Kenneth A. Blodick

Died May 29, 2014

SUTTONS BAY — Kenneth Allan Blodick, Sr., 77, of Suttons Bay, passed away peacefully in his home on Thursday, May 29, 2014, in the company of his loving family.

Ken was born on Aug. 29, 1936 in Detroit, the son of Joseph and Muriel (Thompson) Blodick. On May 14, 1956, in Detroit, he married Georgia A. Snooks, who preceded him in death in 2008.

He lived in Detroit and Port Huron throughout his childhood. He served our country in the U. S. Army, and later as a member of the Detroit Police Department, a job he held for 25 years until his retirement as a lieutenant on the force. As a DPD officer, Ken received 36 commendations for exemplary work, and four Departmental Citations for bravery in the line of duty.

Ken and his high school sweetheart and loving wife, Georgia Ann (Snooks) Blodick then moved to Suttons Bay, where they resided for 28 years. In his retirement there, he worked part time as a ranger for the National Park Service at the Sleeping Bear Dunes, drove a school bus for the Suttons Bay School District, and was a security officer at the Leelanau Sands Casino in Peshawbestown.

He was an avid sportsman and loved to hunt and fish. Ken was the family patriarch and a strong and loving role model for three generations of children. He will be dearly missed by all.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 52 years, Georgia Ann (Snooks) Blodick, and his sister Laurie Marschall. He is survived by his brother Gary Bladich (Eleanor Bladich) of Naples, Fla.; sister Lynda Kamendat (Mike Kamendat) of Port Huron, Mich.; his four children, Sheryl Blodick (Scott Toland) of Franktown, Colo., Kenneth Blodick, Jr. of Romeo, Mich., James Bladek (Jennifer Bladek) of Traverse City, and Susan Nolff (Shawn Koon-Nolff) of Grawn; nine grandchildren, Tracy, Doug (Shana), Heather and Michelle Blodick, Claire and Madeline Bladek, Joshua, Sheryl and Daniele Nolff; seven great-grandchildren, Maxemo, Audra, Aeriana, Tristin, Keiley, Eli, and Skylah; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial celebration of Ken’s life will be held on Saturday, June 7 in Suttons Bay, MI. Please contact the family at (231) 499-1906 for further information.

Donations may be made on Ken’s behalf to Munson Hospice at http://www.munsonhomehealth.org/giveagift  or to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society at http://www.lls.org/waystohelp/donate/.

 

Sandra E. (Hawley) Burkholder

Died May 22, 2014

NEBRASKA – Sandra Ellen (Hawley) Burkholder, 66, of Nebraska and formerly of Suttons Bay, passed away on Thursday, May 22, 2014 at the Ainsworth Care Center, Nebraska.

  Sandy was born on April 20, 1948 in Traverse City, the daughter of Fern Hawley of Suttons Bay.  In 1993, Sandy married Mike Burkholder, who survives.

  Sandy graduated from Suttons Bay High School in 1966 where she was a member of the rifle club.  She continued her education at Northwestern Michigan College where she was enrolled in the nursing program.

  Sandy began her career as a sale coordinator at Artic Cat.  She then worked for Boride Products and lastly at Olmstead Engineering, all in Traverse City.  While at Artic Cat, she liked to race snowmobiles and was the Powder Puff Champion.  She also enjoyed deer hunting and playing softball.  Sandy was also in a bowling league where she was a 500 series bowler. 

  In 2010, Sandy and her husband moved to Nebraska.  She loved gardening and was proud of the beautiful flowers she grew.  Sandy always enjoyed going to the farmers markets with her sister, Karen.

  In addition to her husband, Sandy is survived by her mother, Fern; brothers, Randy and Jim; sister, Karen (Mark) Drake; nieces, Melissa Drake and Megan Hawley; and nephew, Josh Drake.

  A memorial celebration of Sandy’s life will be announced at a later date.

William G. Nuffer

Died May 27, 2014

SUTTONS BAY – William George Nuffer, 82, of Suttons Bay, passed away on Tuesday, May 27, 2014 at Northport Highlands.

  Bill was born on July 18, 1931, in Bay City, the son of John and Bertha (Kloha) Nuffer. Bill grew up in Bay City and attended Handy High School where he earned seven varsity letters and won achievement awards as one of the top 10 students three years in a row. Bill went on to attend college at the University of Michigan and earned his degree in Business Administration. While Bill was attending the University of Michigan he was enlisted in the Naval ROTC program and worked full time at Braun-Brumfield.

  Upon Bill’s graduation from the University of Michigan he served as a Lieutenant Commander in the Navy during the Korean conflict. Bill’s duty involved flying during the entire period and in addition, he was squadron material officer, squadron instrument instructor, and patrol plane commander.

  Returning from service, Bill rejoined Braun-Brumfield and soon became Vice President and Director. The love and dedication for printing books became deep rooted in his life. In 1965, Bill felt he needed greater challenges and left Braun-Brumfield to found LithoCrafters in Ann Arbor. Bill went on to establish a second book manufacturing company, BookCrafters, in Fredericksburg, VA. Soon afterward, LithoCrafters and BookCrafters were merged to form one company which retained the name BookCrafters. Under Bill’s leadership BookCrafters grew to have five locations and over 800 employees. Bill served as the President of the company until his retirement in 1996.

  Bill has also served as the President of the Ann Arbor Litho Club, the Ann Arbor Graphic Arts Management Association, and held a number of board positions with the Village of Chelsea and Chelsea Hospital. In 1981, Bill helped to found the Ann Arbor Graphic Arts Memorial Foundation which provides scholarships for Michigan students earning a print management degree.

  When Bill was not working he was able to indulge in his passion for flying, hunting, boating, and deep water fishing.

  Bill is survived by his wife, Mary; children, Bob Nuffer, Pam Nuffer, and John (Colleen) Nuffer; grandchildren, Stephanie Nuffer Shackelford, Bill Nuffer, Austin Eddington, and Alex Eddington, Morgan Nuffer; great-grandchild, Holli Shackelford; step-children, Bob Butcher and Patty Butcher; and step-granddaughter, Alyssa Templer.

  He was predeceased by his son, Bill Nuffer; step-daughter Sue Butcher; and a sister, Madeline (Howard) Wendt.

  A memorial celebration of Bill’s life will be announced at a later date.

  Memorials in Bill’s name may be directed to Ann Arbor Graphic Arts Memorial Foundation, PO Box 1951, Ann Arbor, MI 48106 or Alzheimer's Foundation of America, 322 Eighth Ave., 7th fl., New York, NY 10001.

 

James L. Mebert

Died May 19, 2014

BINGHAM TOWNSHIP – James LaVerne Mebert, 84, of Bingham Township, passed away Monday, May 19, 2014 at Tendercare of Leelanau.

  Jim was born Nov. 24, 1929 the son of Rosco and Emma (Behm) Mebert.  On Nov. 18, 1948 he married Zona G. (Craker) Mebert who preceded him in death on Dec. 25, 2010.  Jim and Zona were married for 62 years.
  Jim proudly served in the United States Marines.  He worked for years at body shops in Traverse City.  Later he did work from his home, where he enjoyed “telling stories and jokes” from his garage shop.
  He then retired and loved working on small wood projects of which he loved most were his candelabras.
  In prior years Jim loved to hunt and fish.  He enjoyed special times with Zona and friends at his South Boardman cabin.  Many people would remember Jim driving down the road on his little orange Kubota.  He loved to go for rides and explore nature.
  Jim is survived by his four children, Linda (Lou) Barch, James (Janis) Mebert, Albert (Jeanne) Mebert of Suttons Bay, Brian (Monica) Mebert of Jacksonville; twelve grandchildren, several great grandchildren and many loving nieces and nephews.
  He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Zona, and by a brother, Robert Mebert.
   Graveside services will be held at 9 a.m. on Friday, May 23, 2014 at Keswick Maple Grove Cemetery.
  In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Suttons Bay/Bingham Fire and Rescue, PO Box 280, Suttons Bay, MI 49682.
  Please share memories with Jim’s online obituary at www.martinson.info.
  Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.

 

Freda C. Chippewa

Died May 19, 2014

PESHAWBESTOWN – Freda Carrie (Cobb) Chippewa, 84, of Peshawbestown, passed away Monday, May 19, 2014 at Munson Medical Center.

  Freda was born July 10, 1929 in Peshawbestown, the daughter of James and Carrie (Mathesis) Cobb.  On Feb. 25, 1976 in Leland she married Raymond W. “Chip” Chippewa who preceded her in death on May 14, 2000.
  Freda was a member of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians and a Tribal Elder. She worked for many years at Michigan Bulb in Grand Rapids, MI and held a variety of jobs when she moved back to Peshawbestown.  
  She enjoyed participating in the GTB Elders’ activities and other events in the Peshawbestown community. Bingo was one of her favorite activities along with attending the Peshawbestown pow-wow where she could enjoy the company of family and friends.
  Her smile and laughter was always gracious and inviting; everyone knew Freda and enjoyed her humor.  She had a wealth of stories from her long life and she loved to visit.  Freda was a walking historian regarding local Tribal genealogy as she knew everyone.
  Freda is survived by her children, Arlene Kashata, Yvonne Gale, Jerome “Butch” Seegraves, Richard Seegraves, eighteen grandchildren, forty one great grandchildren, one great great grandson and many loving nieces and nephews.
  She was preceded in death by her siblings, Ivan, Rubin, Art, Melvin, Willard, Marion, Isabelle and Alvina.
  Visitation will begin on Wednesday, May 21 at her home in Peshawbestown beginning at 5 pm.  Visitation will continue at the Strong Heart Center in Peshawbestown at 2 pm on Thursday, May 22; a Traditional Anishinaabe Ceremony will be held on Thursday evening at 7:30 p.m., followed by a meal.  The Traditional funeral service, with a luncheon included, will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 23 at the Strong Heart Center.  A 5 p.m. burial will follow at the Omena Hillcrest Cemetery.  Larry “Amik” Smallwood will officiate.
  Please share memories with Frieda’s family online at www.martinson.info.
  Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.



Judith J. Lindenau

Died May 13, 2014

 

ELMWOOD TOWNSHIP – Judith Lindenau, 72, of Elmwood Twp., passed away on Tuesday, May 13, at Orchard Creek Health Care.

  Judith was born on May 22, 1941 in Zanesville, Ohio, the daughter of Vernon and Jean (Hogan) Wood.  

  Judith had a multi-faceted career spanning nearly 45 years. After receiving her Bachelor of Arts in English from Baldwin Wallace College and Masters of Arts in American Literature and History from the University of South Dakota (USD), she accepted a teaching position at USD. She would later spend five years at the Interlochen Arts Academy in Interlochen, Michigan as an Instructor of Music (flute) and Creative Writing.

  After leaving Interlochen, Judith served as a Green Lake Township Supervisor in Green Lake Township, Michigan. She was a key figure in the creation of the township’s first public library.

  In 1978, Judith was hired as the Executive Vice President for the Traverse Area Association of REALTORS® (TAAR) and she served in this capacity for 29 years before retiring in 2007. During her tenure, Judith was instrumental in the development of the first computerized Multiple Listing Service (MLS); Board of REALTORS® Information Service (BORIS), which was the precursor to the modern day online MLS system. She helped develop the statewide MLS property database in Michigan, designed and implemented two charitable corporations, HomeStart and HomeStretch that focus on affordable housing.

  In addition to her local work with TAAR, Judith became a widely respected and nationally known figure within the National Association of REALTORS®. Upon earning the William E. Magel REALTOR® Executive Award in 2003, she called it the “pinnacle of her career in association management.” She was a charter member of the RCE certification Board and a member of the National Association of REALTORS® Strategic Planning Committee, as well as serving on various state and national committees.

  Judith’s interest real estate association management wasn’t limited to American borders. She served on the Board of the International Real Property Foundation whose mission is to assist in the creation of free, efficient, transparent and equitable real estate markets anchored to private property rights outside of the United States. Her consulting assignments included stints in Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Bosnia, Georgia, Russia, Africa, and Armenia.

  For the past seven years, Judith has focused on running her own consulting companies, JWL and Associates and Focus Consulting and Coaching. She held other consulting roles with the National Association of REALTORS®, NorthSky Nonprofit Network, and the Greater Baltimore Board of REALTORS®. She served as a mentor, coach and trusted advisor to many in association management and the real estate community.

  Outside of her impressive career, Judith loved playing Celtic music. She established the TC Celtic group which played at the Loading Dock in Traverse City, MI for many years and is still in existence. Judith was also one of the founding members of the Original Dulcimer Players Club (ODPC), which gathers every July for a festival in Evart, Michigan. She was currently focusing her musical talent on mastering the Hurdy Gurdy and Penny Whistle and loved playing music every Monday night and at various gigs in between.

  Judith was also an accomplished creative writer and loved writing short stories and poetry. Most recently she published many of her stories on her personal blog (http://judithlindenau.wordpress.com/). She was a prolific reader who especially enjoyed mystery novels. Judith loved staying on top of the emerging technology trends and in particular teaching herself how to use the latest electronic gadgets. As a seasoned traveler, she always enjoyed learning about new cultures and after her retirement, she spent several winters staying at Culmer Cottage located in Tarpum Bay on Eleuthera Island (Bahamas).

  Of the many things Judith accomplished in life, she was most proud of her two children, Jonathan and Sarah. Raising them as a single working mother, she made countless sacrifices to ensure both were successful and happy.

  Judith is survived by her children, Jonathan (Lisa Preckel) Lindenau and Sarah E. Lindenau; step-father, Samuel Burkhalter; and a brother, Douglas D. Wood.

  She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Vernon “Pete” Wood, Jr. and Alan F. Wood.

  A celebration of Judith’s life will be announced at a later date.

  In lieu of flowers donations can be sent to support the Judith Lindenau RCE Scholarship established the day after death. Donations should be sent to AE Professional Development Fund, National Association of REALTORS®, 430 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611. Alternatively, the family requests donations in her name be made to the American Cancer Society or the Cherryland Humane Society.

Hazel Koernke

1917 ~ 2014

  Hazel Huntsman Koernke, 96, of Lovells, passed away on Sunday, April 27, 2014 after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s disease.  Hazel resided at Tendercare of Leelanau for the last several years of her life, where she received kind and compassionate care.

  Hazel was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, daughter, and friend.  She was born in Barnesville, Ohio on Aug. 15, 1917.  Her parents were the late Joseph and Esther Huntsman. 

  Hazel is survived by her son, Tom Koernke; daughter-in-law, Holly Solem; grandchildren, Molly and Dan Koernke, sisters, Hilda Miller, Nina Dearth, and Joan Sramcik; sister-in-law, Sophie Koernke; brothers-in-law, John Phillips and Floyd Miller; step brother, Robert Hendershot; and numerous nieces and nephews.

  Hazel was preceded in death by her husband, Fred; sisters, Irene Giesey, Mable Wyscarver, and Edna Phillips; brothers, Victor Huntsman (who what killed in action in WWII), and Kennon Huntsman; brothers-in-law, William Koernke, Otto Koernke, and Eric Koernke.

  Hazel led an extraordinary life.  The second oldest of nine children, she graduated as the Valedictorian of her high school class.  She received a scholarship to Muskingum College however, the untimely passing of her father prompted Hazel to turn down the scholarship and take a job in Cleveland, Ohio to help her mother support Hazel’s siblings.  With her usual determination, after several years of work at other jobs, she was hired by Ohio Bell Telephone as an operation.  She was eventually promoted to serve as one of Ohio Bell’s first female supervisors.

  While working at Ohio Bell, she met and then married Fred Koernke.  Shortly thereafter Fred was drafted and served in the U.S. Army during WWII for four years.  He was stations in Europe for most of that time and Hazel did not see her husband for nearly three years until his return from Europe in early 1946.

  In 1950, Hazel and Fred and their young son, Tom, moved from Cleveland to Lovells, MI, a small resort community on the north branch of the Ausable River between Grayling and Lewiston.  They built and operated for nearly thirty years a family restaurant, the Pine Grill.  Among other specialties, the Pine Grill was well-known for delicious pies which Hazel made from scratch.

  Hazel was energetic and civic-minded.  She served the Lovells community in various capacities for nearly half a century.  She served several terms as Township Treasurer in the 1960s and prepared each property tax statement by hand.  For many years she also served on the board of the non-denominational Lovells Community Chapel and taught Sunday school there.  She served as a member of the Cheerful Giver’s Club, a community service organization, the Township Library Board, the Lovells Bridge Walk Committee, and the Lovells Historical Society.  She also wrote a weekly column about Lovells' activities for the Crawford County Avalanche newspaper.

  Hazel was an avid reader and had a lifelong love of literature.  She enjoyed story-telling and in her later years could be found with her grandchildren and their friends hanging on every word of her intricate and exciting stories.  Hazel’s generosity with her time, good humor, and volunteer spirit served the family and her community well.

  Private family services have been held.

  Memorial gifts may be directed to the Lovells Community Chapel, 8133 Bald Hill Road, Grayling, MI 49738.

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

 

 

Robert Turner

Died May 8, 2014

 

  Robert Turner, 89, of Lake Leelanau passed away on Thursday, May 8, 2014 at Munson Medical Center.

Robert was born on Jan. 23, 1925 in Boston, the son of Charles and Mary (Leonard) Turner. 

  Robert’s life changed when his sixth grade teacher recommended him for the prestigious Boys Latin School.  He used to walk five miles each way to school to save a nickel on the subway.  After high school, as WWII began, Robert worked in the Boston Navy yard to make enough money for his first semester’s tuition at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) where he studied electrical engineering.

  Robert joined the Navy V-12 program as a sophomore in 1943 and thereafter the Navy paid for his education.  He graduated with a BS from MIT in 1945.  Following his graduation from MIT, Robert attended Cornell University for officer’s training school where he became an ensign just as World War Two came to an end.  One of Robert’s great disappointments was to have missed the opportunity to serve his country on active duty.  He was transferred to a naval base at Long Beach Naval Station outside of Los Angeles.  A highlight was Robert’s commendation for the “efficient and courteous manner” in which he served as shore patrol for a ship’s company party at the Lakewood Country Club. 

  Robert was discharged in 1946 and then entered Harvard’s electrical engineering program.  Upon receiving his masters from Harvard in 1948 he began his job at Sperry Gyroscope in New York where he worked on radar design.  Robert considered his time at Sperry to have been the “best education of his life.” Robert got around New York on his 1929 Harley Davidson until the generator blew up in a drag race.  In 1954 Robert worked for the US Naval Operations Evaluation Group (OEG) stationed in Japan and the Philippines where he hiked on Mount Fuji and tested his radars on aircraft carriers. Robert met his first wife Cynthia Gale at the Pentagon.  They married in 1956 and settled in Silver Spring, Maryland where they had three children and the first of a series of large dogs.  Robert supported his wife’s birding interests, building custom traps, banding tools, cages and netting for her endeavors. 

In 1955 Robert joined Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory as a senior engineer working on guided missile systems for the US Navy. While at APL, Robert met his beloved wife Katharine through Parents Without Partners.  They were married in 1974.  Robert and Katharine led their family of five children on many outdoor expeditions including biking, camping, and orienteering trips.

  The majority of Robert’s career was focused on the development of lasers.  He received several patents for his work.  These lasers had military, medical and commercial applications, including the use of lasers to measure bubble size in unopened bottles of beer.  Robert received a case of Budweiser for this work.  Robert was involved in radar experimentation in the fjords of Norway to detect underwater submarines.  The last few years of his career at APL were reinvigorated by his inclusion in the Star Wars program; he traveled over 100,000 miles working on classified projects. 

  Upon retiring from APL Robert and his wife moved to Lake Leelanau, Michigan where they renovated and expanded the family compound.  He built a sugar shack for his wife’s maple syrup project, and together they enjoyed the four seasons of Leelanau county through canoeing, biking, cross country skiing, and walking his good dogs Rufus and Webber.

  He will be fondly remembered for his quick wit, long memory, and love of a good martini.

  In addition to his wife Katharine, Robert is survived by his children, Charles Jefferson Turner and wife Doreen Meyer, Robert Willis Turner, Jennifer Gale Turner, and; two step-daughters, Claire Elizabeth Ernst and husband Al Bedecarre and Julia Anne Wolcott Marrero and husband Frank Marrero; four grandchildren, Sophie Katherine Bedecarré Ernst, Salem Wolcott Marrero, Alden Pierre Bedecarré Ernst and Ella Allegra Wolcott Marrero.

Robert was predeceased by his brother, Charles; and sister, Dorothy.

We will have a celebration of Robert’s life this summer.

  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Red Cross, 735 S Garfield Ave., Traverse City, MI 49686 and/or to the Father Fred Foundation 826 Hastings St, Traverse City, MI 49686 and/or to the Salvation Army, P.O. Box 5229, Traverse City, MI 49696.

 

Elmer “Al” R. Will

Died April 27, 2014

LAKE LEELANAU – Elmer “Al” Roy Will, 94, of Lake Leelanau and formerly of Kalamazoo, passed away April 27, 2014 at Just A Whisper Assisted Living.

  Al was born on July 28, 1919 in Chicago, the son of Henry and Matilda (Tomnitz) Will.  He married Josephine “Jodie” who preceded him in death.

  Al was raised in Chicago and at the young age of nine he met the infamous Al Capone.  Mr. Capone was the financial sponsor of a bowling team of which young Al’s father was a member.  A graduate of a private Lutheran high school, Al was the sports editor for the school newspaper and with his friends, formed a talented band that played gigs around the community.  In his later years Al continued to play his keyboard, write lyrics, and was always humming a tune.

  Al worked as a personnel manager of a small steel company, got into the vending machine business, and later moved to Kalamazoo where he spent most of his life as a realtor.  Al was one of the last surviving founding members of the Gary Fund and former President of the Bronco Club at Western Michigan University.  He loved dogs, going to the casino, sports, music, card games, and conversation.  He moved to the Traverse City area in the 1990’s because he thought it was the best place on earth.

  A diehard Chicago Cubs fan, Al tried to live long enough to see them win a World Series.  Al’s life can best be summed by phrase, “the bases are loaded, it’s the top of the 9^th, and he just hit a home run!”

  Per Al’s wishes, cremation has taken place and private services have been held.

 In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Animal Rescue Project, 219 Peekstock, Kalamazoo, MI 49001.

Norman E. Stanchfield

Died April 18, 2014

LAKE LEELANAU – Norman Earl Stanchfield, 90, of Lake Leelanau, passed away on April 18, 2014 at his home.

  Norman was born on July 26, 1923 in Austin, Penn., the son of Walter Henry and Bertha Mae (Daniels) Stanchfield.  In 1944 he married Rosetta Mae Mason who preceded him in death in 1949.  In 1951 he married Delores Pabst who preceded him in death on 1995. In 1997 he married Rebecca A. Weiss who preceded him in death on Nov. 13, 2013.

  Norm served our nation in the U.S. Navy during WWII. He was a man with a great sense of humor and loved spending time with his family. He enjoyed hunting and fishing trips to the U.P. and Canada. Norm was good at casting a line in and out of the water.

  Some of his favorite times were playing his guitar and singing some old sailor songs for friends and family. Norm’s smile and happy nature will be missed.

  Norm is survived by his children, Dale (Toshiko) Stanchfield, Norm (Teri Fowler) Stanchfield, Sue (Donald) Willecke, and William Stanchfield; step-children, Sandra (Roger) Thomas, Michael (Carol Peterson) Bredehoeft, Jeffrey (Cheryl) Bredehoeft, and Debra (Anthony) Radjenovich; grandchildren, Craig Schofield, Ashley Stanchfield, Jeffrey Willecke, Elizabeth Willecke, Kaitlin Stanchfield, Megan Stanchfield, and Aric Fowler; a sister, Vera Williamson; and numerous nieces and nephews.

  In addition to his wives, Norman was preceded in death by a daughter, Janice Kay Stanchfield; siblings, Charles, Stanley, Altha, Marge, Juanita, and Beatrice.

  A gathering of friends and family will be held on Wed., May 21 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Stanchfield farm.  A memorial service will be held on Thurs., May 22 at 11 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Leland with a luncheon to follow.  Burial will be at Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens.  The Rev. Lawrence K. Matro will officiate.

  Memorials may be directed to Immanuel Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 436, Leland, MI 49654.

Thomas O. Schaub

Died May 8, 2014

LAKE LEELANAU – Thomas Otto Schaub, 80, of Lake Leelanau, passed away on Thursday, May 8, 2014 at Munson Hospice House.

  Tom was born on Feb. 14, 1934 on the family farm in Lake Leelanau to Otto and Cecelia (Walters) Schaub.  On March 21, 1956 at St. Mary’s Church in Lake Leelanau, he married Donna Mae Howard, who survives.

  Tom was a graduate of St. Mary’s High School, Class of 1951.  As a young man, Tom enlisted into the U.S. Army and served in Germany.  He was the school custodian and bus driver for St. Mary’s for over 35 years and also drove busses for Suttons Bay.  An avid sportsman, Tom loved to hunt and fish.  He was dedicated to his church and community and was a member of the Knights of Columbus.  He was a friend to all, a faithful husband, and a strong and supportive father.  He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

  In addition to his wife, Donna, Tom is survived by his children, Dale (Karla) Schuab, Alan (Karen) Schaub, Greg (Carla) Schaub, Nancy (Robert) Fisher, Peter(Sue) Schaub; sisters, Esther (Bud) Lowell, Margaret Couturier, Hilda Peplinski, Ruth (John) Gauthier, Edith (Marv) Schaub; sister-in-law, Martha Schaub; 13 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.

  He was preceded in death by a brother, Bill; and a sister, Elizabeth.

  The funeral mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, May 13 at 11 a.m., with visitation from 10 a.m. and rosary recitation at 10:30 a.m., at St. Mary of the Assumption, Lake Leelanau.  Following cremation, private family burial will be held at a later date.  The Rev. Michael Janowski will serve as celebrant.

  Memorials may be directed St. Mary’s Church, P.O. Box 340, Lake Leelanau, MI 49653 and/or to Munson Hospice House, 1105 Sixth Street, Traverse City, MI 49684.

Lessie G. Lee

Died May 4, 2014

SUTTONS BAY - Lessie Genievra Lee, 84, formerly of Dallas, Texas, and a Suttons Bay, Michigan resident since 2011, passed away peacefully Sunday, May 4, 2014, at Tendercare Health Center of Leelanau. She was born October 3, 1929, in Dexter, New Mexico, the daughter of Denzel & Ollie Lee.
  Lessie retired in 1985 after a long career as a computer programmer for Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque, NM. She moved to Texas after retirement to live near family.
  Lessie is survived by one daughter, Letha Harshman & her husband Brent of Traverse City, MI, and three grandchildren, Dr. Leeanne Harshman of Dallas, TX, Jonathan Harshman & wife Lisa of Bakersfield, CA, and Paul David Harshman of Traverse City. She also leaves behind her brother Hansel Lee and family of Denver, CO. Three other brothers, Denzel Jr, Harold B. & Kenneth Lee predeceased her. A lifelong member of the Church of Christ, Lessie will be remembered for her generosity and service to others, especially those in need. Lessie’s desire was that her body be donated to medical science, her last act of selflessness.
  A small family memorial service is planned later this year. The family has requested that in lieu of flowers donations be made to Eastern European Mission (eem.org) or Abilene Christian University (acu.edu).

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

  Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.