Linda K. McGrath

Died Dec. 23, 2015

PESHAWBESTOWN – Linda K. McGrath, 66, of Peshawbestown died Dec. 23 at her home surrounded by her loving family.

   Linda was born Jan. 23, 1949 in Rosman, North Carolina the daughter of Edwin and Louella (Galloway) Staton.  In 1990 in Pickens, Sorth Carolina she married Charles J. McGrath who survives.

  Linda loved everybody and made folks feel comfortable.  She was a lady from the south and was an excellent southern style cook.  The family loved her fried chicken, corn bread, pinto beans, soups, cakes and cobblers.  Linda liked to karaoke and sing her favorite Righteous Brothers songs.  She was a lady who loved her family and being with friends.

  Linda is survived by her husband, Charles; a daughter Melonie Baker, two sons, Stephen and Richard McGrath; her siblings, Marvella Mungero, Eugene (Lillian) Staton, Cecil (Winky) Staton, Sandra (Larry) Hamilton and three grandsons, Dalton Moore, Daniel Burrell, David Burrell.

  She was preceded in death by her siblings, Harold Staton and Charlotte Sheldon.

  Services will be held at 12 noon on Thursday, Dec. 31 with the family greeting friends one hour prior to the service at the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.

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Anne B. Kalchik

Died Dec. 18, 2015

Anne B. Kalchik, 89, of Northport, passed away Friday, Dec. 18, at Tendercare in Suttons Bay.

Born January 2, 1926, Anne was the first of Wencil and Emma (Houdek) Sedlacek’s five children. Raised in East Leland on the family farm, a strong work ethic was instilled in Anne from a young age.

Anne graduated from Leland Rural Agricultural School in 1944. Possessing an independent spirit, she moved to Grand Rapids to attend cosmetology school. At this time, she also worked as a nanny, honing her multitude of household skills. After becoming licensed in cosmetology in 1946, she began working in a salon in Traverse City. Although she stopped practicing after a few years, her expertise in the field was always evident in her own perfectly curled and set hair.

Anne married Edward Kalchik in 1948 and the two remained inseparable until his death in February of this year. Theirs was a true and lasting love, something that many aspire to but few find with such certainty and depth. Together, they had three children, Barbara, Mark, and Patricia.

In 1963, the family moved to a farm on Jelinek Road. Living here, she often wore a shirt emblazoned with the saying: “This ain’t no ordinary farm wife you’re dealing with.” This phrase fit her well. She raised dozens of chickens, collecting and selling the eggs. Tending to her raspberry plants was another pastime. Eggs and berries were cleaned and examined precisely and individually, the result being items that she was proud to sell or give to an appreciative family. She prided herself on her tractor-driving abilities. To see a petite, white-haired woman whip a tractor around tight turns was quite a sight. No matter the farm task, if it required another person, Anne filled the role competently.

She found happiness in growing lush colorful flowerbeds, full of gladiolas, as well as African Violets and Christmas Cacti raised indoors. Growing her vegetable garden from seed each year, she tended to the plants with the same care and gentleness that she gave to her children and grandchildren. Vegetables and fruits from the garden were used to keep her family almost entirely self-sufficient. Anne’s talent in the kitchen helped her to find a use for all of the foods that she grew; whether fresh, canned, or frozen, nothing went to waste. Her swiss steaks and raspberry pies were incredible, as was her ability to create birthday cakes in any size, design, or flavor.

Anne and Ed would frequent the Cherry County Playhouse, an eagerly-anticipated break from outdoor farm work. Anne also found enjoyment in sewing and embroidery, where her patience and thoroughness were obvious in every evenly-spaced stitch. A full-blooded Czechoslovakian, Anne could speak Czech, and would often playfully speak it with Edward. 

A very active member of St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, she put much time and energy into supporting it. She also collected for the American Cancer Society for over 10 years.

For decades, her day ended at 11:00pm and resumed at 5:00am seven days a week, year-round. Anne was always moving, working, and ready for what came next. The onset of dementia proved to be the only thing that could slow her down. The disease took many things from Anne, but flashes of her younger self were regularly visible. Her strength in the face of the disease, a well-timed wink or giggle, or a loudly proclaimed, “jeepers creepers!” all demonstrated that Anne was still present, albeit in a different capacity.

Anne is survived by daughter Barbara (Bradley) Price; son Mark; daughter, Patricia Grimmer; brother, Anthony (Fay) Sedlacek; sister-in-law, Vonda Sedlacek; grandchildren, Lindsay (Dan) Sapp, Ajax and Rory Price, Savannah and Annalise Grimmer; great-granddaughter, Marni Sapp; and many in-laws, nieces, nephews.

Anne was preceded in death by her parents, Wencil and Emma; her husband, Edward; sister and brother-in-law, Elizabeth (Al) Winowiecki; brother and sister-in-law, Wencil (Mazie) Sedlacek; brother, Charles Sedlacek; and son-in-law, Dale Grimmer.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 29 from 5 to 8 p.m. with the Rosary to be prayed at 7 p.m. at the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.  The funeral mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, Dec. 30 at 11 a.m. at St. Wenceslaus Church, Gills Pier, with a visitation held one hour prior.  Burial will follow at St. Wenceslaus Cemetery.  Father Anthony Cureton will serve as celebrant.

The family thanks the staff at Tendercare in Suttons Bay, as well as Cathy and Bonnie Smith, for their compassionate care for Anne. Endless thanks to those who visited Anne during her illness, and for those who have given prayers, thoughts, and support during this time. Thank you to Martinson Funeral Home for their guidance and organization.

In lieu of flowers, please consider directing donations to the Shriners 1-800-491-1979 or the Alzheimer’s Association at 1-800-272-3900, or any organization of your choice.

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Fay L. Gradowski
Died Dec. 17, 2015

SUTTONS BAY - Fay L. Gradowski, 78, of DuBois, PA, formerly of Suttons Bay and Cadillac, died on December 17, 2015.
 
Fay was born on January 29, 1937 in Flint, the daughter of Vern and Ardith Larson. On December 16, 1968, she married Virgil F. Gradowski, who preceded her in death on August 23, 1994.
 
Fay and Virgil moved to Leelanau County to fulfill a desire for open spaces and a hobby farm. It was here they raised kids, animals and a bountiful garden. After many years in Leelanau, Fay and Virgil took residence in the centennial Larson farm in Cherry Grove Twp. Fay devoted many years to improving the property. She enjoyed landscaping with rocks and plants. She took great pride keeping the farm in the family.
Fay worked at the Wexford Public Library for many years and enjoyed both patrons and co-workers.
 
At age 50, Fay took up distance running. She found great joy in this new pursuit. Later in life, she turned to long bike rides and walks with her beloved Golden Retriever, Jefferson.
Fay had many interests and talents that included sewing, weaving baskets, constructing Shaker boxes and refinishing and reupholstering furniture.
She will be remembered for her scratch-made angel food cake, scones and fabulous cheesecake.
 
She loved beautiful things: flowers, fabric and furnishings. She was particularly fond of her carefully curated collection of primitive antiques. She liked to read and follow politics.
She took great delight in her grandchildren, whether visiting museums with Jonathan in Grand Rapids or making pancakes and walking the beach with Addison and Ethan in DuBois.
 
Fay is survived by daughters, Lee Anne (Ron) Lawler of Beulah; Jennifer (Chad) Bufka of Northport; son, Dr. Joel (Cynthia) Gradowski of DuBois, PA; grandsons, Jonathan Lewandowski of Tamarac, FL; and Ethan Gradowski and granddaughter, Addison Gradowski of DuBois, PA.
 
A private graveside service will be held at the Larson Family Cemetery.
Memorials may be directed to Cherry Grove Church of the Nazarene, 8450 S. 29 Rd., Cadillac, MI or The UPMC Cancer Center Melanoma Program, Attn: Megan Boehm, UPMC Forbes Tower Suite 8084, Pittsburgh, PA 15213.
 
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George P. Brach

Died Dec. 11, 2015

SUTTONS BAY – George Paul Brach, 81, of Suttons Bay, passed away Friday, Dec. 11, 2015 at Tendercare of Leelanau with family at his side.

George was born on Oct. 8, 1934, in Wellston, Michigan, the son of Paul and Yara (Sekanina) Brach.  On June 20, 1959 in Suttons Bay, he married Ruby Lee, who survives.

Born at the height of Great Depression and growing up during World War II, George was nothing if not resourceful.  He learned how to farm, hunt, and fish at an early age and helped his family eke out a living at a challenging time.  George had a way with animals, especially dogs (black labs being his favorite), but his pet crows and his pet deer, Bucket, are the stuff of family legend.  He instilled a deep love and respect for nature in his children and this is part of his enduring legacy.

After serving two years in the U.S. Army, George attended college briefly before continuing on to learn electronics and television repair at Potter Distributing in Grand Rapids.  He met his beloved and future wife, Ruby, while working for her father, Donovan Lee, in the 1950s.  George and Ruby’s devotion and dedication to one another was profound, beautiful, and lifelong.  With this love made manifest, they raised four children while running their business, Brach’s TV and Antenna Sales and Service, for over four decades.  George retired in 2002.

George was an avid outdoorsman and loved hunting, canoeing, fishing, mushrooming, and golfing. He spent most deer seasons on Beaver Island where he had a knack for trekking into some of the most difficult, swampy terrain.  He was fond of long road trips and would often take unexpected turns that led to adventures and misadventures of their own.  “Not to worry,” became an anxiety-producing phrase for all members of his family during these trips.

Possessing a strong commitment to his community, George led an active civic life.  He was a vital member the Rotary Club of Suttons Bay for many years and received the Paul Harris Fellowship from Rotary International.  He served as the president of the Suttons Bay school board and was a longtime member of the Suttons Bay Chamber of Commerce.  He touched many lives and was always willing to lend help to those in need.

The last twelve years of George’s life were shaped by his struggle with Parkinson’s Disease, a malady that slowly took away his ability to walk, feed himself, and talk.  It was devastating to watch the disease’s progression in a man who had always embodied unrelenting strength and vigor. Unbowed, George and Ruby worked as a team and met the disease with dignity and grace that were inspirational and touching.  If there is any blessing in George’s passing, it’s that he is finally free of that terrible disease.

In addition to his loving wife of 56 years, George is survived by his children, Suzanne (Cole) Shoemaker, Lynne (Michael Jarvis) Brach, Paul Brach, George “Rusty” (Kevin Sharp) Brach II; grandchildren, Eric, Gina, and Alex Shoemaker, Forest and Morgan Jarvis, and Erin Brach.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Mary Ann; and brothers, Louis Brach, Henry Dorner, and Fred Dorner.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 9, 2016, at 3:30pm at the Suttons Bay Congregational Church, 218 W Madison St, Suttons Bay, MI 49682.  The Rev. Dr. Robin Carden will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to the Leelanau Conservancy, P.O. Box 1006, Leland, MI 49654; Tendercare of Leelanau Activities Fund, 124 W. Fourth St., Suttons Bay, MI 49682; or Leelanau Christian Neighbors’ “Blessings in a Backpack” program, 310 S. Elm St, Suttons Bay, MI 49682.

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