Ralph C. Earl, Died June 16, 2018

Ralph C. Earl

Died June 16, 2018

NORTHPORT – Ralph Charles Earl, 71, of Northport passed away Saturday, June 16, 2018 at his home with his loving family at his side.

Ralph was born March 10, 1947 in Plainwell, Michigan, the son of Lloyd and Olive (Knapp) Earl. On May, 19, 2001 he married his love, Laurie (Miller) Grougan-Earl who survives.

Ralph was known as being a kind and gentle man, who was devoted to helping others. Following in the footsteps of his father, Ralph served in the Navy during the Vietnam War aboard the U.S.S. Boxer LPH-4 as well as stateside, before returning to Michigan to serve his community. Ralph was very proud of the three generations of United States Navy men in his family: his father, Lloyd, himself, and his son, Joe Earl.

Ralph was a Kalamazoo Bus Driver, a part-time Firefighter, a part-time Prairieville Township - Pine Lake Fire Department’s Fire Chief, and later, was the Leelanau Township Fire and Rescue’s Fire Chief.  He was also a B.A.T.A. Bus Driver before retiring in 2014.  He was proud of his time spent serving his community, and openly showed his admiration for the Police, and Fire and Rescue teams.

Stemming from his time in the military, Ralph was quite the history buff. He enjoyed reading and learning about World History and past wars.  Alongside his studies, he enjoyed historical documentaries and classic movies; his favorite actor was John Wayne. He also enjoyed the more recent Marvel hero-type movies!

Most of Ralph's family live downstate or out of state, but anytime they could get together, call, or Facebook each other, they did. Ralph loved and was proud of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  Ralph also loved visiting his Father and Mother-in-law, Don and Jenny Miller in Kalkaska County.  Many times visiting the in-laws along with their grown and married (5) Miller daughters and their families and children.

Ralph is survived by his loving wife of seventeen years, Laurie; his children, Joe Earl and Brenda (Ken) Lapham; his step-son, Andrew (Irina) Grougan; his grandchildren, Aaron (Catie) Lapham, Dylon Lapham, Blake Earl, Sabrina Earl, Ryan (Rachael) Lauderdale; his great-grandchildren, Lily, Colton, Noah, and Jayden; his sister, Dawn (John) Perry; his niece and nephew, Crystal (James) Bennett and Michael Perry; his grand-nephews, James and Jordan Bennet; the Miller Family, the Folisi Family, Zografos Family, and Vicky Windish.

He was preceded in death by his loving parents.

Services will be held at the Fort Custer National Cemetery, in Augusta, MI, on Thursday, June 28 at 1 pm. The family will be served by the Farley Estes and Dowdle Funeral Home 1-800-962-5527.

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Martha H. Czerniak, Died June 18, 2018

Martha H. Czerniak

Died June 18, 2018

CEDAR – Martha Helen Czerniak, 77, of Cedar, passed away Monday, June 18, 2018 at Munson Medical Center.

Martha was born July 27, 1940 in Cedar the daughter of John and Matilda (Popa) Laskey.  On May 2, 1959 at the Holy Rosary Parish of Isadore, she married Joseph Peter Czerniak who preceded her in death on June 26, 2016.  Joe would buy her a new snowmobile or a new truck that was a “present” to her, that she never got to drive!

Martha was a life-long member of Holy Rosary Parish and was a fixture of their chicken dinners and a member of the committee.  She was also a lector and eucharist minister at the church.  She was a 20 year member and past vice president of the Glen Lake School Board.

She and Joe ran their family farm where she was the strawberry harvest manager of over ten acres and in addition did the farm’s payroll.  She worked at R.L. Polk in Traverse City.  She was a night manager at Mikowski’s IGA/Bunting’s Market.  As an employee at SugarLoaf Resort she was a housekeeping supervisor and a hostess in the dining room.  Martha also helped Joe out as the secretary for Czerniak Masonry.

Martha catered many Leelanau County weddings and today her meatball recipe is a family treasure.  Her kids remember her as the best carpooler, she would pick up her kids and half of the team and take them home.  She was a second mom to all of her children’s friends.

She shared Joe’s love of the Detroit Tigers.  She enjoyed country music and was a Patsy Cline fan.  She enjoyed tending to her rose bushes.

Martha is survived by her children, Linda (Jeff) Baltz, Brenda (Jim) Stricker, Christopher Czerniak, Sheila (Scott Buchholz) Czerniak, Alison (Jason) Beebe; a sister Jackie (Ed) Budd; her grandchildren, Tyler, Luke, Jake, Justin, Cierra, Carter and Tyler Bucchholz.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 57 years, a son in infancy, Bernard Joseph Czerniak; her mother Matilda Laskey, her father John Laskey, her siblings, Mary Ann (Robert) Dezelski, and John Laskey.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. with the Rosary to be prayed at 7 p.m. on Friday, June 22 at the Holy Rosary Parish of Isadore.  The mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 23 also at the church.  Burial in Mt. Calvary Cemetery will follow.  Father Donald Libby will serve as celebrant.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Holy Rosary Church, 6982 S. Schomberg Road, Cedar, MI 49621 and/or Cowell Family Cancer Center, 217 S. Madison Street, Traverse City, MI 49684.

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Helen L. Bahle, Died June 12, 2018

Helen L. Bahle

Died June 13, 2018

SUTTONS BAY – Helen Louise Bahle, 100, of Suttons Bay, passed away Wednesday June 13, 2018 at the Toy House Retirement Home surrounded by her loving family.  Mother lived her whole life in preparation for this day.

Helen was born on July 12, 1917 in Stanhope, Iowa.  Her parents Issac and Patrina (Satre) Oppedal were both born in Norway.  In 1941 she married Kenneth Esten Bahle; they were to have sixty three years together.

She moved to Suttons Bay in 1946 after Kenneth returned from serving in Italy during World War II.  Together they owned and operated Ken's Market from 1949 to 1968.  Helen later was employed by the Suttons Bay schools (generations of kids remember her as the Lunch Lady), until her retirement a dozen years later.  Through all those years she was also a dedicated basketball Mom, never missing a game.

She was a life-time member of Immanuel Lutheran Church where she taught Sunday School, sang in the choir and was a member of the Ladies Aide.  It was their bake sales where she earned the reputation as "the best pie baker ever."  Those who remember her will also remember her considerable talents as a quilter and a braider of rugs.  Her beautiful quilts were not only admired but sold to many happy customers.

Like many of her generation, Helen's domestic skills were in constant service for her family and her community.  More importantly, she will be remembered for her kindness and compassion...unless you happened to be sitting across the table from her with a Scrabble board between you.  And of course for many Christmases, the lutefisk and the lefse would command the dining room table, a tradition to honor with gratitude...and a side dish of ham.

Helen's family expresses their grateful thanks for all those who helped celebrate Mom's 100th birthday last July.  They also express their deepest appreciation to Bob and Fran Jelinek, and Christine Anderson of the Toy House Retirement Home for their care and compassion for the last eight years of her life.

The last time we were with Mother she was in and out of awareness, as people are near the end, but something very surprising happened.  All of a sudden, she woke up and in a clear strong voice said, "I'm all right" and her last words to us were, "I think I should go home."  Was this just rambling?  Or was it "enlightened" words from someone who, more than anyone we know, had lived her whole life in preparation for that moment.

Helen is survived by three sons Phillip (Sherrill), David (Jean) and Craig Bahle; two grandchildren, Todd (Mindy) Bahle, Trenton ”TJ” and Casey Bahle; three great-grandchildren Dylan, Ella, and Anna Bahle; and a sister Dorothy Ahlquist.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Kenneth, two brothers Gerald and Earling and three sisters Ione, Elaine and Phyllis.

Graveside services in the Lutheran Cemetery of Suttons Bay will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Heartland Hospice, 4020 Copper View, #113, Traverse City, MI 49684.

 

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Thomas A. Butler, Died June 14, 2018

Thomas Allen Butler

Died June 14, 2018

SUTTONS BAY – Thomas Allen Butler , 82, of Suttons Bay, passed away Thursday, June 14, 2018 at Munson Medical Center.

Thomas was born January 28, 1936 in Grand Rapids, the son of Oliver Butler and Louise (Fuslier) Butler. On Aug. 30, 1957 at St. James Lutheran Church of Grand Rapids he married Karol Ann (Schmelz) Butler.

Tom served his nation in the US Navy and got to see the world as a young man.  Later He and Karol would travel the world to such places as Hawaii, Aruba, Venezuela, Spain, Morocco among other countries.  Tom was an independent insurance agent and ran his own agency for many years.

An avid hunter and fisherman, Thomas enjoyed his time outdoors. He and his brothers (the Butler Clan) took annual hunting trips to Kalkaska.  He shared his passion with his kids, by taking them out rabbit hunting.  Tom would take the shirt off of his back to help someone, whether he knew the person or not.

Tom’s love for his family was immense.  He was very family oriented, and they spent as much time together as possible. 

Thomas is survived by his sons, Michael (Barb) Butler, Tim Butler, and Pat (Tammara) Butler; his two grandchildren, Thomas II and Taylor; his brothers, Oliver Jr. (Lori) Butler and Jack (Charlene) Butler.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Karol Ann Butler, on June 12, 2018; also by his parents, and his brothers Bill Butler, Bob Butler, Ed Butler and Dick Butler.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 23 with the family greeting friends one hour prior at Immanuel Lutheran Church of Suttons Bay.  Friends are welcome afterwards to a reception in the church basement.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Immanuel Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 206, Suttons Bay, MI 49682.

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Karol A. Butler, Died June 12, 2018

Karol Ann Butler

Died June 12, 2018

SUTTONS BAY – Karol Ann Butler , 81, of Suttons Bay, passed away Tuesday, June 12, 2018 at Munson Medical Center.

Karol was born April 16, 1937 in Grand Rapids, the daughter of Elmer Schmelz and Edna (Brandt) Schmelz. On Aug. 30, 1957 at St. James Lutheran Church of Grand Rapids she married Thomas A. Butler.

She was a lifelong member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, and a well-known figure in the community. Karol spent twenty-eight years as Sutton Bay School’s Secretary, before she retired.

Karol loved knitting; she made mittens for the kids, and quilts for the beds. She was a very caring and compassionate person, who was always there for whoever was in need.

She was the neighborhood caretaker.  Karol would take friends to medical appointments, cook them meals and make quilts for them.  Karol was exceedingly proud of her sons, and anyone who talked with her knew it.

She and Tom loved to travel, all around the world to places such as Hawaii, Aruba, Venezuela, Spain, Morocco among other countries.  Lately her and Tom loved trips to California to see her beloved grandchildren.

Karol is survived by her sons, Michael (Barb) Butler, Tim Butler, and Pat (Tammara) Butler; her two grandchildren, Thomas II and Taylor; and her two sisters, Karen (Frank) Sanders and Kay (Richard) Pollie.

She was followed in death by her husband, Thomas Allen Butler, on June 14, 2018. She was preceded in death by her parents.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 23 with the family greeting friends one hour prior at Immanuel Lutheran Church of Suttons Bay.  Friends are welcome afterwards to a reception in the church basement.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Immanuel Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 206, Suttons Bay, MI 49682.

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James R. Brubaker, Died June 13, 2018

James R. Brubaker

Died June 13, 2018 

SUTTONS BAY - James Randall Brubaker “Bru”, 62, of Suttons Bay, passed from this world on June 13, 2018 at MediLodge of Leelanau. 

Bru was born on Dec. 24, 1955 in Napoleon, Ohio, the son of Donald and Rosemary (Fritch) Brubaker.  He always complained that he didn’t get as many gifts as everyone else on Christmas day, but, in fact, he got more, as people overcompensated, because his birthday was on Christmas Eve.

Bru was popular in Lutheran school and high school and ended up being the class clown in high school.  He was always musical, and was in the high school marching band, playing the trombone.  

He has a loyal group of friends, many dating from those high school days.  The tales of their antics are legendary to this day.  Bru has made great friends in every place he has lived.

After high school, he attended the University of Cincinnati, where he joined the marching band.  He then transferred to The Ohio State University where he was accepted into the Occupational Therapy program, where he met Sara Wetherholt and three other friends who stuck together through the rigors of Human Anatomy, Neuro Anatomy, and other fun courses.  All of them graduated together and were certified and licensed as Occupational Therapists.

Bru and Sara, and two of their friends from Ohio State, moved to Cincinnati, where they all worked at various hospitals.  Bru and Sara married in 1979.

They moved to Northern Michigan in 1986, where they have lived ever since.

Their son, James Wetherholt Brubaker “Jamie”, was born in February of 1996.

Bru loved The Ohio State University and was a loyal Buckeye. He became interested in painting (art) in his 30’s and loved to paint and draw. He entered many art fairs and has sold many paintings. He loved Skyline Chili, sailing, music by Van Morrison, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Jimmy Buffett, Jim Croce, and music from the 70’s.

And he loved Jamie more than anything.

Bru had many health problems after moving north.  He was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1989 but was still able to work at Community Mental Health for a while, where he made many friends, both staff and consumers.  He also struggled with other issues, which, combined with the MS, caused him to have to be admitted to MediLodge of Leelanau, where he lived until his death.

His death was caused by colon cancer and MS, so it is the family’s wish that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the American Cancer Society and to the National MS Society, or to any organization that protects children, families, the environment, or health.

A celebration of Bru’s life will be held at the Central United Methodist Church, 222 S. Cass St., Traverse City, MI, at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 11, 2018. 

Bru is survived by his son, Jamie; his sister, Sue (Dave) Roznowski; and his brother, Jan (Diana) Brubaker.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved grandmother, Wahneta Brubaker “Grandma Bru”; other grandparents; aunts and uncles; and many other relatives.

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Lucille DeYoung, Died June 13, 2018

Lucille DeYoung

Died June 13, 2018

TRAVERSE CITY – Lucille DeYoung, 94, of Traverse City, passed away, Wednesday, June 13, 2018 in Traverse City where she had lived with her husband since 1961.

Lucille was born in Bolsward, Netherlands to Hendrick and Afke (Alice) Pomper.  She was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Marvin H. DeYoung, who passed away in 1974.  Also deceased are her siblings, Oene Pomper, Henry Pomper Jr., Sue (Pomper) Klok, and Greta Janet (Pomper) Breukink.  She is survived by many nieces and nephews.

A sincere thank you to the wonderful staff of Culver Meadows for the compassionate care given to Lucille over the past six years and to the Hospice caregivers during her final days.  Also a special note of thanks to the Grassa sisters for their kindness, help, understanding and support throughout this long journey.

Per her wishes, there will not be a funeral service.  Internment was held in Ogdensburg Cemetery of Traverse City.

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Donald F. Van Thomme, Died June 11, 2018

Donald F. Van Thomme

Died June 11, 2018

SUTTONS BAY – Donald Francis Van Thomme, 66, of Suttons Bay, passed away Tuesday, June 12, 2018 at home.

Don was born June 2, 1952 in Pontiac, the son of Edmond A. Van Thomme and Patricia (Blomme) Van Thomme.  On February 2, 1974 in Mount Clemens, Michigan, he married Tina M. (Varney) Van Thomme, who survives.

Don--called “Farmer Don" by friends and "Bunka" by his grandchildren--was a hardworking man.  He was always keeping busy with some project, whether it was fixing things around the house or building things by hand.  A self-taught carpenter, Don loved creating things with his hands and made furniture for each of his kids.  With the help of his boys, he built the greenhouses at Plant Masters, pole barns, and a cabin in the Upper Peninsula--for which he did all the concrete, plumbing, and electrical himself. 

Outside of carpentry, Don loved anything with a motor.  In his teens, he drove demolition derby cars at the Armada Fair.  He owned 12 powerboats throughout his life.  He was also an avid snowmobiler, toured much of the U.S. and parts of Canada in a motorhome, and traveled to Alaska, Hawaii, and Mexico as well.  He enjoyed hunting deer and elk, fishing for salmon, and being out on the water.

He was a well-loved man, who knew a million people.  His sense of humor made him the King of One-Liners and could always get you to smile.  He had a way of making you feel special and appreciated.  Whenever he gave a gift to someone, you knew how much time and effort he put into making sure it was just right – because he truly cared.

In losing Don, the Suttons Bay community loses more than a hardworking man; it loses a friend of everyone.

Don is survived by his loving wife, Tina; his children, Eric (Tara) Van Thomme, Brendon (Carly) Van Thomme, and Tristan (Crystal) Van Thomme; six grandchildren, Rachel, Joshua, Aubrey, Jessica, Dahlia, and Lilly; his siblings, Charles (Connie) Van Thomme, Marlene (Lynne) Zienert, and Corinne (John) Bultynck; and his four-legged kids, Pepper, Bandit, Sally and Levi.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

The memorial mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Friday, August 3 at St. Mary of the Assumption, 307 S. St. Mary Street, Lake Leelanau, with family greeting friends one hour prior.  Burial to follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Isadore.  Fr. Bryan Medlin will serve as celebrant.  A light luncheon will immediately follow the burial service at the Cedar Hilltoppers Snowmobile Club, 7949 S. Schomberg, Cedar.

Please Note:  

All are welcome to a celebration of Don's life with food and drinks from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 4 at the Van Thomme residence.  In true Don style!  

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Don’s honor may be directed to Great Lakes Border Collie Rescue, 8841 Bishop Road, Brighton, MI 48116  and/or to the Suttons Bay/Bingham Fire & Rescue, PO Box 280, Suttons Bay, MI 49682.

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Gerald R. Herman, Died June 7, 2018

Gerald R. Herman

Died June 7, 2018

SUTTONS BAY – Gerald Robert Herman, 81, of Suttons Bay passed away Thursday, June 7, 2018 at his home with his loving daughter by his side.

Gerald was born March 14, 1937 in Suttons Bay the son of Robert and Ella (Steimel) Herman.  On Aug. 22, 1959 in Suttons Bay he married his high school sweetheart, Mary Alice (Moe) Herman who preceded him in death on Jan. 19, 2009.

His children cherish the memories of growing up on property on west bay.  Family, friends, and neighbors would show up every weekend for cookouts and good times

at their private beach.  Gerald and kids would snowmobile, ride motorcycles and take yearly trips to the U.P for vacations.  Gerald and Mary Alice gave their children a perfect Up North childhood.

Gerald would donate his time to his church, St. Michael’s Parish of Suttons Bay and was a life-long member.  His kids remember Saturday night masses at church followed by visits to grandpa and grandma Stowe; and Sunday’s were for visits to grandpa and grandma Herman.  Family was very important to Gerald.

He was a hard-working man and taught those work ethic values to his children.  He would work all day at the moving company and then attend his kid’s sporting events, both home and away.  He usually went straight from work to the games so he could be there to support his kids.

Gerald is survived by his three children, Bryan (Kris) Herman, Mark Herman, Marsha (Mike) Antal; his grandchildren, Kelsey, Courtney, Zachary and Ella Antal, Connie (David) Elenich, Scott Mickelson, Tina (Matthew) Groleau; two great grandchildren, Ryan and Paul Elenich; and special friends, Geri Pool and Dodie Mikowski.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 49 years, Mary Alice; his parents, a daughter-in-law, Thelma “Jo” Herman; and his siblings, Pete, Bill, Ray and Walt Herman.

Visitation will be from 5-8 pm on Friday, June 15 with the Rosary to be prayed at 7 p.m. at the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.  The mass to celebrate Gerald's life

will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 16 at St. Michael’s Parish of Suttons Bay.  Burial will follow in St. Michael’s Cemetery, Suttons Bay.  Father Leonard Paul will serve as celebrant.

Memorials may be directed to St. Michael’s Parish, PO Box 9, Suttons Bay, MI 49682.

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David R. Campbell, Died June 3, 2018

David R. Campbell

Died June 3, 2018

LAKE LEELANAU – David Rhodes Campbell, 81, of Lake Leelanau, passed away Sunday, June 3, 2018 at Munson Hospice House.

Dave was born Oct. 10, 1936 in Detroit and was lovingly adopted by his parents, Dudley R. Campbell and Elise (Hatt) Campbell.

David’s was the silver spoon outlaw whose life was full of adventures and stories that would fill a book.  As a young man he worked at a funeral home and their ambulance service.  He attended Arizona State University.  During those college years he earned his pilot’s license and eventually became a commercial pilot.

Dave had a love for speed, he was the driver of a rocket car that went over 365 mph on the famed Bonneville Salt Flats and was also a drag car racer.

He then spent decades as a long haul truck driver working as an owner-operator for Ennis Trucking and United Van Lines.

David is survived by his son, Dudley (Andrea) Campbell III, a sister, Bonnie Magnuson; a granddaughter, Sloane Campbell; and three nieces, Elizabeth Elise and Kate Magnuson.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Graveside services have been held in Beechwood Cemetery.

Memorials in David’s memory may be directed to Cherryland Humane Society, 1750 Ahlberg Road, Traverse City, MI 49686.

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