Frederick B. Hawley Died February 26, 2018

Frederick B. Hawley

Died February 26, 2018

SUTTONS BAY - Frederick Burton Hawley, 90, of Suttons Bay, passed away Monday, Feb. 26, 2018 at his home.

Fred was born July 24, 1927 in Victory, the son of Arthur and Volberg (Petersen) Hawley.

Fred moved from Ludington to East Leland as a young man.  At Leland HS he became an accomplished athlete playing center position on the basketball team and his team made a prolonged run to the 1945 Class D state semi-final game.  The coach stayed home as he was also the school superintendent.  A veteran, he joined the U.S. Navy at the end of WWII and aboard the ship USS Callen helped shuttle the troops home, traveling widely across the Pacific until his honorable discharge.

Later the family moved into Leland village, near Indiana Woods, where he commuted to work with co-workers to Parsons Corp. (later Cone Drive Gear) where they manufactured helicopter blades and fiberglass boats, and then pinons and reduction gears at Cone Drive Gear.  One winter while laid off, he even fished out of the Fishtown with his commercial fishermen friends for whitefish and chubs.

In 1960, looking for change, Fred purchased the 40-acre Harold Smith cherry farm on Stoney Point and began his dream job as a cherry grower while still working his day job in Traverse City, often working 16-18 hour days.  Success came with hard work and the conversion of the cherry business to mechanical harvesting, cooling pads, steel tanks to haul fruit, close planting of trees and new cultural practices pioneered by the MSU Extension.  With consistently higher prices he bought surrounding farms, planting thousands of trees each year becoming one of the largest northwestern Michigan growers in the state.  Teaching seminars attended by northwestern Michigan farmers from adjacent counties were regularly held in his orchards led by visiting MSU Horticultural professors.  He served for numerous years on various cherry industry boards advising processors and growers alike.  He also hosted many Chery Festival Queens and their courts for splashy mid-summer orchard film tours.

Fred was an avid outdoorsman and excellent deer hunter with much time spent in the woods with both sons and daughters and was an avid ice fisherman during the winter off season.  His summer passion was his expansive flower and vegetable gardens – reputed to be sufficient to feed the entire Village populace – always generous.  Near the end of his life he reacquired a special friend and former neighbor and spent many meaningful moments reminiscing about times past.  He had a green thumb and was a handful…we will miss him.

Fred is survived by his children, Randy, Jim, and Karen (Mark) Drake; his grandchildren, Megan (Eric) Bowden, Melissa and Josh Drake.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Sandy Burkholder; and sisters, Helen and Janet.

Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to the start of the 1 p.m. funeral service on Saturday, March 3 at Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.  Father Bryan Medlin will serve as celebrant.

Memorials may be directed to Northwest Michigan Horticultural Research Center, 6686 S. Center Hwy., Traverse City, MI 49684 and/or Mass Intentions.

Condolences and memories may be shared with Fred’s family below or on our Facebook page.

Maximillian J. Popp, Died Feb. 21, 2018

Maximillian J. Popp

Died Feb. 21, 2018

LAKE LEELANAU – Maximillian Joseph Popp, 88, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2018 surrounded by family at Munson Medical Center.

Max was born Nov.18, 1929 in Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin the son of Albert and Myrtle (Hahnenberg) Popp.  On Jan. 8, 1955 at St. Mary’s Church of Lake Leelanau he married Emma Marjorie (Schaub) Popp who preceded him in death on Aug. 18, 2017.

As a young man Max served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict.

He was a 1951 graduate of the United States Merchant Marines in which he was a member of the sailing team and Catholic choir.  During his enrollment he traveled to Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Italy, France, Spain, and Portugal.

Max was full of wit and humor along with a positive attitude which carried him through each day.  He often amazed his friends, family, and caregivers with his knowledge of occurrences past and present.

Max is survived by his children, Elizabeth Szymczak, Ann (Paul) Belanger, Mary (Scott) MacDonald, Frank (Jacqueline) Popp, Pamela (John) Maurer; his siblings, Mark (Lois) Popp of Tucson, AZ; Monica (Richard) Houdek of West Allis, WI, Mary Jo (Lou) Gundrum of Hales Corners, WI, Alice (Frank) Formolo of Brookfield, WI, Jane (Richard) Groff of Salem, OR; and many loving grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife of sixty-two years, Emma; and two sons, Maximillian Popp in infancy, and Joseph Gerard Popp; his siblings, Virginia (James) Kalchik, James (Theresa) Popp, Albert (Pat) Popp, and Thomas (Barbara) Popp.

Visitation will be held from 4 p.m.to 8 p.m. on Thursday, March 8 with the Rosary to be prayed at 7 p.m. at the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.  The mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 9 with the family greeting friends at 10 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church of Lake Leelanau.  Burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery will be held in the spring.  Father Bryan Medlin will serve as celebrant.

Memorials may be directed to St. Mary’s Church, PO Box 340, Lake Leelanau, MI 49653.

Condolences and memories may be shared with Max’s family below our at our funeral home Facebook page:

Patricia A. Stratton, Died Feb. 18, 2019

Patricia A. Stratton

Died Feb. 18, 2018

SUTTONS BAY – Patricia Anne Stratton, 91, of Suttons Bay, passed away Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018 at MediLodge of Leelanau (formerly TenderCare of Leelanau).

Pat was born June 8, 1926 in East Jordan the daughter of Ralph and Dorothy (Williams) Fuller.  The family moved to Traverse City in 1937 and eventually settled in Suttons Bay in 1942.  She was the treasurer and valedictorian of the Suttons Bay Class of 1944.

On May 6, 1963, Pat married her high school sweetheart Charles J. Stratton Sr. who preceded her in death on Dec. 4, 2000.

In her early years Pat worked as a telephone operator in Suttons Bay, in Dr. Kitson’s dental office, and for Belfour Stulen Computer Services.  She was also the secretary for Arai and Hummel Architects, elected Suttons Bay Village Clerk, and lastly Secretary to the Leelanau County Board of Commissioners in 1975.  She retired from that position in 1996 after 21 years of service.

Pat loved animals, especially cats and dogs.  She enjoyed walking her dogs around town and was known as the “Corgi Lady” of Suttons Bay.  Pat also enjoyed drawing, painting, knitting, sewing and playing the piano.  But, her true passion was numbers and very evident in her accounting abilities.

She is survived by her children, Teri (Dennis) McCourtney of Davison, Liz (Edwin) Hart of Brea, CA, Tim Olson of Suttons Bay, Charles Stratton Jr. of Beulah, Tom (Carla) Olson of Colorado Springs, CO, Cheri (Dave) Durdel of Traverse City; eight grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. She will be greatly missed by her family.

Pat was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brother, Ralph “Bud” Fuller; son-in-law, Edwin Hart and grandson, Eddie Hart.

The family will greet friends on Saturday, May 5 from 11 a.m. until the 2 p.m. memorial service at the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.  A graveside service and urn burial will be held at 1 p.m. on Sunday, May 6 in Suttons Bay Township Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Suttons Bay-Bingham Twp Fire and Rescue, PO Box 280, Suttons Bay, MI 49682 or the Cherryland Humane Society, 1750 Ahlberg Rd, Traverse City, MI, 49686.

Condolences and memories may be shared with Pat’s family below or at our Facebook page:

L. Jack Osie, Died Feb. 19, 2018

L. Jack Osie

Died February 19, 2018

LAKE LEELANAU – Leonard Jack Osie, 93, of Lake Leelanau passed away on Monday, Feb. 19, 2018 at Munson Medical Center.

Jack was born Sep. 15, 1924 in Centerville Township the son of Roman and Veronica (Petrosky) Osie.  He served his country during WWII in the US Navy and was honorably discharged in 1945.

Upon his discharge Jack returned home to Lake Leelanau and became a house painter until his retirement in 1989.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing euchre and poker which, he had done for many, many years.  Jack also enjoyed people and had many wonderful friends especially Tom, Julie, Ted, Kathy and Mark Steimel.

Jack never married although many ladies chased him but never caught him.  He spent the past 42 years caring for his challenged brother.

Jack is survived by his brother, Albin and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and his siblings Walter, John, Donnie, Eleanor, Ester, Theresa, Veronica, Alicia, Marie and three infant siblings.

Per Jack’s wishes cremation has taken place.  Graveside services in St. Mary’s Cemetery Lake Leelanau will be announced in the spring.

In Lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to St. Mary’s Catholic Church and/or St. Mary’s Schools, both at PO Box 340, Lake Leelanau, MI 49653.

Condolences and memories may be shared with Jack’s family below or at our funeral home facebook page:

Clyde E. Greene, Died Feb. 18, 2018

Clyde E. Greene

Died Feb. 18, 2018

SUTTONS BAY – Clyde Ellsworth Greene, 93, of Zephyrhills, Florida passed away on Sunday, February 18, 2018 in Traverse City, MI.

Clyde was born Dec. 4, 1924 in East Jordan the son of Leroy Greene and Louvina (McPherson) Greene.

As a young man Clyde served his country during WWII in the U.S. Army.  Clyde landed at Omaha Beach during the invasion of France with his unit, the 167^th Engineering Combat Battalion Co B.  His unit was often attached to General George Patton’s Third Army as they made their way to the Rhineland.

He was a recipient of the American Theater Ribbon, the EAME (European-African-Middle Eastern) Theater Ribbon with three bronze stars, and the Victory Medal for WWII service.  Clyde served on three separate fronts during WWII and was very proud of serving his country.  When thanked for his service, his reply was always “I was just doing my job.”.

After his service Clyde worked with his brother in their construction company.  He built his own home and raised five children in it.  Clyde loved working with his hands; he never called a repairman to the house for anything, he would always fix it himself and often helped others when they needed things to be repaired.

Clyde loved sports and the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing trips with his brothers.  This love of the outdoors was passed on to all his children, as well as the skills of outdoor living.  Though Clyde grew up attending church, he chose to be baptized on January 2, 1983, to reaffirm his love and belief in Jesus Christ, at the Woodmere Church of God by Pastor Clifford Donaldson in a baptismal pool he helped to build.

Clyde is survived by his children, Pamela Louise Bergeron, Joseph Allen Greene, Tina Marie (John) Bevington, Lawrence David (Cathy) Greene, Norman Scott (Mary) Greene; his step-children, Teresa (Louis) Nowakowski, Kim (Rick) Reams, Daniel (Ruth) Bolles; his sisters, Margaret Bowen and Delores Malo; and his many loving grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Katherine Greene, and his second wife, Berniece June Greene.

Cremation has taken place and a private family burial in Mona View Cemetery of Muskegon will be held at a later date.

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

Amy Fleming Chatfield, Died Feb. 15, 2018

Amy Fleming Chatfield

December 6, 1921 - February 15, 2018

Amy Fleming Chatfield, 96, of Leland, Michigan, passed away peacefully at Effie’s Place in Leland.

Amy was born in Winnetka, Illinois, the second of five children born to Malcolm and Caroline Allport Fleming.  She married William H. Chatfield of Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1946.  He preceded her in death in 1993.  In addition to her husband, Amy was preceded in death by brother Richard Fleming and sisters Harriet Withenbury, Lesley Redmond and Caroline Fibbe.

Amy grew up in the Hyde Park section of Cincinnati, graduated from Hillsdale School (now Seven Hills School) and Western College in Oxford, Ohio (now Miami University).  During World War II she was one of the first female air traffic controllers for the FAA, helping to guide military planes through the Midway International Airport in Chicago and the Cleveland Hopkins International Airport.

Amy made a successful career as the owner of an antique business and clothing store, the Maindeck, in Leland.  She was a founder of the Leelanau Community Cultural Center (The Old Art Building) and long-time board member.  She also enjoyed many years in the Leland Women’s Civic Club and the Little Garden Club.  She was honored by the Zonta Club of Leelanau County as Woman of the Year in 2013.

Amy loved to sail, boat, and swim in the Leelanau waters and tend to her riverside flower gardens.  She was always up for an adventure or a party, especially if it involved costumes and dancing. Even in her later years, she was always at the front of the conga line!

Amy is survived by her four children William (Anne), Malcolm (Christine), Melancthon “Mank” (Laura), and Caroline “Cece” Chatfield; and ten grandchildren, Abby (Mike), Cam, Will, Fran, Rett, Cordie, Albie, Eliza, Iris, and Twyla, as well as adoring nieces and nephews.

A celebration of her life will be held this summer at the Old Art Building garden in Leland.

Memorials may be directed to the Leelanau Community Cultural Center Endowment Fund. P.O. Box 883, Leland, MI, 49654.

Condolences and memories may be shared with Amy’s family and friends below or at our funeral home Facebook page:

Berta-Anna Steinkamp, Died Feb. 13, 2018

Berta-Anna Steinkamp

Died Feb. 13, 2018

LELAND – Berta-Anna Steinkamp, 97, of Leland, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2018 at Medilodge of Leelanau.

Berta was born on March 3, 1920 in Buckeburg, Germany, the daughter of August and Luise Barkhausen.  She married Nelson Steinkamp who preceded her in death.

A celebration for Berta will be announced in the summer.

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

Condolences and memories may be shared with Berta’s friends below or at the funeral home's Facebook page.

Catherine Fairfield Died Feb. 14, 2018

Catherine Fairfield
Died Feb. 14, 2018

SUTTONS BAY – Catherine Fairfield, 93, of Suttons Bay and formerly of Roseville, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2018 at French Manor South in Traverse City.

Catherine was born in Detroit, Michigan on March 1, 1924 to the late Magdalena and Nicholas Ringler. On November 22, 1945 at the Sacred Heart Church of Roseville, she married Jack Fairfield, who is recently deceased this January 2018.

Catherine lived a full and happy life. She was married to her husband, Jack, for 72 years. Catherine graduated from Fraser High School in 1942 and shortly after began work at the Briggs Factory in Detroit. She worked as a riveter and secretary to help support the war effort and her soon to be husband. After the war Catherine spent her time as a devoted wife and mother to her four children. Catherine enjoyed traveling, spending time with her family, and working as a librarian for Romeo High School in Romeo, Michigan.

Catherine was a permanent resident of Suttons Bay for the last 30 years, spending her winters in Florida. Catherine was an accomplished painter and artist, an avid reader, she loved to fish, enjoyed playing bingo, was a lucky gambler, and was an expert at humming a tune.

Catherine is survived by her four children, Christine (Charles) Ginnard, Robert (Rebecca) Fairfield, Cynthia (Edwin) Reese, and Richard (Leslie) Fairfield; her brothers, Edward (Catherine) Ringler, William (Doris) Ringler; her nine grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and two grandchildren.

The funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 17 at 12 noon at Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay with visitation beginning at 10 a.m. Burial in St. Michael’s Cemetery will be announced in the spring. Fr. Leonard Paul will serve as celebrant.

The family would like to thank the staff at French Manor South for their wonderful care of Catherine.

Memorials may be directed to Hospice of Michigan, 989 Spaulding Ave. SE, Ada, MI 49301-3701.

Mary Ann Hacker, Died Feb. 2, 2018

Mary Ann Hacker

April 15, 1927 - February 2, 2018

Mary Ann Hacker, 90, of Suttons Bay, Michigan passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2018 at her Florida home surrounded by her loving children.

Mary Ann was born April 15, 1927 in Detroit, Michigan.  She married Donald Edward Hacker and enjoyed a loving marriage of sixty-seven years.  Her husband, friend, and soulmate, Don preceded her in death on November 27, 2017.

Mary Ann began visiting Suttons Bay with her family as a child in the early 1930’s.  Mary Ann graduated from Mackenzie High School (Detroit) and Albion College.  She brought her family to vacation in Suttons Bay throughout the years.  Mary Ann and Don became permanent residents of Suttons Bay upon Don’s retirement in the early 1980’s. 

Mary Ann made lifelong friendships with everyone she met through her activities and daily life.  She was an avid reader and longtime volunteer at the Suttons Bay – Bingham Township Library.  Mary Ann’s spirit was fed through church participation including, First Presbyterian Church of Birmingham, The Presbyterian Church of Traverse City, Omena Presbyterian Church and Bradenton Florida Westminster Presbyterian Church.  She contributed and volunteered with many organizations such as ShareCare of Leelanau, Delta Gamma Sorority and P.E.O., a philanthropic educational organization.  Mary Ann volunteered and provided vision screening to elementary school children.

She was a wonderful loving mother of three children but also gave her heart to educating and teaching pre-school special needs children.  Mary Ann was an avid Tigers baseball fan, and seldom missed opening day.  A highlight was seeing the Tigers play and win in the World Series.  Her varied interests included worldwide travel with her husband Don, finding treasures: antiques, bargains, and shells; swimming in the Bay, gardening, playing bridge, music, parades and the circus.

Mary Ann is survived by her three children: daughter Mary and husband Eric Moorehead, son Donald and wife Sheri Hacker, and daughter Carole Carpenter.  Her six grandchildren are Leslie Knight, Ryan Moorehead, Alex Hacker, Reed Hacker, Kyle Carpenter, and Kaitlyn Carpenter.

Memorials may be directed to Interlochen Center for the Arts – School of Music via:

Online: www.interlochen.org/memorial  Select "In Memory of" and type in "Mary Ann Hacker" in Honoree Name.

By Mail:  Interlochen Center for the Arts, Mary Ann Hacker Memorial Gifts, PO Box 199, Interlochen, MI 49643

By Phone:   231.276.7623 - Staff can accept credit card information over the phone, please be sure to specify that the gift is in memory of Mary Ann Hacker.

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Mary Anne Roberts, Died Feb. 5, 2018

Mary Anne Roberts

Died Feb. 5, 2018

PESHAWBESTOWN – Mary Anne Roberts, 77, of Peshawbestown, walked-on to greet her relatives and ancestors on Monday, Feb. 5, 2018 at home surrounded by her loving family.

Mary Anne was born at home in Peshawbestown to the late Eno Joseph and Helen Agnes (Blackman) McSawby on Aug. 17, 1940.  Her family moved to Grand Rapids when she was five years old but returned every summer from June to September.  Despite the many years she lived and worked in Grand Rapids, Peshawbestown was always her home.

She often said that the happiest memories of her childhood and youth were spent in Peshawbestown, where she worked in the fields and orchards, frolicked in the lake and spent time with friends and relatives.  Mary Anne was a member of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians and was extremely proud of her native heritage.

Mary Anne attended St. Alphonsus Elementary and Catholic Central High School in Grand Rapids but dropped out in the eleventh grade.  She obtained her high school diploma in 1973 from Grand Rapids Public Schools Adult Education.  She obtained an Associate of Arts Degree from Grand Rapids Junior College in 1975, a Bachelor of Social Work Degree from Western Michigan University in 1976 (a 2-year degree which she completed in 1 year) and graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Master of Social Work Degree from Western Michigan University in 1978.  She accomplished all of the beforehand as a divorced single parent raising five children and an infant grandson. 

Her professional employment was with Kent County Community Mental Health, Grand Rapids Inter-Tribal Council, Grand Rapids Public Schools Social Work Dept and 17^th Circuit Court Family Division (formerly Kent County Juvenile Court).  During her professional career, she served on numerous non-profit native and non-native Boards of Directors in Grand Rapids and Lansing.

Mary Anne received accolades from these boards from the City of Grand Rapids for her dedicated service.  She retired in 2001 after twenty years of employment at the 17^th Circuit Court, eight of those years as a family crisis counselor and twelve as supervisor of the Crisis Intervention and Adolescent Sex Treatment Programs.  She then fulfilled her life-long dream of returning home to her beloved Peshawbestown.

She enjoyed various activities at various times in her life playing softball, bowling, swimming, playing cards, attending friends, co-worker’s softball games, sailing, serving on pow-wow committees and participating in cultural activities and events.

Mary Anne was an avid reader of diverse publications and especially enjoyed reading the comic section of newspapers and magazines.  She appreciated good humor, expressing her appreciation with a hearty laugh.  She enjoyed listening to music and always had her car radio playing with driving.  Mary Anne’s favorite music was Motown and B.B. King-style blues.  She was kind, humble, respectful and cordial.

She enjoyed the simple pleasures of life and always put the needs of her family and others before her own.  She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother.  Mary Anne lost her mother to cancer at the age of 14 and all of her grandparents by age 5 so she knew the heartache of not having their wisdom and guidance in her life and made every effort to always be there for her family.

Mary Anne counseled, nurtured, advised, praised, consoled, transported and most of all, provided unending support, love and encouragement to her family.  She was a respected “auntie” to many GTB community members.  Mary Anne hoped to be remembered for her smile and warm hugs.  She cherished her trips to California to spend time with her oldest son, Joe and family through the years.  For many years, she walked the track and used other equipment at the Strong Heart Center.  It was a great honor and privilege for her to have served her tribe and community as a Tribal Court Appellate Judge for several years.

Mary Anne married Jerry Joe Roberts in a traditional Anishinaabe Midewiwin ceremony at George and Sidney Martin’s property in Hopkins, MI officiated by Mouz Pamp and Eddie Benton-Banai on Oct. 28. 1978.

They followed the Pow-Wow Trail throughout Michigan in their earlier years and maintained life-long friendships established during those times.  They sailed Lake Michigan and several in-land lakes.  After retirement, they were faithful and proud attendees at their grandson’s football and baseball games.  They had great adventures and thrilling experiences traveling to exotic destinations on fun-filled trips and cruises with their nephew, Rick, and the Hebel family.  They enjoyed participating in family gatherings, elder lunches and activities, and other GT events.  Their blended family included nine children.

Mary Anne is survived by her husband Jerry; her children, Helen Chippewa, Joseph (Petra) Ferrere, Michelle Stewart, Michael Ferrere, Lanelle (Curtis, Sr.) Vos, Chad Roberts, Shawn (Imo) Roberts, Elizabeth (Brandi) Roberts, Andrew Luna, and many loving grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 8 at the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.  The funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 9 with the family greeting friends at 11 a.m., also at the funeral home.  Mary Anne’s cousin, Mr. Paul Raphael will officiate.  Burial in Kateri Tekakwitha Cemetery will be announced in the spring.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made in honor of her family’s military veterans: her father (Army WWII), brother, Army Air-Corps, Korea), husband, Marine Corps, Vietnam), son Joseph (Marine Corps, peace time), and grandson Curtis (Army, Iraq); please direct memorials to Wounded Warrior Project,

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

Edward R. Eckerle Died Jan. 31, 2018

Edward R. Eckerle

Died January 31, 2018

LAKE LEELANAU – Edward Ralph Eckerle, 70, of Lake Leelanau, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2018 at home surrounded by his family and friends.

Ed was born on August 21, 1947 in Traverse City, the son of Ferdinand and Mary Ann (Wahl) Eckerle.  On June 24, 1995 in Lake Leelanau, he married Donna Dunklow, who survives.

Ed graduated from Suttons Bay HS and served in the U.S. Army.  He then became a deputy and K-9 handler for his beloved dog, Chico, for the Leelanau County Sheriff’s Dept. and retired after 25 years of service.  After retirement, he re-established Eckerle Construction, doing numerous jobs for family and friends.  Ed was an avid hunter and fisherman.  He loved to golf (quarters), enjoyed traveling, and was co-owner of the 8-Ball club in Curtis, Michigan.

In addition to his wife, Ed is survived by his siblings, Alice (Jim) Cunningham, Albert (Liz Venie), James (Shirley), and Thomas Eckerle; many nieces and nephews; in-laws, Bill (Annie) Dunklow, Sue (Richard) Plamondon, Dave (Joan) Dunklow, Ron (Debbie) Dunklow, Gerry (Shirley) Dunklow, Sandi (Terry) Gilland, Lori (Wayne) Kilway, and Jeff (Angie) Dunklow.

He was preceded in death by his parents; infant brother, Gerald; and sister-in-law, Bernadette “Bernie” Eckerle.

Visitation will be held on Friday, Feb. 9, 2018 at from 4:30 p.m. to the start of the 6:30 p.m. Rosary at Martinson Funeral Home, Suttons Bay.  The memorial mass will be celebrated on Saturday, Feb. 10 at 11 a.m. at St. Michael’s Church, Suttons Bay, with family greeting friends one hour prior to the mass.  Fr. Leonard Paul will serve as celebrant.  Private interment at St. Michael’s Cemetery will be held in the spring. 

The family would like to extend their gratitude to Angie and the staff at Munson Oncology D5 as well as to Dr. Word and the staff at CFCC, and Hospice of Michigan, especially Tonya, Ashley, and Shelley for their wonderful care of Ed.

Memorials may be directed to Hospice of Michigan, 10850 E. Traverse Hwy., Traverse City, MI 49686 and/or Munson Oncology c/o, Munson Healthcare Regional Foundation, 1150 Medical Campus Dr., Traverse City, MI 49684 and/or to St. Michael’s Church, P.O. Box 9, Suttons Bay, MI 49682.

Condolences and memories may be shared with Ed's family below or on our Facebook page.