Jack R. Fairfield, Died Jan. 16, 2018

Jack R. Fairfield

Died Jan. 16, 2018

SUTTON BAY – Jack Robert Fairfield, 93, of Suttons Bay and formerly of Roseville, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2018 at Tendercare of Leelanau.

Jack was born Feb. 27, 1924 in Kokomo, IN the son of Dewey and Mary Elizabeth (Hughes) Fairfield.  On Nov. 22, 1945 at the Sacred Heart Church of Roseville he married Catherine (Ringler) Fairfield, who survives.

Jack lived a full and happy life.  He was married to his beautiful wife Catherine for 72 years.  Jack served as a Machinist Mate in the U.S. Navy on the USS Ranger during World War II.  After his service he worked for the Roseville Police Department for 27 years and retired in 1979.

Jack was a permanent resident of Suttons Bay for the last 30 years, spending his winters in Florida.  Jack was an accomplished woodworker, builder, and teller of tales.  Always ready with a story or a joke, Jack brought happiness and laughter to all that met him.

Jack is survived by his wife Catherine; his four children Christine (Charles) Ginnard, Robert (Rebecca) Fairfield, Cynthia (Edwin) Reese, and Richard (Leslie) Fairfield; a sister, Patricia Garlock; nine grandchildren, and sixteen great-grandchildren. 

He was preceded in death by his parents and two grandchildren.

Visitation will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 20 with the service starting at 3 p.m. at the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.  Burial in St. Michael’s Cemetery will be announced in the spring.  Pastor Richard Fairfield will officiate.

Memorials may be directed to Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516.

Condolences may be shared with Jack’s family below or at the funeral home Facebook page:

Donovan R. Kiessel, Died Jan. 13, 2018

Donovan R. Kiessel

Died Jan. 13, 2018

BINGHAM TOWNSHIP – Donovan Raymond Kiessel, 71 of Bingham Township, passed away Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018 at home surrounded by his loving family.

Donovan was born Aug. 22, 1946 in Suttons Bay at the family farm house on the corner of County Road 633 and Fort Road.  He was the son of Frank Kiessel Sr. and Rita (Priest) Kiessel.

On July 3, 1965 at St. Michael’s Church of Suttons Bay he married Janet (Showers) Kiessel who was his best friend and love of his life for 55 years and had three children.  Don's Catholic faith was a very important part of his life, he was a life-long member of St Michaels Catholic Church.

Don worked as a lineman at Consumers Energy for 35 years.  He enjoyed seeing the smiles on people’s faces after he had helped turn their electricity back on.  Even after he “retired” Don worked another 10 years for other line companies as a contractor.  Don never complained about having to leave his family to go help others.  He would leave to far off areas that were affected by a storm or a natural disaster to help restore the power to those communities.

In addition to being a lineman he was a cherry farmer.  In 1976, Don and Jan with Don's brother Bill and his wife Betty started a small cherry farm that grew into a larger operation known now as Kiessel Farms.  He enjoyed every minute of his busy work and farm life with his family being involved, he taught them work ethic and farming knowledge.  Most recently, along with his brother they were awarded the 2018 Cherry Industry Lifetime Achievement award for outstanding service and exceptional leadership in the world of cherries.

Don was the founding member of the Rex Dobson Ruby Ellen Farm Foundation, his knowledge and wisdom guided the Ruby Ellen Farm Board of Trustees for 17 years.  Don was also a member of the Bingham Township Planning Commission and a 25-year member of the Suttons Bay Bingham Fire and Rescue Dept.   He was a 30-year member of the Knights of Columbus.

Don also enjoyed being with friends that he shared a lifetime of memories with.  A special event that he looked forward to every year for the past 30 years was their annual food Garbage Can Party.  This event was attended by many of their life-long friends.  Don looked forward to this day every year and the many stories that were always shared.  Some of these friends now continue their memories by wintering in the same community as Don and Jan did in Florida. 

A passion and hobby for Don was his love for hunting.  He enjoyed teaching his sons and grandsons the craft of hunting, on occasion he would get one of his grand-daughters out hunting in his blind with him.  He also enjoyed an annual trip to the Upper Peninsula in the fall to a "Kiessel Cabin" for deer camp, a tradition that was enjoyed by his Dad, brothers, sons, grandsons, and nephews.

Don's busy life had him building memories with his children and family, he was always a kid at heart.  He and Jan faithfully attended countless children's and grandchildren's school sporting and other events. 

When grandchildren came into his life Don would always be rolling on the ground, playing games, tricks, and getting in trouble with them, there was never a dull moment when Grandpa was around.  He loved amusement parks with his kids and grandkids and made sure that they were always running to be first in line and in the first seat of the highest and fastest roller coaster.

Don was a man with a foundation of faith with an unending love for his family, grandchildren and great grandchildren.  The family expresses their deepest thanks to Hospice of Michigan for the wonderful care to Don.

Donovan is survived by his wife, Janet; his children, Donovan L. (Diane) Kiessel, Edward J. (Dulce) Kiessel, Jody Kiessel; his grandchildren, Katie (Chris) Skowronski, Chris and Nick Kiessel, Shane and Shantel Francis, Camilla, Michka and Landen Kiessel; his great grandchildren, Mackenzie, Carter and Isaiah Skowronski; his siblings, Bill (Betty) Kiessel, Frank (Marilu) Kiessel, Janet (Ron) Send, Randy (Debbie) Kiessel, Gary (Betty) Kiessel, Vic (Janice Sue) Kiessel, Sue (Gary) Herman; his sister-n-law April Showers-Cox; and many loving nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Frank and Rita Kiessel.

Visitation will be held from 3 p.m. to the 7 p.m. prayer service on Friday, Jan. 19 at the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.  The mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 20 at St. Michael’s Church of Suttons Bay.  Father Leonard Paul will serve as celebrant.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Rex Dobson Ruby Ellen Farm Foundation, PO Box 492, Suttons Bay, MI 49682; Leelanau Conservancy, PO Box 1007, Leland, MI 49654 and/or Mass Intentions.

Please share condolences with Donovan’s family below or at the funeral home's Facebook page:

Berniece Marie Winowiecki, Died Jan. 13, 2018

Berniece M. Winowiecki

Died Jan. 13, 2018

CEDAR – Berniece Marie Winowiecki, 94, lifelong resident of Cedar, passed away Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018 at Tendercare of Leelanau with her family at her side.

Berniece was born Aug. 26, 1923 in Cedar to the late William and Pelagia (Cerkowski) Mikowski.  On Sep. 1, 1941 at Holy Rosary Church she married, for sixty-six years, Frank J. Winowiecki who preceded her in death on Sep. 25, 2007.

She was a lifetime member of the Holy Rosary Church and was a member of the Rosary Society.  Berniece was the fourteenth of fifteen children and was the last survivor.

Berniece is survived by three sons, Ben (Virginia), Frank Jr. (Claudette) and William (Sue) Winowiecki; three daughters, Charlene (Richard) Kulanda, Mary (Ray) Savage, and Janet Winowiecki; eighteen grandchildren, twenty-seven great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.

She was preceded in death by nine brothers, Anselm, Steve, Frank, Clement, Eddie, Leonard, William Jr., Janarius and Peter; five sisters, Mary Umlor, Polly Novak, Sister Mary Eugenia, Sister Mary Juliet and Loretta; one grandchild, John Paul Winowiecki; and one great-grandchild, Lucas Noonan.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 16 with the Rosary to be prayed at 7 p.m. at Holy Rosary Church of Cedar.  The mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 17 with the family greeting friends at 10 a.m., also at the church.  Burial in Mt. Calvary Cemetery will be announced in the spring.  Father Donald Libby will serve as celebrant.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Holy Rosary Church, 6982 S. Schomberg Rd, Cedar MI 49621, or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospitals, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 and/or Mass Intentions.

Condolences may be shared with Berniece’s family below or at the funeral home's Facebook page:

Mary Alice Stachnik, Died Jan. 12, 2018

Mary A. Stachnik

Died Jan. 12, 2018

MAPLE CITY – Mary Alice Stachnik, 90, of Maple City, passed away Friday, Jan. 12, 2018 at Maple Valley Nursing Home with her family at her side.

Mary was born April 23, 1927 on the Cleveland Township family farm; the daughter of James Nachazel and Mary Rose Henrietta (Sindelal) Nachazel.  On May 17, 1958 at St. Joseph Church of Maple City she married William Stachnik who preceded her in death on Aug. 16, 1960.

Mary was a life long member of St. Joseph’s Church of Maple City.  For years she volunteered at Maple Valley Nursing Home before being welcomed into their care.

Mary is survived by her son, William (Jennifer) Edward Nachazel of Holland.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, William and a brother, Charles.

The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 16 at St. Rita/ St. Joseph’s Church of Maple City with the family greeting friends at 10 a.m.  Burial in Cleveland Township Cemetery will be announced in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Maple Valley Nursing Home, 1086 West Burdickville Rd, Maple City, MI 49664.

Condolences may be shared with Mary’s family below our at the funeral home's Facebook page:

Charlene M. Steimel Died Jan. 5, 2018

Charlene M. Steimel

Died January 5, 2018

BINGHAM TOWNSHIP – Charlene Marie Steimel, 91, of Bingham Township, passed away on Friday, Jan. 5, 2018 at Munson Hospice House.

Charlene was born on June 12, 1926 in Gills Pier, the daughter of Arthur C. and Anna M. (Kolarik) Houdek.  On Nov. 3, 1945 in Gills Pier, she married Donald Aloysius Steimel who preceded her in death on Jan. 19, 1999.

Charlene is survived by her daughter, Loraine (Gerald) McNeil; son, Alfred (Debbie) Steimel; eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her sons, Kenneth, Gary, and Dale; and daughter, Connie Maxon.

A memorial mass will be held on Thursday, Jan. 18, 2018 at 11 a.m. at St. Michael’s Church, Suttons Bay, with family greeting friends one hour prior.  Fr. Leonard Paul will serve as celebrant.  Interment at St. Michael’s Cemetery will be held in the spring. 

Memorials may be directed to Mass Intentions and/or to Munson Hospice House, 1150 Medical Campus Drive, Traverse City, MI 49684.

Condolences may be shared with Charlene’s family below or on our Facebook page.

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

Terry R. Patton DIed Dec. 31, 2017

Terry R. Patton

Died Dec. 31, 2017

TRAVERSE CITY – Terry Russell Patton, 48, of Traverse City, passed away Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017 at Munson Medical Center.

Terry was born on Nov. 28, 1969, in Bellaire, the son of Russell and Rhea (Gregory) Patton.  On Aug. 4, 2017 in Traverse City, he married Shannon Lynn Carter, who survives.

Terry was a giving man who had a heart of gold, always worried about others before himself.  He was a positive and optimistic man who was mechanically inclined.  If it ran on gasoline or had an engine – Terry could fix it.  He was also artistically gifted, and his talent can be seen on the wall of Ace Hardware in Traverse City where his colorful mural greets patrons.

In addition to his wife, Shannon, Terry is survived by his newborn daughter, Diamond Patton; brothers, Rick Lee Patton and Bradley James Patton; in-laws, Dan and Julie Carter; and aunts and uncles.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Rhea, on April 12, 2009.

Private family services have been held.  Memorials may be directed to his wife, Shannon Patton, for the care of their newborn, P.O. Box 174, Grawn, MI 49637.

Condolences may be shared with Terry’s family below or on our Facebook page.