Bernard C. Rink, Died November 29, 2018

Bernard C. Rink

Died Nov. 29, 2018

LAKE LEELANAU -- Leelanau County wine pioneer Bernie Rink, died Nov. 29, 2018, surrounded by family and friends. He was 92.

According to the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail, “Leelanau’s wine industry ignited in 1970 when Bernie Rink planted 15 acres of grapevines and opened Boskydel Vineyard, Leelanau’s first tasting room.”

On July 7, 2018, Rink was honored by a Boskydel Tribute, a collaboration between Good   Harbor Vineyards, Mawby Vineyards and Winery and Bel Lago Vineyards, each of whom crafted a tribute wine from Boskydel grapes.  According to MyNorth News Service, “Rink, who closed Boskydel Vineyard last year at the age of 91, was the first in Northern Michigan to grow commercial wine grapes and Leelanau Peninsula’s first bonded winery.  Rink planted his vineyard in 1964 and opened Boskydel tasting room in 1976.”

In addition to his pioneer work in the wine industry, Rink, with generous help from Gene Power and Will Munnecke, was instrumental in bringing Inuit art to northern Michigan.  In his role as library director at Northwestern Michigan College, a post he held for 30 years, Rink conducted an annual Inuit Art Sale, beginning in 1960.  The proceeds from the sale were used to fund purchases of Inuit art for the permanent Inuit art gallery, which exists today at the Dennos Museum on campus.

Rink was born in Avon, Ohio in 1926. He attended John Carroll University and Case Western University, where he obtained a master’s degree in Library Science.

Surviving are his children Jim (Karen) Rink, David (Sandi) Rink, Tom Rink, Chris (Sue) Rink and Andy (Myra-Oliver) Rink; six grandchildren, Beth, Paul, Jake, Matt, Tim and Katie; sister Dorothy Grant, brother Ted (Marita) Rink and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his wife Suzanne and brother Carl Rink, brother-in-law Jim Grant and sister-in-law Rita Rink.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 7 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 Saturday, Dec. 8 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 Carmelite Monastery, 3501 Silver Lake Road, Traverse City, MI 49684-8949 and/or St. Mary’s Church, PO Box 340, Lake Leelanau, MI 49653

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Donald E. Schwendemann, Died November 24, 2018

Donald E. Schwendemann

Died Nov. 24, 2018

SUTTONS BAY – Donald E. Schwendemann died Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018 at home.

He was born in Otho, Iowa on May 21, 1919 on his great grandfather Lundgren’s farm.  Don was the son of Francis and Mildred (Lundgren) Schwendemann.

After attending Iowa State University and graduating with a degree in agriculture engineering, Don enlisted in the US Naval Reserve on December 6, 1941 and graduated from officer Boot camp at Notre Dame.  The USNR sent him to midshipmen’s School aboard the USS Prairie docked in New York City and afterwards to Diesel Engineering Training at Penn State.

Donald served as an instructor in Diesel engines at Experimental Diesel Engine School, Richmond VA, University of California and GM Institute of Technology in Flint, Michigan.  From there he advanced to mine sweep training in Honolulu, Hawaii.

His naval career extended until after V-J Day 1945 sweeping mines out in Tushima Straits, Korea as a staff member of the Naval Task Force - Japan Inland Seas aboard the USS Inaugural & the USS Cowie.  His military service was one of the high points of his early youth and life.

The day after Don “retired” from the Navy (July 17, 1946), he secured a position in Detroit Michigan with General Motors/Detroit Diesel Division where he travelled extensively as a Diesel engine representative.

He was married to Barbara November 13, 1948 after being introduced by a fellow GM colleague (Barbara’s brother Robert Brueck).  The family lived in Northville, Michigan until 1969 when Donald  departed GM Diesel and bought into Reef Baker Corporation as an owner; eventually serving as CEO & President of the company in Marine City, MI.  Donald and Barbara finally retired to homes in Rochester, Michigan and later to Suttons Bay, Michigan.

Favorite activities of Donald’s were: the Detroit Economic Club (lifetime member), United States Circumnavigators Club, Michigan Opera, Suttons Bay Rotary and International Foreign Affairs in Traverse City.  His main mantra was to restore USA business & manufacturing.  Everyone who knew him was aware of his avid interest in economics and conservative politics.  He enjoyed many conversations and companionship on these topics at his VI Grill coffee club gatherings.

Donald is survived by his brother, Leroy Schwendemann (Lehigh, IA) and his daughter Sandra K Schwendemann (Suttons Bay), and grandson Scott Francis Schwendemann and wife Brittany and their two children Makayla & Jacob (New Zealand).

He was predeceased by his two sisters, Kathleen Horn (Sarasota, FL) and Marianne Fuhrmeister (Birmingham AL), his wife Barbara Brueck Schwendemann, his daughter Sheryl L Schwendemann (New Zealand) and the Brueck family (niece Barbara Shubel, and nephews George & Jim Brueck plus their respective families.

Funeral Services are scheduled at the Suttons Bay Congregational Church on Tuesday, December 4, 2018 with visitation at 10:00 followed by a service at 11:00 and lunch at noon.

Memorials may be directed to Suttons Bay Congregational Church, PO Box 70, Suttons Bay, MI 49682; or Suttons Bay- Bingham Fire & Rescue, PO Box 280, Suttons Bay, MI 49682 and/or a charity of your choice.

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James T. Stacy, Died November 26, 2018

James Thomas Stacy

October 8, 1950 ~ November 26, 2018

James Thomas Stacy passed away peacefully at home in Lake Leelanau on November 26, 2018.

He was born October 8, 1950 in Schenectady, New York to the late Mary Jane Stoker Stacy and the late Richard Thomas Stacy.

James grew up in Piqua, Ohio and graduated from Piqua Central High School in 1969.  He attended Miami University in Oxford, OH and graduated from Colorado University in 1974.  He had a career as a realtor in North West Michigan with Coldwell Banker Schmidt Realtors until retiring in 2016.

Jim was married to Rebecca Rea Stacy who was a partner in the real estate business as well as in life.

Jim had a passion for music, good friends, family, his pets and the Detroit Tigers.  He moved to Leelanau County in 1979 with his wife Becky to restore a historic inn known as Birchcroft on North Lake Leelanau, the Stacy Family gathered at the lake every summer for many years of fun and good memories.  He suffered from multiple sclerosis for 37 years but fought it every step of the way. 

Jim is survived by wife Rebecca, his brother  Thomas Ford Stacy II of Ottawa, OH; and sisters S. Stacy VanStone of West Chester, OH and Lynne (Nick) Stacy McMahon of Powell, OH and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at a date to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation at msfocus.org

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Patricia A. Pleva, Died Nov. 25, 2018

Patricia A. Pleva

Died Nov. 25, 2018

CEDAR -- Patricia Ann “Pat” Pleva left this world to be with her Heavenly Father on November 25, 2018 at the age of 87, surrounded by her loving family.

Pat was born Christmas Day, 1930, to Sue (Mikowski) Dobson.  Her father passed away before she was born.  As a child, Pat lived with her maternal grandparents, Charles and Nettie Mikowski, while her mother worked in Detroit.

She attended Holy Rosary School with her best friend Cecilia Pleva (Dunklow) who later introduced her brother, Richard “Richie” Pleva, Pat’s future husband.  They were married June 10th, 1950 at Holy Rosary Church and shared fifty-seven loving years together.

Pat and Richie cherished their four adopted children—Dale (Katrina), Denise (Fred Campbell), Duane (Tricia), and Tina (Nicholas Kohler), and were always available for their grandchildren who were able to walk to Nanna’s and Pappa’s house at the center of the family property.

Pat was an incredibly hard worker her entire life.  Once, during a snowstorm, she had her son drive her to work on a snowmobile rather than take the day off.  In her younger years she worked on her grandparent’s farm.  After their marriage, she and Richie worked together on the family cherry farm, where she drove forklift, pulled tarp, and managed the family household.

Pat was a wonderful cook and after her kids were older, she was proud to share her gift as a Pantry Chef and Supervisor at Sugar Loaf Resort until it closed.  She then worked at Bunting’s Market where she made her famous salads.  At home, she made sure there was always something good to eat and drink attracting her kid’s friends and later her grandchildren.

Pat was involved at Holy Rosary Church for many years. She was a member of their Rosary Society, served as a Sacristan and helped decorate the church, a job she loved.  Pat enjoyed gardening as well as attracting beautiful birds to her yard…she fed them well too.

In her later years, Pat experienced much happiness with her fellow residents, their families and the incredible caregivers at Cherry Hill Haven.  She prayed and spoke of Heaven daily which brought peace and joy to those around her, an example of how she faced challenges in life only to turn them into blessings for others.

She is survived by her four children and their spouses; twelve grandchildren; eight step-grandchildren; and thirteen great-grandchildren as well as her Peekapoo, Buster.  

Pat was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Richard; and her grandsons, Matthew and Jacob James Pleva.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 27 with the Rosary to be prayed at 7 p.m. at the Holy Rosary Church of Cedar.  The funeral mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 28 also at Holy Rosary Church.  Burial in Mt. Calvary Cemetery will follow.  Father Donald Libby and Father Brad Nursey will serve as co-celebrants.

Memorials may be directed to Holy Rosary Church, 6982 S. Schomberg Rd, Cedar, MI 49621 and/or Cherry Hill Haven, 4885 North Long Lake Rd, Traverse City, MI 49684.

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Stephen M. Thompson, Died Nov. 25, 2018

Stephen M. Thompson

Died Nov. 25, 2018

CEDAR – Stephen Michael Thompson, 59, lived a full life until he passed on November 25, 2018.

Steve was born on March 23, 1959 to Harold Robert Thompson (deceased 1998) and Ruth Ann (Keith N. deceased 2001) Smith.  Steve was born in Traverse City and grew up in Cedar.

He attended Holy Rosary School as did all seven of his siblings: Janice (Sean) Barr, (John Thompson -deceased 1984) , Edward Thompson , Mary Lou (Todd) Rachel, Victoria Nicholls, Donald Thompson and Christine Thompson.  Steve graduated from Glen Lake High School in 1977 where he learned welding skills from Traverse City Career Tech Center.

Steve developed a strong work ethic from his family beginning with a rural paper route as a young boy.  As a boy scout, Steve and a fellow scout planted 10,000 pine tree seedlings on a clear-cut hill in Leelanau County.  During his high school years, he worked alongside his father at Thompson Well Drilling, was employed as a welder at Sugar Loaf Mountain and did construction work at Flowers Construction and Grand Traverse Log Homes.

The more difficult the job, the more creativity Steve employed.  He wasn’t afraid to tackle any job.  This was especially evident as he traveled south to Florida doing a variety of different jobs and north to Wisconsin where he spent eight years working with maintenance and mowing of the course at Lapeer Grand Valley Golf Course.

Music was a large part of Steve’s life.  He learned to play the accordion by watching his motions in a mirror to imitate his mother’s accomplished playing.  Steve took his love of music to many places playing with his siblings as “The Thompson Polka Kids" and with friends in “Cabin Fever” where they once played music on a floating slab of ice.

Steve came from a long line of storytellers.  Many of his stories have been published in “Speak Up Zine” and “TC Street Voices", magazines sold on the street in Traverse City. An accomplished writer and poet Steve once wrote, “A person can listen./Or talk./It’s important to me to do both./I will say this./As a group,/Sitting/Sharing/As a family/So many stories being told/So many memories remembered./Do we forget?/Not for now./I cherish these few minutes to think/And write/Then perhaps talk./I want to thank you/For listening to me.”

Quiet was what Steve enjoyed on a lake with a fishing pole, in a tree blind with a rifle, on the golf course, or sharing a beer with a friend.  Steve's legacy is the people whose lives he touched and through them the hard times were blessed.

He is survived by his Godparents at Baptism, Ray and Julie Watkoski, many relatives, nieces and nephews, and extended family of Kieth’s.

Steve will be interned at Holy Rosary Cemetery where his father, brother John and baby sister Karen are buried and grandparents, Ed and Irene Fleis.  Others who predeceased him are a grandmother, Josephine Byrne and Leonard and Anna Armstrong; who were like grandparents to him and his siblings.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 30 with the Rosary to be prayed at 7 p.m. at the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.  The mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 1 with the family greeting friends at 10 a.m. at the Holy Rosary Church of Cedar.  Burial in Mt. Calvary Cemetery will be announced in the spring.  Father Donald Libby will serve as celebrant.

Memorials may be directed to Safe Harbor, 517 Wellington St, Traverse City, MI 49686 and/or The Thompson/Smith Family, PO Box 159, Suttons Bay, MI 49682.

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Susan Putnam, Died November 7, 2018

Susan Putnam
1931 ~ 2018

Susan Putnam, of Glen Arbor, passed away peacefully on November 7, 2018, at her home surrounded by her family.

Susan was born on July 29, 1931 to William and Helen Roesser in Buffalo, New York.  She attended Colby Junior College and completed her education at the University of Michigan in 1953 with a BA degree in Education.  Susan met her husband Jack on a blind date at the University of Michigan in 1953 and married June 29, 1954.  They raised their children Peter, Jeffrey and Wendy in Birmingham, and retired and moved to Glen Arbor in 1999.

 Susan enriched her life by helping others and volunteering in her community.  She volunteered in the Glen Lake Schools, was a member of the Friends Board of Glen Lake Library, and a member of the Glen Lake Garden Club and Glen Arbor Women’s Club.  Sue loved being with her friends from the hiking group, the “biker chicks” and book club.  Her interests included gardening, tennis, golf, reading and entertaining.

Susan’s greatest love was her family including husband Jack, children, Peter (Leslie) of San Diego, CA, Jeffrey (1957-1978), Wendy (Michael) Pierce of Chagrin Falls, OH.  She was an extraordinarily loving and caring “Grammy Sue” to Andie and Alyssa Putnam and Jeffrey and Ryan Pierce.  She is also survived by her sister Sally Johnston of Philadelphia, PA.

 Susan will be remembered for her selfless and caring nature, and thoughtfulness, grace and strength that touched so many people in so many ways.

A private family service will be held.

Please consider memorial contributions in Susan’s name to the Friends of The Glen Lake Community Library, PO Box 325, Empire, or the Glen Arbor Arts Center, PO Box 305 Glen Arbor.

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Willard A. Schaub, Died November 13, 2018

Willard A. Schaub

Died Nov. 13, 2018

LAKE LEELANAU -- Willard August Schaub, 86, of Lake Leelanau, died Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2018 at Munson Medical Center.

Willard was born on January 30, 1932 in Centerville Township, the son of August and Clara (Harp) Schaub.  In September of 1960 in Sharonville, OH, he married Barbara May Bates, who preceded him in death on October 12, 1992.

Willard grew up during the Depression Era, and it greatly shaped the person he was. When he was 19, he joined the Coast Guard, serving from 1951 in the Korean War, until honorably discharged in 1959.  After serving, he worked construction in Ohio, building the Eisenhower International Highways.  Later, he moved to Leelanau County, working at Burwoods Products, and had a beef and cherry farm.

Always joking and happy, Willard had a good attitude towards life.  He loved to play in euchre and black jack tournaments and was whiz at checkers.  He enjoyed deer hunting, fishing, and gardening.  Willard made it a point to not only feed his family this way, but to always grow extra and give fruits and vegetables to those he knew.

Willard was a hard worker; he grew up poor and made a life for himself.  He instilled his good work ethic into his children.  He would often tell them things like, “make a bad job good and a good job better” and “when you’re working, don’t worry about the other guy, worry about yourself”.  He took great pride in all of his kids accomplishments (especially when they got a deer) and was always interested in what activities they were up to.  A greater family man there never was; he loved seeing his grandkids and spending time with them. 

Willard is survived by his children, Gregory (Marilyn Fortuna) Schaub of Lake Leelanau, Kenneth (Febra) Schaub of Grand Rapids, Michael (Cory) Schaub of Lake Leelanau, and Eric (Julana) Schaub of Maple City; his grandchildren, Justinamay, August, Jerry, Mackenzie, Adrienne, Liberty, Emma and Ethan; his siblings, Dorothy Reicha, Leona Salisbury, Mildred Bruekheis, Gladys (Paul) Dover, Irene (Jim) Hawkins, Albert Schaub and Ralph (Jose) Schaub.

He was preceded in death by his darling wife, Barbara; a sister in infancy, Francis; his siblings, Theodore (Pauline) Schaub and Rosaline (Jack) Kiessel; his brother inlaws, Julian (Dorothy) Reicha, Guy (Leona) Salisbury, Jarvis (Mildred) Bruekheis, and Kenneth (Vivian) Bates.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 19 with the Rosary to be prayed at 7 p.m. at the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay. The funeral mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 20 at St. Mary’s Church, Lake Leelanau, with the family greeting friends at 10 a.m.  Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery.  Fr. Bryan Medlin will serve as celebrant.

As he was a member of St. Mary’s Parish, and always supporting the church and the school, the family would like memorial donations to be directed to St. Mary’s Church and/or St. Mary’s School, both PO Box 340, Lake Leelanau, MI 49653.

The family would like to give special thanks to Marilyn Fortuna for helping take care of Willard.

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Norma D. Sisson, Died October 20, 2018

                       

Norma Dale Buchanan Sisson

Died October 20, 2018

Surrounded by her loving family, Norma Dale Buchanan Sisson passed away peacefully in Northport, Michigan on October 20, 2018. She was 93 years old. 

Norma was born in Mamaroneck, New York on May 18,1925 to Marion Addington (Hutchings) and Norman Arlington Buchanan who immigrated from Nova Scotia. She grew up in a loving household in challenging times. She learned responsibility at an early age and helped raise her brother Bruce who was born when she was 11 years old. She met her husband, Dale Rufus Sisson, in Potsdam, NY where Norma graduated from the State Teachers College. They were married in Larchmont, NY in September 1947 and spent nearly 65 years together until Dale’s death in 2012. Starting their life in Manhattan, NY, they moved to Rye, NY for a brief period and eventually settled in Stamford, CT where they raised their family of 4 children and lived for 39 years.

Norma was active in the community and politics serving as president of a number of organizations, teacher in her church’s Sunday school and leader in the Girl Scouts.

In 1965 she became an elementary school teacher for the Stamford Public School system. She found her passion in helping children with special needs and during a sabbatical went on to earn her masters in Special Education. Upon returning, she nurtured and enriched her students’ lives as a Special Education teacher until she retired in 1985. Throughout her life, she offered compassion and advice to children in need and, at times, even a place to live.

Through the years, Norma and Dale loved to travel, attend Dartmouth College reunions, and spend time in Sedona, AZ. They always found time to visit family and friends along the way. In 1994, Norma and Dale retired to the family’s summer retreat in Northport Point, MI and made it their full-time residence. Her insistence on building a beautiful addition to the family cottage created space for her growing family and allowed them to experience the beauty of Northport Point. Known to all as “Gammer”, she developed loving relationships with Pointers of all generations. Her willingness to share her passions of gardening, knitting, sewing, baking and cooking contributed to many traditions and memories through the years. Above all else, she cherished her summers with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Norma is survived by her children Dale Sisson Lersch (Sean Cronin) of West Hartford, CT; Roxana Sisson Wieland (P. Andrew) of Northport Point, MI; Rufus Lasher Sisson II (Judy) of Chesterfield, MO and Abigail Sisson Olsen (Norman) of Bethel, CT as well as 13 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.

Norma was preceded in death by her husband Dale Rufus Sisson and her brother Bruce Murdoch Buchanan. 

Family and friends will celebrate her rich life at a memorial service at Northport Point next summer.

The family suggests that gifts in Norma's memory be sent to the Atwill Memorial Chapel Association, 105 N. Northcott Drive, Northport, MI 49670. 

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Timothy J. Kehl, Died November 10, 2018

Timothy J. Kehl

Died Nov. 10, 2018

NORTHPORT - Timothy Jon Kehl, 71, of Northport passed away Friday, Nov. 10, 2018 at home with his wife, family and friends at his side.

Tim was born March 11, 1947 in Traverse City; the son of Edward N. Kehl and Vida J. Skelly.  On Jan. 19, 1984 in Traverse City he married Vicki L. (Forsman) Kehl, who survives.

Tim graduated from Northport High School and then served his nation in the U.S. Army.  He earned a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University.  Later he returned to his home town and served as the Village President.  Being the “Mayor of Northport” was something he was very proud of and he truly enjoyed serving on the village council.

Tim then spent a professional life-time in the merchant marines serving on our great lakes.  He earned his way up the ranks and achieved the rank of Captain.  He spent 20 years as a Merchant Marine Captain.  Many times he would take his children and friends on his merchant ship.

When back home he loved playing basketball with his children or a game of catch.  The family has fond memories of vacations to Florida, especially the Florida Keys.  Tim loved his MSU Spartan athletics, especially the basketball program.  He loved a good joke, visiting with friends and sharing stories.

He was his son’s best friend; he brought joy to his family’s life and will be deeply missed.

Tim is survived by his loving wife of thirty-four years, Vicki; his mother, Vida; his three children, John (Kelly) Kehl, Matt Kehl, Kristen Marie Kehl; his siblings, Willard Horn, Chris (Susan) Kehl; and many loving nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his father, Edward, two siblings, Jim (Donna) Horn, Gary Horn and a daughter, Melissa Kehl.

Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 13 at the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.  The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 14 also at the funeral home.  Burial in Leelanau Township Cemetery will follow the service.

Memorials may be directed to Munson Home Hospice, 1105 Sixth Street, Traverse City, MI 49684 and/or Autism Centers of Michigan, 1363 Douglas Rd, Traverse City, MI 49686.

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Lenora Mae Gilland Died Nov. 7, 2018

Lenora M. Gilland

Died Nov. 7, 2018

LAKE LEELANAU – Lenora Mae Gilland, 79, of Lake Leelanau, died Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2018 at her home with family and pets by her side. 

Lenora was born on June 4, 1939 in Muskegon, the daughter of Riley and Hilda (Harper) Botruff. On April 7, 1957, also in Muskegon, she married Kyran J. Gilland, who survives.

Lenora attended Reeths Puffer School in Muskegon. Lenora worked at Leelanau Memorial Hospital Long Term Care for 28 years. She began working there in 1976 as a Nurse’s Aide. In 1989, Lenora became the unit clerk on Long Term and she continued in that position until the hospital closed in 2004. Lenora was a huge Detroit Tigers fan. In 2006 she made her first trip to Comerica Park. She and her daughter, Melinda, continued that tradition for many years. Lenora was also a fan of both the men's and women's Spartan basketball teams. She loved to play cards and Yahtzee. Lenora particularly loved the fall. She traveled to Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine one year for the color tour. She was an avid reader and loved doing jigsaw puzzle. She also enjoyed traveling with her husband in his semi. Most of all, Lenora loved her family and her pets, Boozer and Barney. Lenora had an extended family of people who considered her to be their second mother.

In addition to her husband, Lenora is survived by children, Terry Gilland, Janet Schneider, Melinda Gilland, and “adopted” daughter, Jane Lang; seven grandchildren, Kimberly, Ryan, Justin, Kirsten, Tiffany, Alex, Travis, and CJ; five great-grandchildren, Arloa, Hunter, Bentley, Aubrey, Johnathon, and Ben.

She was preceded in death by sons, Jimmy and David Gilland; grandsons, Kyran Lee and David Lee, Jr.; sisters, Bev and Vida; and brothers, Charles and Leslie.

Visitation will be held on Friday, Nov. 9, 2018 from 5 to the 7 p.m. rosary at Martinson Funeral Home, Suttons Bay. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018 at 11 a.m. also at the funeral home. Deacon Martin Korson will serve as celebrant. Interment at St. Mary cemetery will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be directed to Traverse Bay Children’s Advocacy Center, 2000 Chartwell Drive, Suite 3, Traverse City, MI 49696.

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Johanna L. Kiessel Died Nov. 1, 2018

Johanna L. Kiessel

1981 ~ 2018

The angels came to take Johanna “Hanna” Louise Kiessel, 37, of Suttons Bay, to heaven to be with the Lord on Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018. 

Hanna was born Jan. 29, 1981 in Northport, the daughter of Victor and Janice Sue Kiessel.  Hanna is the spouse of Otto “Bill” Mork, who survives.  Johanna graduated Suttons Bay High School class of 1999.   She earned an associate’s degree from Northwestern Michigan College.  She spent most of her working years in childcare and in the medical assistant field.

Her oldest son described her best as a “loving, caring, and compassionate person.  She always put her family first no matter the circumstances.”   When she wasn’t with family, Hanna enjoyed photography, cooking, and writing.    

In addition to her husband, Bill, Hanna is survived by four children, Jordan, Ayden, Nathan, and Remington; two stepsons, Blaise and Otto; her parents, her sister, Jennifer (Jim) Grant; her brother, Jeremy Kiessel; godmother, Jan Kiessel; in-laws, Butch and Pam Mork and Peter Mork; many aunts, uncles, cousins, niece, nephews, and countless close friends.

She was proceeded in death by her grandparents, Frank and Rita Kiessel and Leo and Marilyn Stallman; and her godfather, Don Kiessel.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Leland, from 10 a.m. until the 12 Noon funeral service.  Rev. Joshua LaFeve will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to Fifth Third Bank c/0 Johanna Kiessel Memorial Fund for medical and final expenses, P.O. Box 338, Suttons Bay, MI 49682.

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