Charles J. Inman Died July 26, 2018

Complete Obituary Pending

Charles J. Inman

Died July 26, 2018

CEDAR ~ Charles James Inman, 73, of Cedar, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, July 26, 2018.  

Charles was born on August 9, 1944, in Saginaw, the son of Charles Inman and Garnetta DeBoise.  In 1989 he married Jo Ann Schopieray, who survives.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Jo Ann at P.O. Box 232, Lake Leelanau, MI 49653.

Services will be announced at a later date.

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Barbara A. Merica, Died July 26, 2018

Barbara Ann Merica

Died July 26, 2018

LAKE LEELANAU – Barbara Ann Merica, 87, died July 26, 2018, of congestive heart failure after several physical ailments were finally too much for her.  She passed away peacefully at home with her loving family at her side.

Barb was born Oct. 29, 1930 in Chicago, IL.  Her parents were Anthony E. Schleichert and Hattie (Kosiedowski) Schleichert.  On June 12, 1954 at St. Agnes Catholic Church of Chicago she married Edward Merica of Champaign, IL, who survives.

Barb met her future husband while working in the library of the Chemistry Dept. at the University of Illinois, where Ed was working as a research assistant in the Chemistry Dept.  Barb was working on a master’s degree, which she later achieved.

Following their marriage and the birth of their first child in 1955, they moved to Midland, MI.  During their nine years in Midland, four more children arrived.  At this point the young couple became owners of a fruit farm near Lake Leelanau, MI, and moved there.

Barb had done some part-time teaching in Midland at St. Bridget School.  She began to do the same in Lake Leelanau at St. Mary’s School, and also was librarian and their first guidance counselor.  In those days very few St. Mary’s graduates went on to higher education, but she introduced a program of information about scholarships and how to get them.  As a result of the efforts of Barb and a very worthy successor, now almost all the St. Mary’s graduates go to college or other forms of higher education.

She was a kind and caring “mother” to all of the students.  She treated them fairly and respected them and they respected her.

In addition, Barb found time to quilt with the St. Mary’s Quilters and supervise the parish funeral lunches and serve as scorekeeper for St. Mary’s basketball games.  She also served on the Diocesan School Board.  When the teaching nuns at St. Mary’s left, the majority of the Diocesan Board members felt that the school should be closed, but Barb vigorously defended St. Mary’s and convinced the bishop to rule that it should remain open, in spite of the opposition.  Today it still exists, bigger and better than ever.

As a Probate Court volunteer Barb provided temporary lodging for children who needed it, for a day, or two days, a week, or whatever.  The door was always open.

Barb was an enthusiastic fan of the Tigers and the Pistons and of course the athletic activities of her grandchildren.  Team sports for women were limited in the days when she was young, but in bowling, golf, or tennis, she invariably beat her female friends, and a good many of the men, including her husband.  Barb loved music and the arts, and played piano beautifully.

Barb loved her children and grand-children dearly and relished the time that she spent with them, especially at the holidays, and all of the sporting events, and many other events, too numerous to list.

Barb was especially fond of her five nephews and niece, the children of her sister, Emily, and Emily’s husband Joseph Savasky, deceased.  They are Stephen, Gregory, Mary Ann, Thomas, Michael, and Robert.

Above all, Barb was a good wife and mother.  She had a loving heart and was always there for everyone, even if simply to listen.  She is in peace in Heaven now.

Barb is survived by her loving husband of sixty-four years, Ed; a sister, Emily Savasky of Racine, WI; four children, John (Nan) Merica of Traverse City, Jeanne (Wayne) Goodfallow of Lake Leelanau, Paul E. (Margaret) Merica of Ann Arbor, and Rosanne (John) Wanamaker of Lake Leelanau; and five grandchildren, Dominic (Lexi) Merica, Gregory Merica, Kenneth Merica, Dr. Jillian Merica, and Paul E. Merica, II.

She was preceded in death by her daughters, Barbara in 1966 and Ellen in 1975; and her two brothers, Ed and Dan.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 6 with the rosary at 7 p.m. at St. Mary’s Church of Lake Leelanau.  The funeral mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 7, also at the church, with family greeting friends one-hour prior.  Burial will follow at St. Mary Cemetery.  Father Bryan Medlin will serve as celebrant.

Memorials may be directed to St. Mary Development Office, PO Box 340, Lake Leelanau, MI 49653

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David B. Kulick, Died March 11, 2018

David B. Kulick

Died March 11, 2018

OMENA – David Brian Kulick, 62, of Omena, passed away March 11, 2018 at his home.

David was born March 10, 1956 in Akron, Ohio the son of Robert George Kulick and Patricia Ann (Taylor) Kulick.

David Kulick was considered one of the finest American Architects of his generation.  He designed over 80 structures, and his works have appeared in many anthologies, including one published by Prince Charles.  Some of his finest residential works were kept out of Architectural Digest and other publications because the owners feared burglaries.  His works ranged from renovating fronts of bookstores and gas stations to a home for the “Pizza King” of Madison Wisconsin.

In Omena, David designed the cottage on Ingalls Bay Road known as the Sandcastle.  His last work was a new front for the home of J. Wickemeyer of Omena.

David is survived by his son, Henry Kulick; his brother, William Kulick and half-brother, Christopher Verdery.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 7, 2018 at the Omena Presbyterian Church.  Burial in Hillcrest Cemetery, Omena will follow.

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Sylvia E. Linde-Guback, Died July 15, 2018

Sylvia E. Linde-Guback

Died July 15, 2018

NORTHPORT - Sylvia Elisabeth Linde-Guback,78, died at her home near Northport on the morning of July 15, having lived bravely, joyfully, and faithfully for nearly three years after her cancer diagnosis. She was the beloved wife of the Rev. Thomas Guback, the devoted mother of Adam Linde Schmitt and Paul Sandberg Schmitt (Olga), the loving Farmor (grandmother) to Martha and Gabriel, and the caring stepmother of Claire Guback (Gavin and Emma).

She was born in Chicago, November 17, 1939, the only child of Swedish immigrants, Sandly and Karl Eric Linde. Sylvia’s Swedish heritage remained especially important to her throughout her life, as she kept in touch with several generations of relatives. Although her parents spoke only English at home after she was born, a trip to Sweden when she was seven to meet her relatives instilled fluency in speaking, reading, and writing Swedish that never left her. Later visits to Sweden helped her maintain that fluency. Several times in her life she considered returning to Sweden permanently.

Her love of music was apparent from an early age, first singing and picking out tunes on a toy piano, then on a cardboard keyboard in first grade, and finally on a real piano with real music lessons. As an adult, she owned a piano made by Wm. Knabe & Co. She also studied organ, flute, and voice privately.

Church and music became central to her life in elementary school as she sang with an adult church choir. In midlife when her husband Thomas was in seminary, she sensed a calling to sing only sacred music, believing that her voice was a gift. This led her to founding the first ever choir at St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church in Northport. She also re-established the choir at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Watertown WI.

On a four-year scholarship, Sylvia attended Northwestern University in Evanston IL, graduating in 1961 with a B.A. in Comparative Literature, and began a lifetime of working in two fields: one was book editing, and the other was music and fine arts. She enjoyed many professional milestones, including becoming the first woman president in 1976 of the venerable Apollo Chorus in Chicago, founded in 1872.

She was a college textbook editor at Scott, Foresman in Chicago and later director of book editing at the National Council of Teachers of English. She also was the director of the Champaign-Urbana branch of the Illinois Arts Council, and the director of the Champaign County Historical Museum. As well, Sylvia was the director of development and general manager of the Sinfonia da Camera, the professional chamber orchestra at the University of Illinois.

Sylvia formed friendships that held lifelong, including those of Pi Beta Phi sisters, as a past alumnae president. Her love for others was boundless, and her faith and family were at the center of her life.

A funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church in Northport at 10:30 Saturday morning, September 15.  Burial in Leelanau Township Cemetery will follow the mass.

Memorial gifts may be made to St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church, PO Box 98, Northport MI 49670; Leelanau County Cancer Foundation, PO Box 235, Lake Leelanau MI 49653; and Leelanau Christian Neighbors, PO Box 32, Suttons Bay, MI 49682.

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W. Harold Tuck, Died June 29, 2018

W. Harold Tuck

Died June 29, 2018

NORTHPORT- Walter Harold Tuck, 88, of Northport and formerly of Farmington Hills and Novi, died Friday, June 29 at Northport Highlands with loved ones at his side.

Harold was born on Nov. 16, 1929 in Walled Lake, the son of Walter and Zetta (Bush) Tuck.  On May 23, 1953 he married Evelyn L. Nichols who preceded him in death in 1992. 

Harold grew up in Novi, and owned Novi Auto Parts with his brother Don and sister-in-law Skip . The business was founded by his father in 1925 and was one of the first businesses in Novi.  He served as an Army mechanic in Germany during the Korean War and got his Master Mechanic title after returning home.  Harold was a long-time member of the Multi-Lakes Sportsman Club.

He loved to fish, hunt, camp, snowmobile, and build or fix anything.  As a member of the Marine Prop-Riders Club, he built and raced a 145-class inboard hydroplane called the Thunderchicken.  Eve worked as time-keeper in the judges’ stand, and Mike was pit crew and later driver.

Hal was a car enthusiast, and NASCAR fan.  For the past 20 years Hal and Dee have divided their time with friends and family in Farmington Hills, MI and Ft. Myers, FL.  He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and partner.  Harold was a gentle, kind, and generous man and will be dearly missed.

Harold is survived by his daughter Patti Tuck; son Michael (Patty) Tuck, granddaughters Jennifer (Ayhan) Lain and Katelyn Tuck, great granddaughter Hannah Lain, sister-in-law Skip, and dearest partner Delores “Dee” Fordyce.

In addition to his wife, Harold was preceded in death by his brother Don.

A celebration of his life for family and friends will be held at a later date.

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Gary T. Galusky Died July 4, 2018

Gary T. Galusky

Died July 4, 2018

SUTTONS BAY – Gary Thomas Galusky, 64, of Suttons Bay, passed away surrounded by loved ones on Wednesday, July 4, 2018, at Munson Medical Center.

Gary was born May 16, 1954 in Dearborn, Michigan.  On Oct. 1, 1993, in Lake Tahoe, Nevada, he married his dearest wife of almost 25 years, Corinne (Dubois) Galusky, who survives him.

Gary was known for his quick wit and wild sense of humor.  He could find a joke in any situation.  He also had a generosity toward people and would always help a friend in need.  He loved to make friends, and once you were his friend, he would always try to keep in touch.  He appreciated every friend he had and never took anyone for granted.  

Gary had a love of cooking, but classic rock-n-roll was his true love.  He would travel the United States and parts of Europe to attend concerts, England being his favorite place.  His cooking skills were exceptional, making gourmet foods from relatively few ingredients.

Gary enjoyed a 27-year career with Ameritech, first as an operator and eventually as a sales manager with the Yellow Pages division.  His favorite position was as a sales trainer.  After taking an early retirement in 2000, he sold advertising for the Detroit Metro Times, and Save On Everything before moving north and working as an account executive with Business Book & Visitors Guide in Suttons Bay.  For the past eight years Gary enjoyed a career in radio sales with Northern Broadcasting and Black Diamond Broadcasting.  Most recently he accomplished a lifetime dream of hosting his own radio show Class Reunion with Peabody, on Classic Rock The Bear. 

Gary is survived by his loving wife, Corinne; his mother-in-law, Eleanor Dubois; and in-laws, Frank and Renee DiCristofaro, Steven and Stephanie Ashton, and Charles Dubois. He is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews; a sister, Gail Galusky; and his four-legged kids, Barkley and Havana; as well as many friends and work colleagues.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Irene; and his father-in-law, Charles Dubois.

A memorial celebration will be held at beginning at 10:00 a.m. with services beginning at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 14 at Leelanau Studios, 10781 E. Cherry Bend Road, Traverse City, Michigan.  

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Eugenia "Jean" T. Lawson, Died July 6, 2018

Jean T. Lawson

Died July 6, 2018

SUTTONS BAY - Eugenia “Jean” Theresa Lawson, 99, of Suttons Bay passed away Friday, July 6, 2018 in MediLodge of Leelanau.  She recently celebrated her 99th birthday.

Jean was born June 13, 1919, in Cedar, the daughter of Stanley J. and Mary E. (Darga) Peplinski.  In 1942 in St. Angelo Texas she married Glendon E. Lawson who preceded her in death on March 29, 1991.  She loved waltzing with Glenn and playing cards.

Jean was well known for her cooking and baking skills.  She would make toffee, peanut brittle, and in June, strawberry pies.  Her family, friends in the county, loved ones and friends across the country would get packages of her homemade delights.  Even today, the folks that work with her kids still remark on the office getting one of her special packages.

She loved to polka, play cribbage, and occasionally enjoy a good Manhattan now and then. Jean was a lady of strong faith who loved her church.  She was a eucharistic minister and lector at St. Michael’s Parish of Suttons Bay.  Later at MediLodge of Leelanau she prayed the rosary and delivered communion.

Jean is survived by her seven children, Lee (Peg) Lawson, Larry (Shirley) Lawson, Leonard (Lou) Lawson, James Lawson, Thomas (Cindy) Lawson, Marcia Edinger, Marie Corwin; two siblings, Margaret Skeba, Rita Gomes; eleven grandchildren, Angela, Tony, Heidi Lawson, Tonya, Matthew Lawson, Josh Lawson, Jamie, Sierra Brooks, Troy, Robert Corwin, Chad Steimel; many loving great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; and her good friends, Maxine, Ruth Ann, and Mary Margaret.

She was preceded in death by her parents; ten siblings, Betty Zielinski, Stanley Peplinski, Sue Garthe, Theresa Peplinski, Benedict Peplinski, Clement Peplinski, Edwin Peplinski, Leona Kasben, Sophia Laskey, John Peplinski: and a son, Dennis Lawson, at the age of 3.

Visitation will be held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, July 11, at the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay with the Rosary to be Prayed at 7 p.m.  The mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Thursday, July 12, at St. Michael’s Church of Suttons Bay.  Burial in St. Michael’s Cemetery will follow.  Father Leonard Paul will serve as celebrant.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Michael’s Church, PO Box 9, Suttons Bay, MI 49682 and/or to Mass Intentions.

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William "Billy" Cabinaw, Died July 3, 2018

William “Billy” Cabinaw

Died July 3, 2018

William “Billy” Cabinaw, 63, of Peshawbestown, went to meet his ancestors on July 3, 2018 at the Medilodge of Grand Traverse County.

Billy was born on a cold, but nice Thursday, February 24, 1955, in Petoskey, the son of Mary (Sineway) Cabinaw.

As the nursery rhyme says, “Thursday’s child has far to go”, and Billy did. After graduating from Mancelona High School in ’73, he served with distinction in the US Navy as a S.E.A.L., then onto the oil well drilling rigs in the Gulf of Mexico, but his heart was always in Northern Michigan.

The great outdoors was his favorite place to be, and while enjoyed hunting and fishing, his interests were far more varied. As a skilled orator, he always spoke his mind and was multilingual – fluent in both sarcasm and bs. He was also an accomplished guitarist and artist.

Billy was a proud member of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians. He spent many hours traveling and enjoying the company of his fellow tribal members and Elders.

Billy would want all of his family and friends not to weep, but to be honest and share his stories and to experience life to the fullest as he did.

Billy is survived by his brother, Joseph L. (Gloria) Cabinaw; his sister, Rosemary (Sissypoo) Knapp; his half-sisters, Linda Gasco, Patti Gasco-Predville, Dee Gasco; his stunningly beautiful companion, Jann Lindley, as well as dozens of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and great-great-nieces and nephews.

Awaiting his arrival are his sweet and gracious grandmother, Louise Sineway, his beautiful mother, Mary Sineway, and his great-big-bear of a brother, Henry Sineway.

Cremation has taken place; a memorial luncheon will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 14 at the Elders Complex in Peshawbestown.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Wounded Warrior Project, Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8517.

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Thomas P. Stretlien, Died July 1, 2018

Thomas P. Stretlien

Died July 1, 2018

Lake Leelanau – Thomas Peter Stretlien, 86, of Lake Leelanau passed away July 1, 2018 at home surrounded by his loving family after a several year battle with lung and esophageal cancer.

Thomas was born March 15, 1932 in Detroit, the son of Ole and Julie (Hongseth) Stretlien.  On August 2, 1952, he married Lois A. Fiedler, who survives.

Tom served in the US Navy from May 1953 to May 1955.  He began his working life at General Motors in 1955 as an Apprentice Wood Model Maker and earned his Journeyman certification.  He was an active UAW member and in 1967 joined the staff of the UAW as an International Representative specializing in benefit plans.  He retired from the UAW and GM in 1982.

After many years of living in Royal Oak, Tom and Lois realized a lifelong dream in 1992 and made a permanent move to their cottage in Lake Leelanau.  The ensuing years were the happiest of their lives.  They gradually improved the cottage, adding a master bedroom suite, a dining room and a sewing room for Lois’ quilting projects.

Tom became an active, valued member of his community by becoming involved with the Sons of Norway and his church.  In particular, he became very involved with golf, acting as the leader of the senior golf league at Matheson Green and then Bahle Farms.  It was on the golf course where Tom formed some of his most lasting and meaningful friendships with good men including “the General”, Ivan and his golf partner Bernie.  His sons Tom, Mike and Mark also enjoyed many outings with their father and his golf buddies on the senior league.

Tom was an avid investigator of his Norwegian heritage and established connections with the Stretlien clan in Norway that last to this day.  These connections resulted in a wonderful trip to Folldal in 1989 and several visits by Norwegian relatives to the Leelanau peninsula including a visit from his cousins Vivian and Marian in the last few weeks.

Thomas is survived by his loving wife of sixty-five years, Lois Stretlien; his children, Thomas (Ellen) Stretlien, Mark Stretlien, and Michael Stretlien; his brother, John (Janet) Stretlien; nephew Chris, niece Janette and many special friends and family in Folldal, Norway, Lake Leelanau and Royal Oak, MI.

Thomas was preceded in death by his parents, Ole and Julie (Hongseth) Stretlien, and his brother, Alan Stretlien.

Visitation will be held from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay on Friday, July 6.   The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. at the Suttons Bay Congregational Church on Saturday, July 7 with the family greeting friends at 10 a.m.  A luncheon at the church will follow.  Burial in Glen Eden Cemetery, Livonia will be held at a later date.  Reverend Dr. Robin Carden will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Suttons Bay Congregational Church, PO Box 70, Suttons Bay, MI 49682 and/or Munson Hospital’s Cowell Family Cancer Center, 1150 Medical Campus Drive, Traverse City, MI 49684

  

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