Grace Schneider

Died February 26, 2015

LAKE LEELANAU – Grace Rita Schneider, 83, of Lake Leelanau, passed away Feb. 26, 2015 at Tendercare of Suttons Bay.

  Grace was born on September 14, 1931 in Glen Arbor, the daughter of Frank and Margaret (Kucera) Petrosky.  On October 7^th, 1950 she married Milford C. Schneider who survives.

  Grace was a strong individual from the day she was born.  She was born extremely premature, not expected to survive, and lived the beginning of her life in a dresser drawer surround by hot water bottles as a makeshift incubator.  She was so tiny that a man’s wedding ring could fit over her entire hand.  It is thought that this difficult beginning led to numerous health issues later in life.  Even with those issues, her strong Christian belief was reflected through her blue eyes and amazing smile.  She was proud of the fact that she was an active member of her high school basketball team.  While still in high school she actually fell in love with the milkman and married him.  She was also his hunting and fishing partner.

  She had amazing homemaker skills including cooking, baking and canning.  She chose to take many of those skills into the community through church functions, family gatherings and catering parties for others.  Her additional skills included knitting, crocheting, and sewing which she passed along to school aged children as a 4H instructor.  She was also an active member of the St. Mary Altar Society for many years.

  As the family grew and grand-children arrived she spent less time working within the community and dedicated herself to the family.

  In addition to her husband of 64 years, Grace is survived by her children, Leonard (Lois) Schneider, Mary (Mike) Taylor, Sue Saiers (John Richardson), Judy (Marty) Schaub, and Frederick (Renee) Schneider; a brother in law, Mike (Lena) Schneider; grandchildren, Jennifer, Jessica, Katie, James, Cody, Naomi, Natasha, Tabetha, Hali, Marriah, Garrett,  Kevin, Sarah; eleven great grandchildren and many loving nieces and nephews

  She was preceded in death by her parents Frank and Margaret Petrosky; son, Robert;  brother, Don Petrosky; sister, Elsie Warnes; grandchildren, Justin and Conrad Schneider.

  Visitation will be held Wednesday, March 4, between 5 and 7 p.m. with a Wake Service to be held at 6:30 p.m. at the Martinson Funeral Home in Suttons Bay. The funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, March 5, at 11 a.m., with the family greeting friends one hour prior at St. Mary’s Church, Lake Leelanau. Burial will take place in the spring at St. Mary’s Cemetery. Father Michael Janowski will serve as celebrant.

  Memorials may be directed to St. Mary School, P.O. Box 340, Lake Leelanau, MI 49653.

  Please share memories with Grace’s family online at www.martinson.info.

  Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.

 

 

 

 

 

 Edward J. Kalchik
Died Feb. 24, 2015

NORTHPORT — Edward J. Kalchik, 88, of Northport, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 24, at Tendercare in Suttons Bay. He was born Feb. 2, 1927. Edward was whole-heartedly attempting to recover from brain cancer surgery that had been performed a month earlier. He was pleasant and thinking of others until his last day. Those lucky enough to know him were not surprised by his optimism nor selflessness, even during his trying time.

Edward was one of 11 children born to Wencel and Barbara (Korson) Kalchik. His birth was on the family farm, where Ed would later raise his own family. His childhood was full of adventure and gravitated to love of outdoors and farming. Sneaking down to swim in Lake Michigan was enjoyed by Edward and his brothers when possible. Faith and family were paramount in Edward’s life from beginning to end.

After school in Northport, Ed stayed to help farm until being called to serve in the U.S. Army in 1946. Edward was stationed in Germany, policing and transporting German POWs for a year and a half. He could recall many specifics of his service, and one of his proudest possessions were a pair of ashtrays made of matchsticks created by a German prisoner.
Returning to Northport after the war, Edward turned to a maritime experience of a couple sailing seasons serving as car handler and watchman. During this time a romance was kindled between Edward and the woman of his dreams, Anne Sedlacek, with whom he’d spend the rest of his life.

Having a strong urge to farm, Ed began on Old Mission Peninsula working with and for Ozzy Herkner, whom he held in high regard. After four years Ed returned to Leelanau County to assist his aging father with the running of the farm. As with many farmers, a second income was required and Ed landed a truck driving job for Comstock Construction. He quickly advanced to proud union carpenter and helped guide building at Munson hospital, Grand Traverse Resort and Northport School, to name a few. Coupled with this full-time job were the daily demands of farming, which would keep Ed working until sunset and beyond.

Ed and Anne’s family began with the arrival of Barbara Anne in 1953. Son, Mark, was born in 1957 and daughter, Patricia, born in 1961, completed the family. All worked toward making the farm successful and were proud to be totally self-sufficient, a rare achievement. As Edward ended his construction career of 25 years he got the opportunity to do what he loved, working his own land full-time, which became an easier task as Mark learned and performed the many repair and farming techniques his father demonstrated.
Edward produced hay and grains and raised cattle, resisting the change to orchards and vineyards. Ed’s stewardship and love of land is permanent, as is evidenced by his straight rows and high yields.

The family farm is on a winding knob off Lake Michigan, and every winter Ed would get dressed in the middle of the night and pull out drivers who couldn’t make it through the drifted road. Edward certainly did this more than one-hundred times, and never once accepted payment. Ed was enchanted with his grandchildren and great-granddaughter, and he showed them so much about life and how to live it with passion and patience.
Edward is survived by Anne, wife of 66 years; daughter, Barbara (Bradley) Price; son, Mark; daughter, Patricia Grimmer; brothers, Ivan and Victor (Ruth); grandchildren, Lindsay (Dan) Sapp, Ajax and Rory Price, Savannah and Annalise Grimmer; great-granddaughter, Marni Sapp; and many nephews and nieces.

Edward was preceded in death by his parents, Barbara and Wencel; brothers and sisters-in-law, Wencel (Dorothy), Tony (Norma), Lawrence (Joanne) and Eileen Kalchik; sisters and brothers-in-law, Christina (George) Coyne, Mary (Leon) Spaulding and Ann (Don) Callagan; a son-in-law, Dale Grimmer and two infant siblings.

The family thanks the staff at Munson hospital and Tendercare in Suttons Bay for attempting to heal and rehabilitate Ed. Many thanks goes to the generous people who have stepped forward with visits, prayers, food and support during this loss. Thank you to Martinson Funeral Home for their support and organization.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 3, with a 7 p.m. rosary recitation, at the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay. The funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, March 4, at 11 a.m., at St. Wenceslaus Church, Gills Pier, with the family greeting friends one hour prior.

In lieu of flowers, consider directing donations to the Shriners at 1 (800) 491-1979; or Wounded Warrior Project at 1 (877) 768-6807; or any organization of your choice.

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Thomas J. Aemmer Sr.

Died Feb. 23, 2015

 

LELAND - Thomas J Aemmer, 65, of Leland went to be with the Lord on February 23, 2015.  Tom was born May 21, 1949 in Toledo, OH to Walter and Helen (Krampf) Aemmer.  The second of four brothers, Tom moved his family to Leelanau County in 1976.

 

  Tom is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Kathleen R. (Tamlyn) Aemmer; his brothers, Bob, David, and John; his sons, Thomas Aemmer Jr, Jason (Heather) Aemmer, and Joshua (Heather) Aemmer; six grandchildren, Thomas III, Timothy, Jacob, Nicole, Lucas, and Elijah.

 

  Tom was a skilled craftsman who was well known and beloved as a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church and the Leland community.  He possessed a great gift for relating to and communicating with other people.  He would often strike up a conversation with a complete stranger that ended as if they had known each other for years.  Tom's greatest joy was spending time with his children and grandchildren.  He is now at peace with his beloved and loyal companion, Ozzy.

 

  A memorial service will be held Saturday February 28, 2015 at 11:00 am at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Leland.  The family will receive guests starting at 10:00 am with a Luncheon to follow.

 

  Memorials may be directed to the Leelanau Christian Neighbors, c/o Food Pantry, PO Box 32, Suttons Bay, MI 49682.

 

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Christine M. Finger

Died February 22, 2015

NORTHPORT – Christine Marie Finger, 63, of Northport, passed away Sunday, Feb. 22, 2015 at Tendercare of Leelanau.

  Christine was born March 25, 1951 in Chicago the daughter of Eben M. Finger and Eunice (Dahlin) Finger.   Christine was a loving daughter and sister.  She was passionate about art from a very early age and graduated from Indiana University.

  Christine is survived by her father, Eben; her brother, David M. Finger; her nieces, Sarah Finger, Kate Paynter, a nephew, Christopher Finger and her close and devoted friend, Merri Lynn Bouckaert.

  She was preceded in death by her mother, Eunice. 

  Private family services have been held.

  Please share memories with Christine’s family online at www.martinson.info.

  Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.

 

Avis L. Wolfe

Died February 14, 2015

NORTHPORT – Avis Louisa Wolfe, 88, of Northport passed away Saturday, Feb. 14, 2015 at Tendercare of Leelanau.

   Avis was born at home during a blizzard on March 5, 1926 in Omena; the daughter of Harry S. Doe and Charlotte (Fisher) Doe.  On Sep. 30, 1945 in Windfill, Indiana she married PFC Julius G. Nelson who preceded her in death on Nov. 11, 1957.  On April 8, 1959 in Traverse City she married Clarence B. Wolfe who preceded her in death on Jan 19, 2011.

  Avis was a lifelong area resident who attended Northport Public Schools and graduated with the Class of 1943.  She was very active in the Northport community.  She had a love of local history and shared her knowledge and interest in it willingly. She was a charter member of the Trinity Church of the United Church of Christ in Northport, serving as historian.  Avis was also an active member of the Friends of the Leelanau Township Library, and the Northport Area Historical Society, among many other groups. Her talents, willingness to serve and her unique sense of humor will always be remembered and cherished.

  Avis is survived by a stepdaughter, Janice C. Wolfe Trudeau, three grandchildren, six great grandchildren, four nieces and five nephews and their children and grandchildren. 

  She was preceded in death by her parents, husbands, a sister and three brothers in infancy, one adult brother, Charles Doe, three adult sisters; Mildred Teugh, Jane Hudson and Lois Jones, and nephews Bill Jones and Jeff Lyon.

 Graveside services at Omena Hillcrest Cemetery will be held on May 23, 2015 at 11 a.m.  The Rev. Karen Stokes will officiate.

  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Northport Area Heritage Association, PO Box 453, Northport, MI, 49670 and/or Trinity Church UCC Endowment Fund, PO Box 156, Northport, MI, 49670.

 Please share memories with Avis’ family online at www.martinson.info

 Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.



Joseph Francis Brzezinski

Died February 15, 2015

CEDAR – Joseph Francis Brzezinski, 98, of Cedar, passed away Sunday, Feb. 15, 2015 at Maple Valley Nursing Home.

  Joe was born Sep. 9, 1916 to Andrew and Katherine (Rosinski) Brzezinski in Centerville Township.  He attended Holy Rosary School and graduated from Traverse City High School.  He married Agnes Christine Popa on June 3, 1940 at Holy Rosary Church of Isadore.

  He worked at the Traverse City State Hospital for five years and at Parsons Corporation for seven years supporting the war effort making munitions.  Joe then spent most of his working life at Cone Drive Gears in Traverse City, retiring after 27 years.  Joe and Agnes started their family in Traverse City then moved back to the farm in Cedar to care for Joe’s elderly parents in 1954.  Joe was a loving husband, father, son, grandfather and great-grandfather.  He was a church and community leader and served on countless committees and projects involving his church, the schools and the community.

  He was a Leelanau County Commissioner for 12 years, which he enjoyed very much and took very seriously.  He loved serving others and working for the benefit of his fellow citizens and was especially proud of his role in the creation of the 911 tower.  He served on the Glen Lake School Board for 13 years.  Joe was a credit union officer at Cone Drive Gears for 25 years.  He served on the Holy Rosary School Board and Parish Council.  Joe served on the board of the Grand Traverse / Leelanau Community Mental Health Board and on the Adult Services and the Finance Committees.  He was active in the community of Cedar and later at Holy Rosary Parish lending a hand whenever and wherever needed.

  The major influences in Joe’s life were his parents and his strong Catholic faith.  He was a very devout and active parishioner both at St. Francis and Holy Rosary parish where he was a Eucharistic Minister for many years.  Joe was devoted to praying the rosary especially in his later years when he spent his mornings praying multiple Rosaries for his family and friends, the community and the world.

  Joe was very well known throughout the county and almost everyone called him “Uncle Joe” whether related to him or not.  He had a wonderful sense of humor which he kept going strong to the end of his life.  His grandchildren and great-grandchildren loved visiting Grandpa Joe because he made them feel loved and could always make them laugh.

  Joe is survived by his brother, Steven Brzezinski of Sarasota, Florida, who faithfully visited Joe every summer for the last many years; his children, Leonard (Lynne) of Lansing, Dr. Mary (Wayne Ramsey) Forster of Indianapolis, JoAnn (Thomas) Schwarz of Cadillac, Patricia (Ronn) Hokenstad of Bullhead City, Arizona, and Jon (Bonnie Mack) of Interlochen; his loving daughter-in-law, Nancy (Bob) Piche of Cedar; his grandchildren, Paul (Ted Wroblewski) Brzezinski, Matthew Brzezinski, Michael (Missi) Campbell, Misha (Matt) Mann, Scott (Rebecca Fitzwater) Forster, Tammi (Jon Haggerty) Forster, Thomas (Sara Soderstrom) Schwarz, Jessica Schwarz, Katie (Justin) Burger, Megan (Kevin Koester) Schwarz, Melissa (Ivan) Keener, Jonathon (Suzi Bicknell) Brzezinski, Dennis (Rocio) Brzezinski; great-grandchildren, Chloe Mann, Ian, Andrew, James and Luke Haggerty, Joshua, Joey, and Lauryn Forster, Mira and Isaac Schwarz, Ivan Jr., Malachi and Arete Keener, Solei, Zoe, and Denika Brzezinski, Landon Brzezinski; and numerous loving nieces, nephews, including his close friend / nephew Larry Bruckner of Traverse City.

  He was preceded in death his wife of 54 years, Agnes; sons, Jozef Antoni and James; daughter, Ann Marie; brothers, Andrew (Lillian), John (Melanie) and Wladyslaw (Cecelia); sisters, Micheline (Joe) Pleva, Kathryn (Ray) Betlejewski, Praxides (Adelbert) Joynt, Anna (Frank) Novak and Alice (Sylvester) Bruckner; and friend, Bernice Shorter.

  We wish to thank the many people who were faithful and kind friends to Dad for many years especially Jan Weber as well as Father Donald Libby and Deacon Doug Wigton.  We also wish to thank John and Donna Kasben, Misty Porter and the caring and compassionate nurses and staff at Maple Valley Nursing Home for the loving care Dad received.

  Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 23 at the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.  The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 24 with the Rosary to be prayed before the Mass and the family greeting friends one hour prior to the service at Holy Rosary Church of Isadore.  Father Jerry Brzezinski and Father Donald Libby will serve as celebrants.   Burial in Mt. Calvary Cemetery of Isadore will be announced in the spring.

  Memorials may be directed to Holy Rosary Church, 6982 South Schomberg Road, Cedar, MI 49621.

  Please share memories with Joe’s family below:

Maryan Mashka
Died Feb. 13, 2015

 

PESHAWBESTOWN – Maryan Mashka, 88, of Peshawbestown, walked on Feb. 13, 2015 at her home with family at her side.
Maryan was born April 5, 1926 in Auberry, CA, the daughter of King and Susan (Sherman) Moore.  In 1959 she married James Orren Mashka, who preceded her in death on Dec. 3, 2004.

Maryan worked for the tribal government of Grand Rapids and managed commodities distribution and other various programs, earning her the nicknamed “Cheese Queen”.  She was a very active in the Grand Rapids tribal community.  Maryan was loving, kind, and had heart so big she took in every kid that came along.  She advocated the keeping of traditions, education, sobriety, faith and church attendance.  She was the rock of the family and will be truly missed.

Maryan is survived by her children, Delores Petoskey, William (Renee) Mauricio, Arthur (Martha) Hoaglen, MaryAnn Hoaglen, and Robynn (Mark) Rouckert; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband, Maryan was preceded in death by a daughter, Elaine Mashka; a son, Gordon Mashka; granddaughter, Louisiana King; and her eight siblings.

The funeral service will be held on Friday, Feb. 20, 2015 at 3 p.m. at the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay with a visitation beginning at 1 p.m.  Pastor Tom John will officiate.  Burial will take place in the spring at Omena Hillcrest Cemetery.

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Martha K. Brown

Died February 7, 2015

GARFIELD TOWNSHIP – Martha Kovarik Brown, 97, of Garfield Township passed away Saturday, Feb. 7, 2015 at Bortz Health Care of Traverse City.

  Martha was born Oct. 1, 1917 in Suttons Bay the daughter of Charles and Martha (Tatch) Kiessel.  In 1936 at St. Wenceslaus Church of Gills Pier she married Charles Kovarik who preceded her in death in 1983.  In 1996 at St. Wenceslaus Church she married Col. Jack Brown who preceded her in death in 2003.  While raising her family she worked in Northport Point and at the former Leelanau Memorial Hospital in Northport.

  Martha’s faith was very important to her.  She was a great cook especially her kolaches’ with prune and fresh ground poppy seed.  She always had homemade bread for her family.  Martha enjoyed a good game of euchre with her neighbors while raising the family.  Her main enjoyment was bingo, for which she had a knack for winning; this she played whenever she could at the Glen Eagle and Traverse Manor retirement homes. 

  Martha is survived by her four sons, Claude (Barbara) Kovarik, Gerald (Nancy) Kovarik, Richard (Mary Ann) Kovarik, Ronald (Jackie) Kovarik; a daughter, Ruby Blankenship; eight grandchildren and seventeen great-grandchildren.

  She was preceded in death by a son, Leroy Kovarik; son in law, Fred Blankenship; her siblings, Carl, Edward, Raymond, Andrew, Rufus, Frank, Lloyd, Clifford and Albert.

  A memorial mass will be held at 12 noon on Saturday, Feb. 14 at St. Wenceslaus Church of Gills Pier.  Burial will be held in the spring in St. Wenceslaus Cemetery.

  Memorials may be directed to St. Wenceslaus Church, 8500 E. Kolarik Road, Suttons Bay, MI 49682 and/or to GT Area Right to Life, P.O. Box 5416, Traverse City, MI 49696-5416.

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Lois J. Shalda

Died February 7, 2015

MAPLE CITY – Lois Jean Shalda, 77, of Maple City passed away Saturday, Feb. 7, 2015 at her home.

  Lois was born Oct. 22, 1937 in Long Island, New York the daughter of Jess Tate Van Zile and Sara Elizabeth (McCollum) Van Zile.  On Aug. 10, 1962 in Oak Park, Illinois she married Dale Shalda who preceded her in death on Sep. 9, 2001.

  She was an amazing mother, grandmother and friend.  Her passions in life were caring for any and all animals, finding treasures at thrift shops and garage sales and of course Chinese food.  She will be remembered as a kind and loving soul with a heart of gold and a delightful sense of humor.

  Lois is survived by her children, Debbie (Gary) Hessem, Sara Shalda; special family member, Donna Sarns; sisters, Linda (Charlie) Walker; son in law, Bruce (Diana) Hohnke; eight grandchildren, Danielle, Amanda (Ray) Malinao, Abraham, Desiree, Mariah, granddaughter of her heart, Krista, Natalie, Jamaicain (Amanda) Hohnke and Jessie; three great grandchildren, Makenna, Ramira, Niiko and one on the way.

  She was preceded in death by a daughter, Peggy Hohnke; and two sisters, Janice Hamm and Mary Lou Elliott.

  A celebration of Lois’ life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb, 21 with the family greeting friends one hour prior to the celebration at the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.  Irene Carboneau will officiate.

  Memorials may be directed to the Cherryland Humane Society, 1750 Alhberg Road, Traverse City, 49686.

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Delores E. T. Mobley

Died Feb. 1, 2015 

SUTTONS BAY — Delores Eileen Timm Mobley, 85, of Suttons Bay, passed away peacefully Feb. 1, 2015, at home with her husband by her side.

Delores was born on Oct. 2, 1929, in Flint, the daughter of Theodore and Frances (Gotofka) Timm. On Dec. 22, 1974, she married Jack Arthur Mobley, who survives.

Delores pursued her lifetime interest in art while attending Marygrove College and throughout her successful professional career. Following her graduation from Marygrove she accepted a teaching assignment with the Flint Community Schools as well as continuing her professional and artistic preparation at the University of Michigan graduate school with major emphasis on art education and fine arts in achieving her Master of Arts degree.

In addition to providing art instruction for students and adults in the Flint Community Schools, Delores was also associated with the Flint Institute of Arts in teaching talented art students from throughout the area.

Her career with the Flint Community Schools included assignments as assistant principal for counseling, elementary principal for Stevenson School, opening principal for Bunche School and principal at the Potter Community School. She retired from the Flint School District in 1986.

Since moving to her home in Suttons Bay Delores continued to play an active role in the artistic community and church affairs. She served as a desk docent at the Dennos Museum in addition to active participation with the Grand Traverse Art Center and the Suttons Bay Art Fair governing committee. Her paintings appear in a number of private collections.

Delores was an active member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Suttons Bay, where she served on several committees in addition to serving as Eucharistic minister and usher. Her loss will create a void which will never be filled.

In addition to her loving husband of 40 years, Delores is survived by her daughter, Elizabeth (John) Clark; loving grandsons, Joshua and Zachary Clark; sister-in-law, Carole; niece and godchild, Elizabeth Timm; and nephews, Brandon and Jason.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Donald R. Timm; and niece, Jennifer.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2015, at 11 a.m., at St. Michael’s Church of Suttons Bay, with a visitation held one hour prior to the service. Father Leonard Paul will serve as celebrant. Burial will take place at St. Michael’s Cemetery.

Memorials may be directed to a charity of one’s choice and/or to Mass Intentions.

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