Sandra S. Busch

Died June 28, 2015

LAKE LEELANAU - Sandra Stevenson Busch, 51, of Lake Leelanau, MI and Coppell, TX peacefully passed on Sunday, June 28, 2015 surrounded by her loving family in her favorite place in the world, Michigan. Sandra was born Jan. 4, 1964 in Highland Park, IL the daughter of James and Linda Stevenson.  

Sandi was the beautiful mother of three and loving wife to Jeffrey Busch.  Her appreciation for natural beauty and her ability to create were among many of her beautiful traits.  While she spent most of her time in Coppell, TX, her heart belonged to the shores of Lake Michigan.  She spent many of her summers water skiing on Glen Lake, searching for Petoskey stones on the shores of Lake Michigan and spending time with her friends and family on the beach. 

She grew up in Glenview, IL, graduating from Glenbrook South High School.  There she spent her time participating in many horse shows, developing life-long friendships, and as an enthusiastic cheerleader on the sidelines.

She attended Indiana University where, on the very first weekend, she met her future husband and love of her life. She was a proud member of Kappa Alpha Theta and graduated with a major in Telecommunications and a minor in Interior Design.

On May 30, 1987, in Kenilworth, IL, she married her loving husband of twenty-eight years, Jeffrey Busch. Together they lived in Northbrook, IL where they began their family. They later moved to Coppell, TX to continue raising their three active children.  In Coppell, Sandi served as Chief of Staff of the Busch household, orchestrating the many activities of her children and husband. Volunteering for anything she could, from traveling for skating competitions to hosting hockey team dinners to creating the lacrosse game day programs to hosting New Year’s Eve parties. She selflessly supported her family in everything they did, never asking for anything in return.

She later began a florist career through Market Street in Coppell. There, she was able to creatively express her many talents, while putting smiles on other people’s faces. This love of creating gorgeous arrangements out of anything she was given, translated to her love for gardening and decorating at home. No matter the season, she had the ability to always make her home feel welcoming inside and out.

She loved traveling everywhere to visit family, and in 2006 Sandi and her husband invested in their own spot in Michigan, a little slice of heaven, later to be referred to simply as “The Slice” ^®. Here they built their dream home together in which they would retire, host counselors from camp, have family gatherings, and be able to watch endless sunsets together hand in hand. This was the spot in which Sandi felt most at ease, posting any picture she could of her feet, whether it be in the sand, in the crystal clear water, in snowshoes on ice, or propped up by the fire. Thankfully this is where she spent the last few months of her life with her family.

Sandra is survived by her husband, Jeffrey Busch, her three children, Casey, Charlie, and Henry Busch, and loyal dog, Oliver; her parents, James and Linda Stevenson; and her siiistor, Lori Buley.

Sandi’s belief in and her life-long continual study of Christian Science and dedication to knowing the spiritual Truth carried her throughout life.

Private family services have been held.

Donations in Sandi’s honor may be directed to Camps Leelanau and Kohahna, 1653 Port Oneida Road, Maple City, MI 49664 or via www.leelanau-kohahna.org

 

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William S. Willis

Died June 22, 2015

 

TRAVERSE CITY – William Stoddard Willis, 90, of Traverse City, died Monday, June 22, 2015 at Boardman Lake Glens.

 

  William was born on Feb. 27, 1925 in Indianapolis, the son of William Henry and Ethel Charlotte (Stoddard) Willis.  On June 14, 1947, in Indianapolis, he married Mary Grace French, who preceded him in death on March 5, 2002.

 

  Bill lived a full, happy, and fruitful life.  He was educated in the public schools of Indianapolis where he excelled academically and artistically.  After high school graduation, he entered college at Tri-State University.  He joined the Navy ROTC, eventually graduating from Illinois Institute of Technology with a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering.  He then entered the Navy, serving as an Ensign on the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise, until his discharge at the end of the war.  He began his engineering career working for Allison Engine Company, designing aircraft engines.  After several years, he moved to the General Electric Company in Evendale, (Cincinnati) OH where he continued as a preliminary design engineer in the jet engine division of that company, gaining several patents for various jet engine components. After a respected career, he retired and moved with his wife, Mary, to Little Traverse Lake in Leelanau County, Michigan, where he lived the remainder of his days.  He especially enjoyed time at the lake, declaring that there was no better place in the world to live.

 

  Bill was always known to friends and family as a kind gentleman. He had a keen intellect, and kept his mind active with crossword and other puzzles until his death.  He viewed the world with a scientific, engineer’s mentality, analyzing problems and declaring proper solutions.  As a depression era child, he would never throw anything out that didn’t work, but would fix and rebuild things, making them last, seemingly, forever.  He also had a remarkable artistic talent, winning several contests as a child.  In his retirement years, he carved realistic birds, fish, and duck decoys.  He was an avid reader, a competitive duplicate bridge player, a civil war enthusiast, interested traveller, genealogy buff, a frustrated golfer, and an accomplished fisherman.  But he especially enjoyed his time with his family, happily watching his grandchildren grow into adulthood.  Eventually, the ravages of time wore out his body, but not his spirit.  He will be missed greatly by friends and family alike.

 

  William is survived by his children, David O. (Patricia) Willis of Louisville, Ky., Richard J. Willis of Lakeside Park Ky.; and three grandchildren, William, Sara, and Ashley Marie, two step-grandchildren (Kristi and Matt), as well as three great grand children.

 

  In addition to his wife of 54 years, William is preceded in death by a daughter, Mary Virginia Willis.

 

A private service is planned for family and close friends.  Burial will be at Cleveland Township Cemetery.

 

Memorials may be directed to the Leelanau Conservancy, c/o Swanson Preserve, P.O. Box 1007, Leland, MI 49654.

 

The family would like to thank the staff at Boardman Lake Glens, the staff of Hospice of Michigan, and especially Laura Osborne, his care -giver for the past three years, for their acts of kindness to Bill (“Grandpa”) at the end of his life’s journey.

 

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Warren E. Schmeichel

Died June 26, 2015

TRAVERSE CITY- Warren Emil Schmeichel, 87, of Traverse City, died Friday, June 26, 2015 at Maple Ridge Living Center, Lake City.

Warren was born on March 21, 1928 in Manitowoc, WI, the son of Adolph and Rose (Frary) Schmeichel.  On Aug. 5, 1950 in Kalamazoo, he married Theresa Mae Brennan who survives.

Warren owned Schmeichel’s Edgewater Resort on Glen Lake and he was an x-ray technician at Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital from 1967 to 1987.  He was very active in the Gideon International organization and traveled for them overseas and throughout  Michigan distributing bibles.

In addition to his wife of 64 years, Warren is survived by his children, Paul Schmeichel, Pam Richards, Cindy Rice, three grandchildren and one great grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Richard.

The funeral service will be held on Thursday, July 2, 2015 at 2 p.m. at the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay with visitation beginning at 11 a.m.  Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery, Empire.  Pastor James Nihiser will officiate. 

Memorials may be directed to The Gideons International, PO Box 140800, Nashville, TN 37214-0800 or at www.gideons.org

Please share thoughts and memories with Warren’s family at www.martinson.info

Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.



 

Benjamin A. DeVerney

Died June 20, 2015

TRAVERSE CITY – Benjamin Alan DeVerney, 44, of Traverse City, died Saturday, June 20, 2015 at Munson Medical Center.

Ben was born on Sept. 5, 1970 in Traverse City, the son of Patrick O. McGrath and Eleine K. DeVerney.

Ben was a working man with a tender heart for his family.  A wannabe guitarist whose life was all about his family.  Ben was always together with his family, even on a first date with Delora!  He had an unending love for his daughters.  A treasured memory was attending Briteny’s concert to hear her sing.  Ben would make his daughters do funny faces and he gave the best big dad hugs.

Benjamin is survived by his children, Briteny Storm DeVerney and Paige Johnson; his father, Pat; sisters, Nicole Taylor and Misty McGrath; brothers, Patrick and Christopher McGrath; a niece, Shai Mallory; a nephew, Little Christopher McGrath Jr.; and ex-fiancée, Delora Wilson

He was preceded in death by his mother, Eleine.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 25 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.  The funeral service will be held Friday, June 26 at 1 p.m. with the family greeting friends one hour prior to the service also at the funeral home.

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Patricia Joy Porritt

Died June 10, 2015

TRAVERSE CITY — Patricia Joy Porritt of Traverse City, passed away Wednesday, June 10, 2015 at Munson Medical Center surrounded by her loving family. Her life was cut short when she suffered a heart attack at the age of 58.

Joy was born Oct. 1, 1956 at Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak the daughter of George and Carolyn (Ames) LaCross.

On April 22, 1978 at St. Michael’s Church in Suttons Bay, she married John “Greg” Porritt, who survives.

In her work, Joy was one of the first caring contacts for people who benefited from the services of the Area Agency on Aging. Her patience, empathy and love were gifts she gave to everyone she knew. She approached life with an open mind and an ability to humorously bring out the best in any difficult situation.

Joy spent her last days as any other day, taking care of others and relishing in the delight of having her five-year-old granddaughter in town for a visit.

In addition to her husband of 37 years, Joy is survived by her children, John “Nathan” Porritt, Lindsey Matro, and Nicholas Porritt; granddaughter, Madison Matro; her parents George, and Carolyn; sister, Jody LaCross; and brother, Jeffrey LaCross.

Visitation will be held Saturday, June 13 from 5 to 8 p.m. with a wake service at 7 p.m. at the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.

The funeral mass will be celebrated on Monday, June 15 at 11 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Church, Traverse City, with visitation held one hour prior.

Burial will follow the church luncheon at Suttons Bay Township Cemetery. Father Kenneth R. Stachnik will serve as celebrant.

Memorials may be directed to the Leelanau Conservancy, P.O. Box 1007, Leland, MI 49654.

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Mary “Cookie” Manitowash

Died June 9, 2015

PESHAWBESTOWN – Mary Alice “Cookie” Manitowash, 73, of Peshawbestown, passed away Tuesday, June 9, 2015 at Tendercare of Leelanau.

Cookie was born on June 29, 1941 in Northport, the daughter of Johnny and Delia (Hall) Manitowash.  She was an excellent craftswoman and woodworker and made, as well as restore, all kinds of furniture.  She loved to travel to Pow Wows all over the country.  Cookie loved her family and spending time with her nieces and nephews especially during Christmas time, her favorite season.

Cookie is survived by her partner, Shirley Ingersoll; sister, Tammy Bullis of Peshawbestown; many nieces and nephews; and great-nieces and great-nephews.

She was preceded in death by her siblings, Clarence J. Manitowash, Emma Manitowash, Arlene Rodriguez, and Joseph Manitowash.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 11 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.  The funeral service will be held on Friday, June 12 at 2 p.m. at the Northport Indian Mission Church with visitation starting at 11 a.m.  Burial will follow the service at Omena Hillcrest Cemetery.  Rev. Sam McClellan will officiate.

 

 

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Helen W. Wells

Died June 7, 2015

NORTHPORT:  Helen Wayt Wells, 85, of Northport, passed away Sunday, June 7, 2015 at Northport Highlands surrounded by loving family members.

  Helen was born on July 23, 1929 in Richmond, VA, the daughter of Mr. Beverley Dunnington Wayt, Sr. and Mrs. Helen (Narracott) Wayt.  On Aug. 19, 1950 at the Warren Street Presbyterian Church of Saginaw, Michigan, she married William (Bill) Wood Wells, who survives.

  In 1947, Helen graduated from Arthur Hill High School in Saginaw.  She attended the University of Michigan on a Regent Scholarship leading to a B.S. in Medical Technology in 1951.  Helen lived at the Kappa Delta sorority on campus, and later, she met Bill at the Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity house party.  Bill received his B.S. in Zoology in 1949 and his M.S. in Biochemistry in 1951 from the Univ. of Mich.  After a year living in Kalamazoo, MI where Bill worked for the Upjohn Co., Helen and Bill left for Bill’s doctorate study at the Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison.  Helen worked at the University Health Service as a medical technician.  In 1955, Bill accepted a faculty position in Biochemistry at the School of Medicine, Univ. of Pittsburgh, and they lived in the suburb of Mt. Lebanon, PA for 9 years.  In 1965-66, the family enjoyed a sabbatical in Munich, Germany.  Helen and Bill’s family returned to Okemos, MI, where Bill became Professor of Biochemistry at Michigan State Univ.  After Helen’s children were old enough, she studied for the M.S. degree in Pathology in the School of Human Medicine at MSU in 1973.  She became a staff assistant to the faculty in the Pathology Department until her retirement in 1997.  At this time, Helen and Bill built a home in Northport, MI where they have been involved in the Village Voices of Northport, and the Northport Community Art Center Theatre.  Helen was active in music most of her life including  piano and cello as well as singing with choral groups at the Univ. of MI, MSU, and at her church in Traverse City, the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Grand Traverse.  Helen was a talented artist while living in Saginaw, Okemos, and with the Art Group of Leland, MI.  She was an avid reader being a member of several book clubs in Okemos and Northport.  Helen was noted for her intellect, her sense of humor and her wit.  She loved nature and was a member of the “Walkie-Talkies” women’s hiking group of Leelanau County, and a docent at “Saving Birds through Habitat.”  Helen loved children and was a volunteer tutor at the Northport grade school.  She will be sorely missed.     

  In addition to her husband of 64 years, Helen is survived by her four children, Thomas C. Wells, Christopher D. (Dotty) Wells, Jon W. (Edie) Wells, and Anne (Jim) Pocock; ten grandchildren, Becki, Michael, Scott, Kevin, Jessica, and Timothy Wells, Elizabeth (Nathaniel) Tracy, and Bryant, Spencer, and Kyle Pocock; eight great-grandchildren; and sister-in-law, Joyce Wayt.

  She was preceded in death by her brothers, Beverley Wayt Jr. and Thomas Wayt; and a daughter-in-law, Dawn Anne Wells.

  A memorial service will be held on Monday, July 13 at 11 a.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Grand Traverse.  Burial will follow at the UUCGT Memorial Gardens.  Rabbi Chava Bahle will officiate.

  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Grand Traverse, 6726 Center Rd. Traverse City, MI 49686 and or to the Leelanau Conservancy, P.O. Box 1007, Leland, MI 49654.

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Laurie A. Kolarik

Died June 5, 2015

NORTHPORT – Laurie Ann Kolarik, 62, of Northport, passed away Friday, June 5, 2015 at Munson Medical Center.

Laurie was born on August 20, 1952 in Clawson, the daughter of Lawrence Edingfield II and Phyllis (Johnson) Couterier. On Sept. 4, 1971 at St. Francis Church in Traverse City, she married Willard E. Kolarik, who survives.

Laurie moved to Leelanau County as a teenager where she met Will.  They built their home in Northport, while Laurie worked as a nurse’s aide at the former Long Term Care at Leelanau Memorial Hospital. 

Laurie had a zest for life and thoroughly enjoyed attending various local events.  She constantly helped others, even when her own health was declining.  Laurie battled breast cancer twice and suffered from diabetes in addition to other related health issues.  Ultimately, her body succumbed to the various afflictions.

Laurie’s family would like to thank the staff of the Northport Highlands, Tendercare of Suttons Bay, and the physicians at Munson Medical Center.  The family is especially grateful for the care received by the exceptional ICU nursing staff at Munson Medical Center. 

In addition to her husband of 43 years, Laurie is survived by her daughter, Stacey Kolarik of Lansing; her father, Lawrence of Gladwin; a brother, Guy (Cecilia) Edingfield of Buckley; a sister, Bonnie Edingfield of Tennessee; as well as several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Phyllis Couterier; a sister, Judy Edingfield; and a brother, Larry Edingfield.

Private family memorial services will be announced at a later date.

Memorials may be directed to the Susan G. Komen Foundation, 710 Kenmore SE, Ste. 130, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 and/or to American Diabetes Assoc., P.O. Box 11454
Alexandria, VA  22312.

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Mary L. Merwin

 Died May 28, 2015

NORTHPORT – Mary L. Merwin, 69, of Northport, died peacefully on Thursday, May 28, 2015 at her home.

  Mary was born in Grand Rapids on Feb. 13, 1946 and moved north in 1977 becoming Director of Grand Traverse/Leelanau Adult Mental Health Agency.  As a professional psychologist she worked on the front-line supporting communities with mental and physical health challenges.  She was an active volunteer with HIV/Wellness Networks, Third Level Crisis Center, early childhood development, Asthma Coalition and numerous other causes she embraced.

  Mary was an amazing woman who travelled extensively to remote locations in wild parts of the world on projects to support and bond with endangered animals.  She cherished her solitude during her 38 years of living on the shores of Lake Michigan in Leelanau County.

  Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Alberta (Sytsma) Riddering; stepmother, Kay; sister, Ruth (Ben) Boshoven; and Sam and Andrew Coe and NanEl Legatz.

  She is survived by three nephews: Jeff (Wendy) Boshoven, Eric (Mel) Boshoven, Mark (Laura) Boshoven, and her Traverse City family, Matthews/Coe: Jan, Nicole, Scott and Megan Blonshine, and her ‘sister soulmates’ Marsha Crouse, AngelinaPeggy Richter, and Jan Matthews.

  Per Mary’s wishes, cremation has taken place by the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.  A service celebrating Mary’s life will take place on the Summer Solstice, Sunday June 21, 2015 at 3 p.m. at the Traverse City Botanical Gardens.

  In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the charity of your choice.

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Christine A. Schlueter

Died June 3, 2015

 

HARTLAND – Christine Ann Schlueter, 70, of Hartland and formerly of Traverse City, passed away on Wednesday, June 3, 2015 at home.

Christine was born on July 15, 1944 in Traverse City, the daughter of Clemence and Agnes (Winowiecki) Mikowski.  On Aug. 24, 1963 she married David H. Schlueter, who survives.

Christine had a long career of helping others.  She had, as part of the first group in the country to earn national certification in the early 1990s, taught infant and toddlers in a nursery school setting.  She later had her own business caring for children in their homes when their parents were out of town.  She finished as director of child care programs at Traverse Bay Alternative.  Christine also enjoyed providing in home care for the elderly.  She was a “walking miracle” and inspiration to all as she worked through her progressive cancer.  Chris had a very strong devotion to the Blessed Mother and to the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus of the Divine Mercy.

In addition to her husband of 52 years, Christine is survived by her children, Jeffrey (Katie) Schlueter, Kevin (Leana) Schlueter, Susan (Tim) Lazuka, Cindy (Ed) Stewart; grandchildren, Ian and Sabine Stewart, Lainie and Becca Lazuka, Cameron and Lydia Schlueter, Scotty, Chena, Gage, Ella, and Skye Schlueter; brothers, Clement (Ruth) and Dennis (Linda) Mikowski; and a sister, Bernadette Mikowski.

She was preceded in death by a son, Sean Adrian Schlueter in May of 1978; and sister-in-law, Lt. Col. Sandra M. Schlueter, USAF Ret. in Nov. of 2008.

Visitation will be held on Monday, June 8 from 2 to 8 PM with a vigil service at 7 PM at St. John the Baptist Church, 2099 N. Hacker Rd., Howell, MI 48855.  A funeral mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, June 9 at 11 AM with visitation one hour prior also at St. John.  Father Francis George will serve as Celebrant.

Visitation will also be held on Wednesday, June 10 from 2 to 8 PM with the rosary at 7 PM at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Traverse City.  The funeral mass will be celebrated on Thursday, June 11 at 11 AM with visitation one hour prior also at St. Francis.  Father Kenneth R. Stachnik will serve as Celebrant.

Graveside services will be held at 12 noon on Friday, June 12 at Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Christine’s name may be directed to St. John the Baptist Church, 2099 N. Hacker Rd, Howell, MI, 48855 and/or GTACS/St. Francis Capital Campaign, 123 East 11^th Street, Traverse City, MI, 49684. 

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