Marilyn J. Wilson

Died August 25, 2015

LAKE LEELANAU – Marilyn Jean Wilson, 76, of Lake Leelanau passed away Tuesday, August 25, 2015 at Effie’s Assisted Living of Leland with her loving family beside her.

  Marilyn was born Oct. 1, 1938 in Dayton, OH, the daughter of Chester and Dorothy (Chivite) Moyer.  On March 21, 1964 she married her loving husband of fifty one years, Donald Wilson, who survives.

  Marilyn led a rewarding and happy life. She was an accomplished registered nurse for over 25 years and owner of Lake Leelanau RV Park since 1976. She managed her home, family and business with grace, dedication and endless love. She was a devoted wife, a wonderful mom and a loving grandmother. Her favorite times were spent gathered with her family and rocking her grandchildren on her lap.

  She was generous of her time and talents to all who asked anything of her. She had a soft heart for those less fortunate and always had a kind word, smile or gesture. She loved to read, play cards and watch mysteries. Marilyn was a deeply religious and spiritual woman who loved God and attended church regularly. She was a Christian and loved her family and friends unconditionally.

  She had a beautiful soprano voice in her younger years and sang many solos in church choirs.  Her wonderful voice changed to alto in recent years and her happiest times were singing along with the piano or music at Effie’s and listening to classical music and hymns.  Marilyn played the organ and piano with talent and was a member of the American Guild of Organists.

  She was also a member of the American Coach Association and loved traveling with Don in their motorhome across the country. Above all, Marilyn was a woman who loved her family and will be greatly missed by all who knew and treasured her.

  Marilyn is survived by her husband, Donald, son, Timothy (Donna) Wilson, daughter, Cheryl ( Tom) Grzebienik, son Jeffrey (Jennifer) Rhodes, eleven grandchildren; Amanda, Jordan, Elaine, Victoria, David, Adeline, Benjamin, Ethan, Lilly, Collin and Evelyn.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Lawrence.

   The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 29 at the First Congregational Church of Traverse City with the family greeting friends one hour prior to the service.  The Rev. Dr. Gary Hogue will officiate.

  Memorials may be directed to First Congregational Church, c/o Building Fund, 6105 Center Road, Traverse City, MI 49686.

  Please share condolences with Marilyn’s family online at www.martinson.info. 

  Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Leelanau.



Robert L. Saffell
Died August 17, 2015

Robert L. Saffell, 85, of Leland, died peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones, on Monday, August 17, 2015.

He was born in Bloomington, Indiana on March 9, 1930; the son of Herbert and Lillian (Smallwood) Saffell.  He was preceded in death by his brother, Bill Saffell.  He is survived by his wife of 64 years Joanne Olson Saffell, and their children and grandchildren.

Bob attended Birmingham High School, where he met Joanne and established many lifelong friendships that continue to this day.  He went on to attend Miami of Ohio University, followed by service in the U.S. Army, during the Korean war.  Bob and Joanne married in 1951 and started a family that would grow to include 8 children (Cynie, Susan, Steve, Jim, Annie, Peggy, John and Jane).  Those children would give him 17 adored grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild.  To them, he was affectionately known as Bumpa. 

He enjoyed a long and successful career in the advertising business and worked for many prestigious firms, including J Walter Thompson and Doyle Dane Bernbach.  His specialty was automotive accounts and he was known as one of the best “car guys” in the industry.  He was loved and respected by everyone that worked with him.  Those friends/colleagues remember him for always bringing humor, integrity, hard work and a keen mind to the job.

Bob and Joanne left Birmingham in 1971 and eventually landed in Los Angeles, where they lived for roughly 25 years, and raised their younger children.  But they never lost their love for Leland.  So, when it came time to retire, they settled “up north”.  In Leland his favorite days were spent playing golf or tennis, enjoying time with his wife and children, their spouses, the grandchildren, and many of their old friends from high school and college. 

Bob lived a long, full, and incredibly good life.   He leaves behind a family and a community that will remember with great fondness: his uncanny ability to charm everyone he met, his hilarious sense of humor and storytelling skills, his kindness and integrity, his interest in politics and fairness for all people, and especially his devotion to his family and friends. 

He was loved.  He will be missed.

No services are planned at this time.

Memorials may be directed to Habitat for Humanity, www.habitat.org.

Please share memories and condolences with the Saffell family below:

David L. Trezise

Died August 21, 2015

CEDAR – David Lewis Trezise, 88, of Cedar, passed away on Friday, August 21 at Boardman Lake Glens, Traverse City. 

David (Dave) was born on October 17, 1926, in Wakefield, Michigan to Harry L. and Eva (Lofberg) Trezise.  He is a 1944 graduate of Wakefield High School.  Immediately following graduation he followed his three older brothers into the nation's service and joined the US Navy serving in both WWII and subsequently Korea as a Communications Officer.  He was discharged in 1952 at the rank of Lieutenant.  David earned his B.S. degree at Miami University (Ohio) and J.D. at the University of Michigan Law School. 

David married the love of his life, Phoebe Jane Good, on June 16, 1950 and together shared the next 63 years devoted to each other.  They raised five children together and enjoyed traveling the world in their later years. 

David was a nationally recognized expert on Labor Law and Labor Relations with a demeanor and fairness that made him popular with both labor and management.  His career included serving with the National Labor Relations Board, a Partner in Private Practice, Chief Labor Council and Vice President of Westinghouse Electric.  He was a member of the Michigan, Tennessee, American and Federal Bar Associations.

David is survived by his five children, Elizabeth Eve Deakins, Martha Ann (Shawn) Tobin, Charles William (Linda) Trezise, Kathryn Mary Wehunt and David Douglas (Lynn) Trezise; 15 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 63 years, Phoebe; his brothers, Peter Trezise, William Trezise, R. Douglas Trezise; and his sister, Jane Trezise.

The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, August 25, at 2 p.m., with visitation one hour prior, at the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.  Interment will be at Lakeside Cemetery in Wakefield.

David was generous and tenderhearted, he felt an obligation to share his many blessings in support of over 50 different charities.  In remembrance of David it is requested that memorial contributions be directed to a charity of one's choice.

Please share memories and condolences with the Trezise family below:

 

Pauline A. Schaub

Died August 8, 2015

 

SUTTONS BAY - Pauline Ann Schaub, 79, of Suttons Bay, passed away at her home Saturday, August 8, 2015.  Pauline Rattray was born May 23, 1936 in Kalkaska County, the youngest child of 13 to Milo and Angie (Peck) Rattray.

 

As a young woman Pauline worked on the Old Mission Peninsula for Dr. Donald Pike.  At that time she met her future husband, Theodore Schaub, and in 1954 they married and started cherry farming in Suttons Bay where they raised four children. 

 

When she was younger, she enjoyed singing and was proud of the time she sang on a local radio station.  Pauline worked keeping the books on the farm and in later years enjoyed her leisure time at the casino and going to country music concerts. 

 

Pauline is survived by her two sons, Ed (Kama Ross) and Carl; a daughter, Kathleen;  seven grandchildren,  Jason Natte, Lance Natte, Alden Schaub, Warren Schaub, Gary Schaub, Maggie Stusick, and Michelle Stusick;  three great-grandchildren, Jason Natte Jr., Andrew Natte, and Hudson Copple; three sisters, Leone Brown of Cheboygan, Doris Hughey of Mancelona, Beatrice Follett of Traverse City; numerous nieces and nephews, brothers and sisters-in-law on her late husband's side; and close friend and neighbor, Caroline Adams.

 

Pauline was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Theodore, in 2012; her youngest daughter, Nancy Stusick, in 1993; Nancy's husband, William Stusick, in 1999; and Pauline's infant son, Joseph, in 1968; three brothers, Alfred, Willard and Harold Rattray; six sisters, Elizabeth Rattray, Louise Thornburg, Gladys Steltzner, Thelma Brown, Erma Moyer, and Helen Gibbard.

 

Private family services have been held.  Mass intentions may be directed to Saint Michael's Church, PO Box 9, Suttons Bay, MI 49682.

 

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

 

Doris E. Sterrett

1928 ~ 2015

SUTTONS BAY - Doris Elizabeth Sterrett, 86, of Suttons Bay, passed away Wednesday, July 22, 2015 at Tendercare of Leelanau.

  Doris was born on December 5, 1928 in Dayton, OH, the beloved daughter of Leroy and Dora (Smith) McKirby.  She is a graduate of the class of 1946 from Wilbur Wright High School in Dayton.  She played French horn in the orchestra and marching band.  She also played accordion and was a great entertainer in several musical groups as well as happily playing for family and friends much to their enjoyment.

  On July 3, 1948 in Dayton, she married David W. Sterrett, who survives.

  Along with finding great joy being a loving Mom, homemaker, and impeccable host, Doris also worked outside her home as a teacher’s aide in Fayette County Schools in Ohio and later at Leland School.  She also worked at the MDNR.

  David and Doris, along with their youngest two children, moved to their beloved Leelanau County, MI, in 1973.  Doris often recalled her time on Lake Leelanau as being her most enjoyable time in her life.  Doris was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother who loved being surrounded by family and friends.  She took great pride and delight in her children and grandchildren.  She was actively involved in her church, Leland United Methodist.

  In addition to her husband of 67 years, Doris is survived by her children, Doug (Merrily) Sterrett of Gaylord, Donna (Paul) Bales of Beavercreek, OH, Dale (Sharon) Sterrett of Williamsburg, and Diana (Dennis) Hedden of Pensacola, FL; twelve grandchildren; seventeen great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

  She was preceded in death by her parents; and sisters, Mary Bailey and Hazel Hoover.

  A memorial service will be held on Sept. 12, 2015 at Presbyterian Church of Traverse City at 11 a.m. with family greeting friends one hour prior.

  Memorials may be directed to Special Olympics of MI, 12337 Bluff Road, Traverse City, MI 49686.

  Please share condolences and memories with the Doris’ family online at www.martinson.info.

  Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Leelanau.



Wilda M. Lee

Died August 1, 2015

NORTHPORT – Wilda M. Lee, 88, of Northport, died peacefully in her sleep at Tendercare of Leelanau on Saturday, August 1, 2015.

  Wilda was born Sept. 27, 1926 in Northport to the late Henry and Lydia (Tooley) Ranger.  On March 13, 1944, she married her high school sweetheart, Lars R. Lee, who preceded her in death in 2010.

  Wilda and Lars were happily married for 66 years, ran the family farm in Northport where they raised their eight children.  She was a home-maker, cooked delicious meals at home and professionally, always raised a large garden and canned hundreds of jars of fruits and vegetables every summer. Her goal was to put up enough food for ten people for one year.   Nothing made her happier than family and friends stopping in for coffee and sweets from her kitchen.

  Wilda was actively involved in the Bethany Lutheran Church, as well as being employed as a cook at Leelanau Memorial Hospital and Shady Trails Camp in Northport.  She enjoyed her work at the Omena House (Lutheran AFC), serving as cook and caregiver for the residents for several years.

  She was also preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Hildegard (Ranger) Hennrick; her brother, Lewis Ranger; and her son, Richard Carl Lee.

  She is survived by her brother; George Ranger of Belding, MI; and seven of her eight children, Gerald of Northport, Madelon of Lake Leelanau, Mary (Bill) Crowgey of Northport, Katharine (Ron) Brakel of Interlochen, Karen (Keith) Steele of Gilbert, AZ, David (Mary Claire) of Escanaba and Douglas (Jennifer) Lee of Kingsley; and her daughter-in-law, Debra Lee of Detroit.

  Wilda is also survived by and very proud of her 24 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren who filled her life with much happiness and joy.

  Visitation will be held one hour prior to the 11:00 a.m. funeral service on Monday, August 10, at the Bethany Lutheran Church of Northport.  Burial will follow at the Leelanau Township Cemetery.  Rev. Kent Lee will officiate.

  Memorials may be directed to the Bethany Lutheran Church, PO Box 567, Northport, MI 49670.

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

  Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Leelanau.

 

Ardith “Dodie” Harris

Died August 1, 2015

PESHAWBESTOWN – Ardith “Dodie” Elaine Harris, 67, of Peshawbestown, passed away Saturday, Aug. 1, 2015 at Tendercare of Leelanau.

  Dodie was born on Nov. 3, 1947 in Traverse City, the daughter of Edward William and Lucille Cecelia (Peshaba) Harris.  She graduated from the Allied Business College in Chicago in the ‘70’s and worked at the Leelanau Co. Court House and Soc. Security office in Traverse City.  Dodie was an employee of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians from 1980 to 2004.  Dodie served as President of Leelanau Indians Inc., a precursor of federal recognition of the Grand Traverse Band.  She was the first Tribal Chairman and the only woman to hold that position to date.  In 1980 Dodie began work with the GTB as the Tribal Planner. 

 

  In 1983 she was the Housing Coordinator and Health & Safety Division manager.  May 1984 Director of Community Development; Sept. 1984 Director Housing Dept.; 1986 Chairman of Tribe’s Housing Authority; Jan 1986 Food Distribution Program Director; Oct. 1986 Community Fire Protection; Oct. 1987 H.I.P.; April 1988 Wildlife & Parks; May 1989 HUD Rehab; July 1990 Director of Grants and Contracts; Jan. 1991 Parks & Wildlife Program Director; Dec. 1991 Purchasing Manager; Sept. 1992 Self Governance Director; Aug. 1993 Housing Coordinator; Oct. 1994 Housing Director; Aug. 1996 Division Manager (Housing); Oct. 1997 Planning & Development; April 1998 Planning & Development Dept. Mgr.; she was elected to the Tribal Council of GTB May 2000.  Truly her tenure was invaluable in the growth of the Tribe and she served wherever her talents were needed.  Dodie always said, “I was working for the people.”

  Dodie cared about everybody and was there to help anyone in need.  She had a great sense of humor and loved animals, especially dogs.  Dodie had a fantastic memory and was a keeper of Tribal History.

  Dodie is survived by her special “daughter”, Yolanda Chippewa; brother, Fred (Carolyn) Harris; and sister, Geneva M. Pino; and many nieces and nephews.

  She was preceded in death by her parents; aunt and uncle, Russell and Ruby Thomas; brother, Donald Harris; half-brother, Arthur Baldwin; and sister, Catherine Yannott-Baldwin.

  Private services will be held. 

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

  Please share memories and condolences with Dodie’s family online at www.martinson.info.

  Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Leelanau.