Martha L. Roberts

Died Jan. 25, 2016

NORTHPORT – Martha L. Roberts, 75, of Northport, died Monday, Jan. 25, 2016 at her home surrounded by her loving family. 

  Martha was born August 11, 1940 in Northport, Michigan, the daughter and 10^th child of Frederick P. Baumberger and Daisy E. Nelson Baumberger.  On August23, 1958 at Northport Methodist Episcopal Church, she married Carlyle A. Roberts, Jr. who survives.

  Martha was born and raised on the family farm just north of Northport.  She graduated as valedictorian of Northport High School in 1958. She and Carl married shortly thereafter and moved first to Clio, and then Otisville, Michigan.  In 1966, they moved back to Northport with their four daughters to be closer to family, and have lived there ever since.  Good food, hospitality, and lots of laughter were always on tap at the Roberts home.

  While raising her family, Martha ran an upholstery business, then later worked at Empire National Bank, retiring in 2002 after twenty-two years.  She dedicated her time and talents to many local organizations, including Trinity Church, Northport Village Council, The Village Voices, Leelanau Township Cemetery Committee, and the Grand Traverse Lighthouse Museum.  She was instrumental in starting the Northport Area Heritage Association (NAHA).  Carl and Martha loved to travel together, having visited Alaska, Hawaii, Norway, Denmark, New England, and many other places.

  Martha had a deep interest in family heritage.  On a trip to Norway in 2007, she visited ancestral farms, including the Garthe and Blacken farms. Her extensive knowledge of family lineage was a benefit to her relatives and to the surrounding community.

  She had quite a talent for solving problems.  She would stand back, survey the situation, and then come up with a solution that was just what was needed.  Many have experienced and benefited from that gift.  And she remembered almost everyone she met.

  Martha is survived by her loving husband of 58 years, Carlyle; her daughters Gail Roberts (Timothy Webb), Colleen Roberts (Dennis Woodward), and Carla Roberts (Jim Rantala); her siblings Trudy (Robert) Lewis, and Sue (Richard) Hanson; her grandchildren Jabe Dalzell(fiancée Breann Albarado), Carl (Kalinda) Webb, John, Thomas, Daniel and Mary Webb, Catherine Daisy, Robin, and Miles Woodward; her great-grandchildren Joseph and Molly Webb; and a large extended family.

  She was preceded in death by her parents, her daughter Marcy K. Roberts, and her siblings Faye Dinsmore, Mary Firehammer, Carol Hagen, Noel Baumberger, Richard Baumberger, Phyllis Baumberger, and Walter Baumberger.

  The family will greet friends from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 29 at the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.  The funeral service will be held at 12 noon on Saturday, Jan. 30, with the family greeting friends one hour prior to the service, at the Trinity Church of the United Church of Christ in Northport.  Interment in Leelanau Township Cemetery will be announced at a later date.

  

  Memorials may be directed to Trinity Church at trinityuccnorthport.org, NAHA, PO Box 453, Northport, MI 49670 and the Grand Traverse Lighthouse Museum grandtraverselighthouse.com. 

  Please share memories and condolences with Martha's family online at www.martinson.info.

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

Dorothy T. O’Brien

Died January 17, 2016

SUTTONS BAY – Dorothy T. O’Brien, 95, of Suttons Bay, died at her home on Sunday, Jan. 17, 2016 with family at her side.

Dorothy was born on Feb. 6, 1920, at home in Suttons Bay to Bernard and Amelia “Mollie” (Weisler) Kohler.  She was the youngest of nine children.  She walked three miles every day to St. Michael’s Grade School and helped her mother with household chores.  She loved gardening and taking care of her sister, Rosie.  Dorothy’s family traveled by horse and buggy until she was in high school when her parents purchased a car.  Dorothy graduated from Suttons Bay High School and attended St. Mary’s School of Nursing in Grand Rapids for two years.  On Nov. 9, 1940, she married Julius O’Brien of Lake Leelanau at St. Michael’s Church in Suttons Bay.  After the wedding and breakfast at her parents’ home, the wedding party traveled to Traverse City in a blizzard to have pictures taken.

The following summer of 1941 Dorothy and Julius worked at the Omena Inn owned by her aunt, where they earned a total of $1000 for the entire summer.  With that money they bought O’Brien’s Tavern in Suttons Bay where they served hamburgers and beverages to their customers.  In 1942 they adopted their niece and nephew, Bonnie and Jerry, after Julius’ sister Leona passed away.  That same year, Julius enlisted and was sent to Germany to be a part of the infantry during WWII.  When Julius returned from service he became a Conservation Officer and the family moved to East Jordan, where Dorothy worked at Gulf and Western for over 20 years.  She was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, taking care of the flower garden in front of the Blessed Mother’s statue.  They both retired in 1978 and bought a home in N. Ft. Myers, FL, where they spent their winters.

Dorothy moved back to Suttons Bay in 1999 after Julius had passed away the year prior, moving to a home she owned across from St. Michael’s Church.  Dorothy was so happy to be neighbors with her nephew, Ben Kohler and his wife Sylvia.  They took care of everything.  Losing Ben in 2008 was very hard for her but she still had Sylvia who she loved like a daughter and was there whenever she needed her.  She and her friend, Dodie Mikowski, were the watering girls for all the flower gardens at St. Michael’s for a few years.  She was also a member of the Golden Dusters at St. Michael’s (the ladies who took care of the priest’s home).  Dorothy was a devout catholic and loved being a member of St. Michael’s.  In 2000 her Yorkie, Sweet Pea, came to live with her and they were constant companions.  Sweet Pea was the love of her life.

Dorothy is survived by her daughter, Bonnie (Ike) Mellema of August, MI; five grandchildren, Deb (Pat) Gallagher and Robert (Mary) Mellema of Hickory Corners, MI, Susie (Matt) Yoder and Julius (Heather) O’Brien of Mackinaw City, MI, and Julie (Jeff) Smith of Richland, MI; 17 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great grandchildren.  She will be missed by her many nieces, nephews and godchildren, especially Virginia (Don) Oleson, Marcia (William) Meade, Linda (Ken) Mork, Ted (Andrea) Kohler, Julius (Cheryl) Bunek, and Sylvia Kohler, Dianne (Diz) Dalzell, Jeanette Huddleston, Deborah (Mark) Kohler, Joan (Dan) Kohler who were her home care nieces.  Dorothy will also be missed by her cousin Dodie Mikowski, and her high school friend, Helen Wransky.  She had extended family, friends, and caregivers who loved her and were a big part of her life.

  

Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Julius O’Brien, four sisters, Mary Kohler Simon, Elizabeth Kohler Murphy, Magdalyn Kohler Hefferan, and Rosie Kohler; four brothers, Fr. Joseph Kohler, Richard Kohler, Leo Kohler, and Louis Kohler; son and daughter-in-law, Jerry and Betty O’Brien; grandson, Michael Mellema; and great-grandson Brandon Mellema.

Visitation will be held on Friday, Feb. 5 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 Saturday, Feb. 6 at 11 a.m. at St. Michael’s Church, Suttons Bay.  Fr. Leonard Paul and Fr. Jim Doherty will serve as celebrants.  Burial will be held in the spring at St. Michael’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Michael Catholic Church, PO Box 9, Suttons Bay, MI 49682 and/or to St. Mary School Endowment Fund, PO Box 340, Lake Leelanau, MI 49653.

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

Dennis R. Conley Sr.

Died January 19, 2016

SUTTONS BAY – Dennis Ray Conley Sr., 44, of Suttons Bay, passed away at his home on Tuesday, Jan. 19 after a valiant struggle with cancer.

  Dennis was born on Nov. 5, 1971 in Billings, MT, the son of Carl and Marge (Mauch) Conley.  A graduate of Traverse City Central High School, he enjoyed fixing vehicles and electronics.  Most of all Dennis was a family man and was a loving father and grandfather.  His home was always open to anyone who needed a place to go and it was always filled with family and friends.

  Dennis is survived by his parents, Carl Conley and Marge (Don) Baldwin; sister, Katera Conley; grandmother, Betty Simpson; father in law, Howard Marquette, former wife, Heather Marquette, children, Dennis, Alex, Kalynn, and Ryley Conley; grandchildren, Kaiden, Elijiah, and Evelyn Conley; life partner, Jamie Gasperini and her parents, Pete and Pam Gasperini; and numerous extended family.

  In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials may be directed to Hospice of Michigan, 10850 E. Traverse Hwy, Suite 1155, Traverse City, MI 49684.

  Please share memories and condolences with Dennis’ family below:

Robert Stringfellow “Bob” Walker IV

Died Jan. 13, 2016

NORTHPORT - Bob Walker of Northport, Michigan died peacefully surrounded by family and without pain on January 13, 2016. He had been diagnosed with lung cancer in 2011 and had undergone extensive treatment and recovery, which granted him four years of joy with his friends, family and grandchildren.  He died from complications related to pneumonia at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City. He was 74.

Bob was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts on February 1, 1941 to Robert Stringfellow Walker III and Ruby Shelledy Walker.  His brother, Stuart Carter Walker, joined the family in 1944.  Bob attended Darien High School in Connecticut and Woodberry Forest School in Virginia.  Following graduation from high school, he enlisted in the Marine Corps, where he served as an expert small arms instructor, thanks in part to his boyhood shooting with his nearly blind father and grandfather in Virginia.  

After four years in the Marine Corps, Bob was appointed to attend the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. He was honored to serve in various leadership positions, including Company Commander.  His service to his country in the Marines and Navy was a source of great pride for him throughout his life.  Following Annapolis, he graduated with a degree in engineering from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.

Bob was introduced to the love of his life, Helen Kathleen “Taffy” Terhune, by their life-long friend Margo Gillespie, when he was one of Margo's three escorts to her debutant ball.  After immediate mutual attraction, they dated for eight years. Taffy accepted his second marriage proposal, and they were married at the First Federated Church in Peoria, Illinois in 1970. They affectionately called each other “Our Darling” ever since. Taffy recalled the serious concern she had on their wedding day: the risk of running out of topics of conversation with her new husband.

Bob and Taffy were blessed with three children, Robert Stringfellow “Tad” Walker V, Christopher Carter "Chris" Walker, and Helen Heidrich “Wendy” Walker, all of whom he guided and loved dearly. He coached their soccer and lacrosse teams in elementary school and traveled to games in high school and college.  He instilled sage advice to his children when it comes to matters of the heart. He advised them to remember the five most important words of a spouse: “I agree with you, dear.”

He grew up on the golf course at Wee Burn Country Club in Darien, where he recalled evenings playing holes 3-5 with his parents and brother Stuart, while their dogs chased other birdies. He loved to play a quick nine with his kids and Taffy at Northport Point.  He played the best golf of his life just weeks before his death. He loved sailing, but after years in the Navy, he was glad to have others polish the brass.  He often went on sailing adventures with dear friends Marian and John Niles in Europe and the Caribbean, where he enjoyed the sun, the water and the exotic scenery. He loved flying with his great friend Frank Scalcucci, sometimes over Lake Michigan in a Cessna to watch the Green Bay Packers play football. His favorite delicacy was sushi, often enjoyed in the company of his brother Stuart and his wife Keiko.

Bob spent most of his professional career working in finance and management positions with International Business Machines, first in Detroit and then in New York. He loved his work, and Taffy felt IBM was his mistress. He retired from IBM after 35 years in 2002, and IBM has never recovered.

Later in life, Bob and Taffy retired to Northern Michigan where they sang and danced to their own tunes and in community theater, including productions of My Fair Lady, Oklahoma!, and The Sound Of Music.  Bob became an active member of his local church and charities. He and Taffy spent months helping to rebuild New Orleans and Mississippi after Hurricane Katrina, making over eight trips there.

Education was a top priority for Bob.  He was a life-long student and was interested in finance and history, especially World War II. It was a great source of pride for him to have provided for the education of his children and others.  Bob was a stalwart supporter of Woodberry Forest School, an enthusiasm inherited through its founding by his great grandfather and his grandfather's fifty-year service as headmaster.

He dearly loved his family: his soulmate of fifty years, his three children, his three daughters-in-law, his four grandchildren, and his Labradors, Rocky and Pebbles, whom he loved to take for walks and to give “puppy pats."

Bob was predeceased by his mother and father.  He is survived by his wife, Taffy of Northport, MI; son, Tad, and his wife Season Petering of San Francisco, CA, and their daughter, Grace; son, Chris, and his wife Laura of Berkeley Heights, NJ, and their children Elisabeth, Carter and William; daughter, Wendy, and her wife Elizabeth Ghilardi of Saratoga Springs, NY; and Bob's brother Stuart Walker and his wife Keiko Shingai of Sapporo, Japan.

Bob was grateful for the excellent doctors and nurses of Munson Medical Center and the greater Traverse City area, who cared for him in life, eased his transition to death, and counseled and comforted his family in their time of need.

Lovingly written by his children. Semper Fi!

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Trinity Church UCC, PO Box 156, Northport, MI, 49670 or Room to Read (.org). 

A service at the Atwill Memorial Chapel of Northport Point will be in May or June.

Condolences may be shared with the Walker family at www.martinson.info. 

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

Thomas M. Pare’

Died Jan. 6, 2016

SUTTONS BAY – Thomas Maxime Paré, a longtime Leelanau County resident, passed away at the age of 82 while under home hospice care in Suttons Bay.  A lifelong traveler and raconteur, Tom lived life to the fullest.

  Tom was born on Sep. 8, 1933 in his bootlegger grandfather’s blind pig in Windsor, Ontario.  He moved with his parents and four brothers to Warren, MI in 1950.  After graduating high school, Tom joined the U.S. Army and volunteered to fight in the Korean War where he became a Master Sergeant at the age of 19.

  Returning home, Tom married Marianne Saari with whom he had 3 children: Michele Victoria, Thomas Michael, and David Arthur.  He also began working for the City of Warren, eventually retiring as Deputy Assessor.  He made sure his children loved to travel, through driving vacations to 41 states.

  Tom found a new way to live when he found sobriety.  He was a proud member of Alcoholics Anonymous for 38 years, grateful to his sponsors and supportive friends, and glad to be a tough sponsor for many other folks who sought support.

  Prior to retiring and moving to Leelanau County, Tom married Diane Dobiesz-Kostanecki on Sep. 14, 1983.  Together they enjoyed all the pleasures of Up North life and, in other years, Florida life. They enjoyed hosting family and friends at the "Swiss Inn" just south of Leland, and he was famous for his elaborate Christmas displays and portraying Santa.  He had an active "retirement," operating his landscape business as well as working for others who needed help. He was loved by many in Leelanau, and wherever his life adventures took him.

  Tom also enrolled in college at age 62, while living in Florida, making his family proud by earning an Associate Degree in Journalism, which he put to good use.  He was very proud to have achieved a 4.0 grade point average, entitling him to be inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa Society.  A lifelong reader and book collector, Tom became a journalist, memoirist, and creative writer.  He was thrilled to have his remembrance added to a book on Windsor bootleggers.

  He leaves behind his beloved wife Diane, brothers Wayne, Brian (Andrea), and Gregg (Barbara); daughter Michele (Richard) Donaldson, son Tom (Ellen) Pare’, and son David (Jeanne) Pare’.  He was a loving grandfather to twelve, and great-grandfather to a small but growing brood.  He also leaves behind thousands of friends whom he helped in many ways.

  Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Olive, his dear brother Brad, his ex-wife Marianne, his godson Todd Michael Paré, and his longtime friends Cpl. Dominic Amato, John Brothers, and Michael Saari.

  You may have known him as Tom, Tommy, Cool Breeze, Tombo, Preacher, Uncle, Grandpa, Prince, or Dad.  No matter your relationship, remember Thomas Maxime Pare’ by helping someone in need and by preserving your own family story through sharing it.  “If a story is in you, it has to come out,” said one of his favorite authors.  And Tom had a lot of stories.

  A celebration for Tom will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 21, 2016 at the Leland Community United Methodist Church.  The family will greet friends one hour prior to the service. Reverend Daniel Hofmann will officiate.

  Condolences may be shared with Tom’s family at www.martinson.info.

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

Barbara F. Reinert

Died Jan. 2, 2016

NORTHPORT – Northport resident Barbara Smiley Funk Reinert-- wife, mother, grandmother, beloved aunt, cousin, friend, world traveler, political activist, defender of women's rights, bridge player extraordinaire -- has left us, and we are poorer for her absence.  Born on July 24th, 1923, she was 92 at the time of her death on January 2nd, 2016. 

  Faced with serious medical obstacles to her continued quality of life, Barbara chose to end her life peacefully in Munson Hospital with Hospice care.  During her final days she was surrounded by family and friends.

  Barbara leaves behind her husband of 70 years, Raymond Edward (Ed) Reinert of Northport, three loving children--Diane Isis Reinert of San Luis Obispo, CA, David Edward Reinert of Corvallis, OR and Sara Lee Reinert and grandson Samuel Thomas Reinert of Homer, AK, sister-in-law Marjorie Reinert Bohl, Columbus, OH, in addition to her loving nieces and nephews and all their far-flung kith and kin, and many, many friends and well-wishers.

  Known for her wit, charm, sharp mind and eloquence, Barbara was an active supporter of many causes over the arc of her multifaceted life.  At her death she was an active member of the League of Women Voters, first joining that organization in 1951 when she lived in Topeka, Kansas.  She later held the office of President of the St. Cloud, Minnesota Chapter.  She was a supporter/member of the Leelanau Conservancy, the Kachemak Bay Heritage Land Trust, the Friends of the Northport Library, the Women's Club of Northport, the Northport Energy Committee, and the Saint Barbara Society.

  Born in Columbus, Ohio, she graduated from Ohio State University, and it was there that she met her future husband, Ed, who was attending Ohio State Medical School.   They married on January 18, 1946.  Barbara moved to Topeka with Ed in 1950 while he completed his psychiatric training at the Menninger Foundation, then started his psychiatric career with the Veteran's Administration there.  During the 20 years they lived in Topeka, in addition to her involvement with the League of Women Voters, Barbara was a lobbyist for both Planned Parenthood and the Police Union, was an active member of the Mulvane Art Center Board of Washburn University, and developed her own artistic talents--all while raising her three children.

  When Ed was appointed Director of the VA Hospital in St. Cloud, Minnesota in 1970, Barbara began a new chapter in her life, adding gardening, canoeing and skiing to her repertoire of interests, and acquiring another degree in higher education, this one in city planning.

  Barbara's connections to the Northport area were deep and long-lived.  As a teenager in the 1930's she taught swimming lessons at the Northport Point Recreation Center, working alongside her brother Lee William Funk Jr. Her sister, Marilla Sweet, and family, spent summers in Northport starting in1935, and Barbara, Ed, their children, cousins, nephews, nieces, all spent many summers in the waters of Traverse Bay as they were growing up.  When it was time for Ed to retire, he and Barbara chose Northport as their residence.

  Her travels around the globe were as varied as her life interests.  One trip took Barbara and Ed behind the Iron Curtain to then Czechoslovakia to hunt mushrooms, another found them in Chile on a wine-tasting tour.  Barbara was among the first Americans to be allowed into Cuba on an education visa over 20 years ago.  Beer festivals in Europe, drinking sherry in Spain, theater in London, walking the Burren in Ireland, scuba diving in Grand Cayman, and exploring the fjords of Norway are a few other experiences of note.

  

  An additional gift of Barbara was an eloquent, empathetic and meaningful way with words.  She was able to provide solace, comfort and advice to those who needed or wanted it--those who have been the recipients of her solicitude and care have always remembered her careful and deep touch. She was the essence of kindness and care.

  There will be no funeral service, and the Memorial Service and Celebration of Life will take place in the summer.  The time and place will be announced when those plans have been made.

  For those so inclined, Barbara wishes any donations to be made to any of the following organizations; The League of Women Voters of Leelanau County, The Leelanau Conservancy, the ACLU, Hospice, Planned Parenthood, the Trinity Church in Northport.

  Condolences may be shared with Barbara’s family on the Martinson Funeral Home Facebook page or below:

Helen L. Egeler

Died December 29, 2015

LAKE LEELANAU – Helen Louise Egeler, 77, of Lake Leelanau, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2015 at Munson Medical Center.

  Helen was born on March 6, 1938 in Mesick, the daughter of Theodore and Tressa (Buckley) Neddo.  On Dec. 24, 1957 in Traverse City, she married Eugene R. Egeler who preceded her in death on Oct. 21, 1992.

  Family has always been important to Helen.  Her Aunt Ethie Ream was one of favorite people.  She loved to sit and visit with her. 

  Helen was called Gram by her beloved grandkids.  She loved them with a passion and loved to spend time with them playing games.  She was a master of Aggravation, Yahtzee, and many different card games.  Farkle was her latest favorite.  Helen was thrilled when the great-grandkids started coming.  She enjoyed the laughter and the chaos that came with them.

  Helen was a bowler for many years in Traverse City.  She made many friends and enjoyed the social aspect of the sport.

  She worked at the paper company in Suttons Bay for many years.  In the 1970's she was on the forefront of an emerging movement of women business owners as one of two women who opened and operated Bay Draperies, a custom slipcover and drapery shop.  She was a perfectionist with every stitch and her work was beautiful.  As the wife of a cherry farmer she also could drive a shaker and truck.  She worked the cherry orchard for many years alongside of many friends and family members.

  Helen was a generous soul and loved to share her skills with her family.  Homemade oversized pillows were a favorite gift along with a ceramic Christmas tree that she made sure each of her grandkids had made her with love.  She never had riches but would send a check to friend in need whenever she could.

  Helen is survived by her daughter, Tammy (Dennis) Fewins; son, Michael (Jeanette) Egeler; grandchildren, Ryan (Larry) Fewins-Bliss, Adam (Andi) Fewins, Bradley (Kelsi) Fewins, Jacob Egeler, and Shannon(Aaron) Berg; great-grandchildren, Harmony, Carter, and Celia Fewins-Bliss, Evan Berg, Kylee Berg, Noah Berg and Jaxson Berg; brothers, Ted Neddo, Ron (Kathy) Neddo, and Gary (Martha) Neddo.

  In addition to her husband, Helen was preceded in death by her brother, John Neddo; and sisters, Caroline Hoseit and Mary Rose Stevens.

  A memorial service will be held on Thursday, Jan. 7 at 12 noon with the family greeting friends one hour prior at the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.  The Rev. Joshua LaFeve will officiate.  Burial at East Leland Cemetery will be held at a later date.

  Memorial donations may be directed to Leland Twp. Fire & Rescue, 201 Grand Ave., Leland, MI 49654; Suttons Bay/Bingham Twp. Fire & Rescue, PO Box 280, Suttons Bay, MI 49682; and/or Tendercare of Leelanau, Resident Activities Fund, 124 West Fourth St., Suttons Bay, MI 49682.

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