Back Button

July 28, 2015


MaryAnn O’Hara
Died July 25, 2015

CEDAR – MaryAnn O’Hara, 86, of Cedar, passed away Saturday, July 25, 2015, peacefully at her home.

  MaryAnn was born July 4, 1929, in Flint, the daughter of Frank and Anna (Lazorchak) Luczek.  On May 15, 1954, she married John Martin O’Hara, who preceded her in death on Nov. 3, 2008.

  Our mom was an angel and loved by all who knew her.  She loved bowling, planting flowers, and enjoyed sitting on her dock on the lake and watching fireworks.  MaryAnn always loved having a fire going indoors or outdoors.  In honor of our dearest MaryAnn, friends are asked to wear something red, white, and blue to the Mass.

  MaryAnn is survived by her children, Christine, Michael, Daniel and Steven (Linda) O’Hara; a brother in law, Ed (Charlene) O’Hara; five grandchildren, Suzi, Stephanie, Kelly, Ryan, Trevor; four great grandchildren, Jadine, Edie, Emma Lou, Kennedy, and many loving nieces and nephews.

  She was preceded in death by her husband, John; daughter in law, Renee; best friend, Dorothy Suess; and three siblings, George (Rhea), Frances (Janet) and Elizabeth (Sonny).

  Visitation will be held from 2 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 7, 2015 with the Rosary to be prayed at 7 p.m. at the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.  The Mass will be held at 12 noon on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2015 with the family greeting friends one hour prior to the service at Holy Rosary Church, Cedar.  Burial in St. Rita’s Cemetery will be held at a later date.  Father Donald Libby will serve as celebrant.

  Memorials may be directed to Mass Intentions and/or St. Jude Society, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

  Special thanks to friends, Ron and Dee, Lorraine, Bob and Kris.

  Please share memories and condolences with MaryAnn’s family below:

July 27, 2015

Jeanette Crowgey
Died July 24, 2015
 
SUTTONS BAY, MI—Jeanette Elizabeth Reid Crowgey, formerly of Iron River, MI, passed away peacefully at Tendercare of Leelanau in Suttons Bay, MI, on July 24, 2015.
 
She was born on March 31, 1922 in Davenport, OK, the daughter of Ernest and Grace (Pinson) Reid.  During the depression they moved north to Tipler, WI.  Jeanette graduated from Florence High School.           
 
On September 4, 1948 she married Willard D. Crowgey.  They raised their family in Iron River, MI, where they were happily married for 54 years.  In their later years, they enjoyed traveling, spending their winters in California and Florida.
 
Jeanette was actively involved in the Wesley United Methodist Church.  While most of her time was spent as a homemaker and caring for her family, she also taught Bishop Sewing through the Community Schools.  In her spare time, she loved baking, knitting, and sewing for others.  In her later years she enjoyed playing cards, and was an avid reader.
 
Jeanette is survived by her children, Agnes (Larry) Searcy of Carrollton, KY, Bill (Mary) Crowgey of Northport, MI, John (Martha) Crowgey, of E. Lansing, MI,  Lorraine (Jeff) Harrington, of Reese, MI;  daughter-in-law, Betty Crowgey of Green Bay, WI;  13 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.  Jeanette always said her family was the blessing of her long life.
 
She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Ernestine Beasley; her husband; and son, Edward Crowgey, a veteran of the Vietnam War.
 
Jeanette’s immediate family will hold a celebration of her life at a later date.
 
The family wishes to thank the staff of Tendercare of Leelanau for their loving care and support.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to a church or charity of your choice.   Condolences may be shared with Jeanette’s family below:

July 25, 2015


Terry R. Graverson
Died June 19, 2015

TRAVERSE CITY – Terry Russell Graverson, 52, of Stockton, CA and formerly of Traverse City, passed away unexpectedly in Stockton, CA.

  Terry was born on Aug. 25, 1962 in Grand Rapids, the son of Roland D. Graverson and Lili M. (Ance) London.

  Terry attended Suttons Bay and Traverse City High Schools.  He worked at Traverse City Products for many years before traveling all over mostly in Florida, Arizona, and California.  He was an avid sports fan. Terry also loved the outdoors and enjoyed fishing, camping, biking, and hunting.

 Terry is survived by his parents; his daughters, Megan and Mary Graverson; a grandson, Jack Graverson; a sister, Ronda Mosher; two brothers, Gregory (Susan) and Michael Graverson; and many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

  A memorial mass will be celebrated on Friday, July 31 at 11 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Church, Traverse City, with visitation held one hour prior.   Burial will be at Tekakwitha Cemetery, Peshawbestown.  Father Kenneth R. Stachnik will serve as celebrant.

  Memorials in Terry’s memory may be directed to the Autism Society of Michigan, 2178 Commons Parkway, Okemos, MI 48864 and/or to Goodwill Inn Shelter, 2279 S. Airport Rd. West, Traverse City, MI 49684.

  Please share memories and condolences with the Graverson family below:
 

July 20, 2015


Ann R. N. McFarlane
Died July 5, 2015
 
LELAND – Ann Rebecca Nageldinger McFarlane, a loving soul whose infectious passion for existence touched the lives of those who met her, passed away peacefully Sunday, July 5, 2015 at Munson Medical Center. She was 55.

Annie was born on January 26, 1960 in Battle Creek, MI, the daughter of James and Dorothy (Gottshall) Nageldinger.

The youngest of four children, Annie’s adventurous spirit took her to beautiful parts of the United States from Colorado to Nantucket before she ultimately settled in Northern Michigan in her early 30s. There, Annie’s natural creativity found its outlet in silversmithing. Using raw materials gathered during peaceful evening beach walks, Annie spent her life producing unique designs that were reminders of both her talent and the incomparable beauty of the area she loved so much.

When she wasn’t tinkering away into the night in her store, Annie could be found spending time with her loved ones. Always a devoted mother and friend, Annie loved to share her wonderful sense of humor and boisterous spirit with those around her.

Annie is survived by her children, Kenyon and Jamie; her mother, Dorothy; and her brother, Jim Nageldinger.

A final sale of her jewelry and celebration of her life will be held from 3-7 on July 25th, 2015 at her store, Aurora Borealis Designs, at 106 N. Lake St. in Leland, MI.

Memorials may be directed to Jamie McFarlane at P.O. Box 14, Leland, MI 49654.

Please share memories and condolences with the family below:
 

July 10, 2015


Phillip L. Proulx
Died July 8, 2015

MAPLE CITY – Phillip Leonard Proulx, 89, of Maple City, passed away Wednesday, July 8, 2015 at home with family at his side.

Phillip was born on August 9, 1925, in Detroit, the son of Albert and Noella (Trudel) Proulx.  On Oct. 21, 1944 in Florida, he married Rosemarie Zielinski, who survives.

From an early age, Phillip demonstrated a love for the natural world, an active imagination, a remarkable talent for building things, and a keen sense of adventure.  In 1943, still too young for the draft, he joined the Great Lakes Merchant Marine Service, where he served on the James Davidson, a 600-foot freighter.  Before the following sailing season, he was drafted into the United States Army and assigned to the 463rd Bomb Group in the15th Air Force.
 
Being short of stature and light of weight, Phillip was designated as a B-17 ball turret gunner.  After training at locations throughout the United States, he was stationed at Drew Field in Tampa, Florida, where he married Rosemarie Zielinski on October 21, 1944.  That December, he shipped out to Foggia, Italy.
 
While stationed there, he and his crew flew 15 bombing missions over Romania and Germany.  His service earned him a Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal, four Bronze Stars, and an Air Medal.  Returning stateside after V-E Day, he and Rosemarie were stationed at various locations in the south until he was discharged in January, 1946.

Returning to Detroit, he secured a job as a carpenter, framing houses as part of the post-war boom.  He quickly took an interest in finish carpentry, display work, and cabinetmaking, a trade he would pursue for 50 years as a Master Carpenter and Life Member of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America.  He co-founded two cabinetmaking businesses and became widely known for his beautiful carvings.  He finished his working career as a bonded locksmith at Wayne State University, retiring in 1987.

An avid hunter and fisherman, Phil could always be talked into a summertime fishing trip to Lake St. Clair or a fall weekend of hunting.  In the 1960’s, hunting trips to Leelanau County, Michigan led to a love of its forested sandy hills, beautiful lakes and streams, and the Lake Michigan shore.  It wasn’t long before he and Rosemarie made plans to retire there.

Upon retirement, they designed and built (that’s “built” – not “had built”) a beautiful home on 3-1/2 acres they had purchased some years earlier, finishing it in 1990.  They enjoyed this home, the Leelanau area, and many dear friends for the past 25 years.

After completing the house, Phil, inspired by his many walks in the surrounding woods, took an interest in designing and building an astonishing number of beautifully imaginative, one-of-a-kind canes and walking staffs. These artistic creations became his signature, and have found homes all over the world.

As remarkable as all of this is, however, it fails to capture the essence of why Phillip was so dear to so many.  His work ethic and insistence on a job properly done inspired all who were fortunate enough to work with him.  An irrepressibly social person, he could talk to anyone about anything and absolutely loved wordplay.  Despite his long work hours, this kind, generous man always gave his most valuable possession – his time – to anyone who needed his help.

Although he is in one sense gone, he is very much with us still.  He taught us to give; we honor his memory by learning from and following his example.

In addition to his loving wife of 70 years, Phillip is survived by his children, Mark Phillip (Nancy) Proulx and David Leonard (Donna) Proulx; five grandchildren, Rachel Lauren (Christian) Kern, Jeffrey David Proulx, Phillip Edward (Erica) Proulx, Monica Lynn Proulx, and Michael Anthony Proulx; one great-grandchild, Sophia Kern; and a sister, Mary Florence Basden.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Jean Guy Proulx and a sister, Jeanette Marcus.

A memorial mass will be celebrated on Monday, July 13, 2015 at 11 a.m. at St. Phillip Neri Church, Empire, with family greeting friends one hour prior.  Rev. Pablo Martinez will serve as celebrant.

Memorials may be directed to Hospice of Michigan, 10850 E. Traverse Hwy, Traverse City, MI 49686.

Please share thoughts and memories with Phillip’s family below:

July 9, 2015


John "Jack" Wallace Mighton
Died July 6, 2015
 
NORTHPORT – John “Jack” Wallace Mighton, 93, of Oro Valley, AZ., and Northport, MI., passed away July 6, 2015, at Munson Medical Center. Jack was born May 21, 1922 in Ottawa, IL., the son of Merrill Wallace Mighton and Hortense (Bassett) McFarland.
 
He was raised in St. Petersburg, FLA., and graduated from Carnegie Mellon University in 1944 with an engineering degree. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. After the war, he joined The Dow Chemical Company in Midland, MI., where he worked for 30 years. He retired to Ft. Lauderdale, FLA., traveled overseas, and spent summers in Northport.
 
Jack was a member of the Midland Kiwanis Club and the Sun City Vistoso Genealogical Society of Oro Valley. His many interests included sailing, sports cars, and woodworking. 
 
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Mary Ellen Ferriter; second wife, Janice Noyes; and a grandson, Cameron Boman. Survivors include his wife Joan Phillips Eddy, his children Carol Mighton Haddix, Susan (Richard) Amen, Nancy Boman, Patricia (Robert) Gebhart, John (Maureen) Mighton Jr., and stepdaughter Dara Noyes (Charles) Gall. Also surviving are grandchildren Leigh (Terry Franguiadakis) Haddix, Darcy (Matt) McMahon, Charles (Krissy) Boman, Traci (Eric) Tesenair, Robert (Marci Milgram) Gebhart, Drake (Megan Rule) Gebhart, and great grandchildren, Katie, Sully, Maggie, Mickey, Madison, Spencer, and Lilly.
 
Jack was a remarkable, loving and generous man. He will be missed. A family memorial is planned. In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to medical research for cancer, Parkinson's, or heart disease. Please share memories and condolences with the family below:
 

July 6, 2015



Barbara M. Schwendemann
Died June 23, 2015
SUTTONS BAY – Barbara May Schwendemann, 90, of Suttons Bay, passed away on Tuesday, June 23, 2015 at Munson Medical Center of Coronary Pulmonary Disease.
  Barbara was born on Sept. 2, 1924 in Saginaw, the daughter of Frederick and Hazel (Bennett) Brueck.  On Nov. 13, 1948 she married Donald E. Schwendemann in Saginaw Michigan, who survives.
Barbara was educated at Central Michigan University graduating with a BA in education in 1944.  She met her husband while teaching kindergarten in Saginaw Michigan through an introduction from her brother.  They married and started their life together in Ft Dodge, IA.   She raised two daughters, primarily in Northville Michigan, and was active in the Northville Presbyterian choir.
Other Michigan residences where she met lifelong friends are: Birmingham, Algonac, and Rochester Hills where she was active in Michigan Opera.  Long time vacationers to Traverse City, Barbara and Don retired full time to Suttons Bay in 2006 where they currently reside.
In addition to her husband of 67 years, Barbara is survived by her daughter, Sandra Kay Schwendemann (Denver, CO); and daughter Sheryl’s son, grandson Scott Francis Schwendemann and his wife Brittany Self Schwendemann (Queenstown, New Zealand) and their children, Makayla Sheryl and Jacob Don Schwendemann.  Barbara’s other family include nephews:   George Brueck and Barbara Brownlee (Grand Blanc, MI), Jim Brueck and wife Ruth Monahan Brueck  of (Clarkson, MI), and niece Barbara Brueck Shubel and husband Gus Shubel (Sonoma, CA).
She was preceded in death by a daughter, Sheryl Lee Schwendemann; her brother, Robert Brueck and niece Mary Beth Brueck Korody.
Visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m. until the 10:30 a.m. funeral service on Saturday, July 11 both at the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.  Burial in Suttons Bay Township Cemetery at 11:30 a.m. will follow the service.  Friends are welcome to a luncheon at the VI Grill from noon until 2:15.
Please share thoughts and memories with Barbara’s family at barbdonschw@aol.com or skschwendemann@gmail.com or post online at www.martinson.info
For out-of-state friends, contributions to a charity of your choice are welcome.  In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to in Barbara’s name:  Salvation Army, PO Box 5228, Traverse City, MI 49696-5228; Suttons Bay Congregational Church, PO Box 70, Suttons Bay, MI 49682 and/or Suttons Bay – Bingham District Library, PO 340, Suttons Bay, MI 49682.
Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.