHAWBESTOWN – Galen “Billie” Thomas, 60, of Kansas City, formerly of Peshawbestown, died Oct. 24, 2013 in Kansas City.

  Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to 12 noon on Wednesday, Nov. 6 at the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.  Burial will follow in Kateri Tekakwitha Cemetery, Peshawbestown.

  Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay, www.martinson.info.