Gregory L. Detweiler, Died December 29, 2018

Gregory L. Detweiler

Died Dec. 29, 2018

NORTHPORT – Gregory Lynn Detweiler, 65, of Northport, passed away Saturday, Dec. 29,2018 at home.

Greg was born May 17, 1953 in Dayton, Ohio the son of John Mark Detweiler and Luetta Fern (Gusler) Detweiler.  On June 13, 1981, he married the love of his life, Pamela Jean (Eggert) Detweiler in Northport at the Eggert Family Farm.

Greg started and for years owned and operated Detweiler Construction.  He loved hunting, fishing, sports, and spending time with his family.  He especially loved his University of Michigan sports and the Detroit Tigers.  He coached Northport boys’ baseball and was a devoted member of the Northport Sportsmen Club.

The family has fond memories of the many trips they took together over the years, including trips to the Upper Peninsula, the Grand Canyon and several cruises.  He loved his family and friends and will be deeply missed by them all.

Greg is survived by his wife of thirty-seven years, Pam; his parents, John and Luetta Detweiler; his two children, Stacia Lynn (Thomas) Erlandson, Shane Gregory (Morgan) Detweiler; three siblings, Kevin Detweiler, Cindy Williams, Randy (Joy) Detweiler; and two grandchildren, Kayden and Kenzie Erlandson.

He was preceded in death by a grandson, Camden J. Erlandson.

A celebration of Greg’s life will be held from 1-4 pm, on Friday January 4th at the Shady Trails Camp main lodge.

Memorials may be directed to Northport Sportsmen Club, PO Box 373, Northport, MI 49670 and/or Scott Brow Fishing Derby, PO Box 373, Northport, MI 49670.

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Geraldine "Gerry" M. Belanger, Died December 29, 2018

Geraldine M. Belanger

Died Dec. 29, 2018

LAKE LEELANAU – Geraldine Marie Belanger, 93, of Lake Leelanau, passed away Saturday, Dec. 29, 2018 in Traverse City.

Geraldine “Gerry” was born Feb. 17, 1925 in Traverse City the daughter of Alfred and Martha (Couturier) Lamie.  On June 1, 1948 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church she married Albert J. “Bert” Belanger who preceded her in death on Jan. 8, 1999.

Gerry was a life-long resident of Leelanau and Grand Traverse counties.  For years she worked at Trude Hardware store on Front Street in downtown Traverse City and also at Underwood Farm Market.  She was a member of St. Mary’s Parish of Lake Leelanau and a member of the St. Mary’s Quilters.

She loved her family and friends, enjoyed playing card games and jig saw puzzles.  Gerry hand crafted rosaries, her skills with fixing anything with duct tape are legendary.  She had a quick wit and sense of humor, so much; that her grandchildren called these “grandma-isms.”  Good fortune seemed to surround Gerry, having won a car, numerous chicken dinner quilts and lottery wins over her lifetime. Call it luck or blessings, she had an abundance.

Gerry was a lady of faith and family and they treasure the memories of “Geraldine the dancing queen, prettiest girl I’ve ever seen.”

The family expresses their deepest thanks to Hospice of Michigan for the wonderful care of our Gerry.

Gerry is survived by her four children, twin daughters, Janet Belanger of Traverse City, Joyce Chupp of Traverse City, Kenneth (Virginia) Belanger of Cedar, Timothy (Katherine) Belanger of Suttons Bay; two siblings, Harriet Courtade of Traverse City, Samuel Lamie of Traverse City; three grandchildren, Scott (Tiffany) Chupp, Shea and Fran Belanger; six great grandchildren, Taylor Chupp, Kodie Chupp, Joyce (Joycie) Chupp, Ashley (Mitch) Alexander, Sarah Cochrane, Tyler Cochrane; and three great great grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her husband of fifty years, Albert; her parents Alfred and Martha; her sisters, Margaret Lamie and Jean Eva Warren; a brother, James Lamie; her in laws, Donald Courtade, Phyllis Lamie and Keith Warren; grandson, Erich Blough and granddaughter, Robin Cochrane; and a son in law, Arthur Chupp.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. with a Rosary at 7 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 4 at the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.  The mass will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 5 with visitation at 9 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church of Lake Leelanau.  Burial in Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens will be held at after the service and church luncheon.  Father Bryan Medlin will serve as celebrant.

Memorials may be directed to Hospice of Michigan, 10850 E. Traverse Highway, Ste 115, Traverse City, MI 49684 and/or St. Mary’s Schools, PO Box 340, Lake Leelanau, MI 49653

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Betty D. Maynard, Died December 27, 2018

Betty D. Maynard

Died Dec. 27, 2018

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 11 at 11 a.m. at Suttons Bay Congregational Church for Betty Deane Maynard, 98, of Traverse City, who passed away Thursday, Dec. 27, 2018 in Traverse City.

Betty was born Nov. 28, 1920 in Cleveland, OH, the daughter of Harry and Irene (Cherryman) Harris.  Betty graduated from Cleveland Heights High School, where she met her future husband, Robert A. Maynard.  After high school Betty attended Wittenberg University, where she was a Chi Omega.  She also attended Ohio State University and graduated from the School of Education at what is now known as Case Western Reserve University.

On March 6, 1943, Betty and Bob were married and went to live near his army base in Tomas, Wisconsin.  Bob was sent overseas in September of 1944, and Betty returned to live with her parents in Cleveland.  She gave birth to their first daughter there, whom Bob did not see until she was thirteen months old upon his return from WWII.  Over their years together they had four more children.

Betty taught in the Grosse Pointe School system for 13 years.  At retirement, Betty and Bob moved to their home near Suttons Bay, Michigan which they had owned since 1969.  They were members of the Suttons Bay Congregational Church, which they served and loved.  She was a member of PEO and was instrumental in founding the first chapter in Leelanau County.

Betty leaves behind her husband of nearly 76 years; her four daughters:  Barbara J. Moeller (George), Jane Nichols (Carrol), Mollie Moody (Gerald), and Nancy Pyle (Michael); as well as nine grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. 

She was preceded in death by her son, Mark (Lorrie English), and her sister, Jeanne Roberts.

A memorial service will be announced in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to the Leelanau Christian Neighbors, PO Box 196, Lake Leelanau, MI 49653 and/or Suttons Bay Congregational Church, Attn: Music Program, PO Box 70, Suttons Bay, MI 49682.

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Daniel F. Brzezinski, Died December 24, 2018

Daniel F. Brzezinski

Died Dec. 24, 2018

CEDAR – Daniel “Danny” Francis Brzezinski, 81, of Cedar, passed away on Monday, Dec. 24, 2018 at Grand Traverse Pavilions surrounded by his loving family.

Danny was born August. 3, 1937 in Cedar at the family farm, the son of Andrew II and Lillian (Winowiecki) Brzezinski.  On September 1, 1956, at Immaculate Conception Church in Traverse City, he married Magdaline (Maggie) Ann (Worm) Brzezinski who survives.

Danny, raised to be a hard worker, started his career at the Traverse City Iron Works (TCIW) and at Zimmerman Construction.  He worked two jobs to support his family.  After 27 years, TCIW pulled out of Traverse City and he then began working for Carpenter Enterprise as an industrial maintenance mechanic, from where he retired at age 63.

In addition to his career, Danny was instrumental within his community as being a jack of all trades no matter what the task would be.  From changing oil in cars, helping people in the community with various construction projects and helping family members, he never shied away from any challenge.  

He obtained many of his construction skills through the help of Joseph Zeintek when building his own home. He passed this work ethic and many of these skills on to his five sons and their families.  Danny was a lifelong member of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church, the Ushers Club, and the Knights of Columbus.

In the community he was a founding member of the Cedar Hilltoppers Snowmobile Club, Cedar Chamber of Commerce and (because of the love of his Polish heritage) the Cedar Polka Fest.  He was also a member of the Cedar Volunteer Fire Department in which he was instrumental in coordinating the first rescue ambulance.

Danny was also just as passionate with his family activities including going to his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events.  His huge heart was evident in all the ways that he sought to be a part of their lives, even dropping everything at a moment’s notice to help them out.

Danny is survived by his wife, Maggie; his children, Allen, Duwayne (Linda), Dale (Darla), Jerome (Paula), Bryan (Rhonda), his siblings, Janette, Germaine, Nancy, Marci, Linda, Joseph, and David, thirteen grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren, and two great great children.

Danny was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings: Andy, Gary, Larry, Norma, Mary Beth, and Eleanor, and a grandson, Michael Brzezinski.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 26 with the Rosary to be prayed at 7 p.m. at the Holy Rosary Church of Cedar.  

The mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 27 also at Holy Rosary Church.  Burial will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.  Father Donald Libby will serve as celebrant.

Memorials may be directed to Holy Rosary Parish, 6982 S. Schomberg Rd, Cedar, MI 49621, and/or Cedar Fire Department, PO Box 74, Cedar, MI 49621

A special thanks to the great crew at the Grand Traverse Pavilions, and Hospice of Michigan.

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Edward Galla, Died December 17, 2018

Edward Galla
Died Dec. 17, 2018 

CEDAR – Edward Galla, 86, of Cedar, passed away on Dec. 17, 2018 at Cherry Hill Haven, Traverse City.

Edward was born on Oct. 19, 1932 in Centerville Twp., the son of Peter and Bernadine (Kabat) Galla.  On Aug. 11, 1956 at Holy Rosary Church, Isadore, he married Pauline E. Blonshine, who survives.

Ed attended Holy Rosary School and at the age of 17 enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and served during the Korean War.  After an honorable discharge, he used the G.I. Bill to attend school in Detroit for a couple of years before heading out to California in 1957, where he earned a bachelor’s in electronic engineering.  Ed was employed by Aero Jet Electoral Systems for 40 years.  During that time he assisted in doing government contracts.  After his retirement, together with his wife, they moved back to Cedar, Michigan.

Ed was a member of the Cedar Hilltoppers Snowmobile Club, the Cedar Chamber of Commerce, VFW, American Legion, and the Elks.  He loved baseball and football, enjoyed traveling, fishing, playing cards, polka dancing and parties.

In addition to his loving wife of 62 years, Ed is survived by his daughter, Deborah (Jimmer) Davis of Utah; his son, Ronald (Sherry) Galla of California; four grandchildren, James (Jenn Hubble) Davis, Hillary Davis, Alysha (Richard) Dugger, and Shelbie Copas; two great-grandchildren, Payton and Emma Dugger; brother, Leonard (Charlene) Galla; sister, Theresa Kulanda; sisters-in-law, Helen Galla and Jarda Woodruff.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Raymond Galla; brother-in-law, Fred Kulanda; and sister-in-law, Dorothy Sleeper.

A memorial mass will be announced and celebrated in the spring at Holy Rosary Church and burial at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Isadore.

Memorials may be directed to Holy Rosary Church, 6982 S. Schomberg Road Cedar, MI 49621; Cedar Fire & Rescue, PO Box 74, Cedar MI 49621; Cherry Hill Haven, 4885 N. Long Lake Road, Traverse City, MI 49684; and/or to Heartland Hospice, 4020 Copper Vw Suite 113, Traverse City, Mi 49684.

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Leonard A. Denoyer, Died December 11, 2018

Leonard A. Denoyer

Died Dec. 11, 2018

LAKE LEELANAU – Leonard Albin Denoyer, 93, of Lake Leelanau, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2018 at Grand Traverse Pavilions.

Leonard was born Sep. 10, 1925 in Lake Leelanau the son of Alfred and Clara (Bussey) Denoyer.  On Jan. 20, 1945 at St. Mary’s Church of Lake Leelanau, he married Phyllis (Couturier) Denoyer, who survives.

As a young man Leonard served his nation in the Army Air Corps seeing service during WWII.  Leonard was a gentle soul who never said a bad word about anyone in his life.  He had a green thumb and could grow anything in his garden.  He was known for his raspberries and beautiful flowers.  Leonard could fix anything. 

Leonard enjoyed dancing and was still dancing the polka even while in long term care.  He and Phyllis would square dance or polka.  He enjoyed hunting and fishing for enjoyment but also to provide for his family.  He loved collecting rocks.

He was a man of deep catholic faith, praying the Rosary and had a deep and unending love for his family.

Leonard is survived by his children, Kenneth (Bernadette) Denoyer, Carol (Jim) Beehler, Yvonne (Ken) Ruby, Dennis Denoyer, Steve (Pam) Denoyer, Amy (Bob) Thomas; numerous and loving grandchildren, great grandchildren and three great great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, all his siblings, a daughter in law, Judy Denoyer, and two grandsons, Scott and Brian Denoyer.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. with the rosary to be prayed at 7 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 17 at the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.  The mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 18 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 announced in the spring.  Fr. Bryan Medlin will serve as celebrant.

Memorials may be directed to Hospice of Michigan, 10850 E. Traverse Highway, Ste 115, Traverse City, MI 49684 and/or St. Mary’s Church, PO Box 340, Lake Leelanau, MI 49653

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Karen J. Laskey, Died December 11, 2018

Karen J. Laskey
Died December 11, 2018

CEDAR -- Karen Jean Laskey left this world to be with her Father in Heaven on December 11, 2018 at the age of 77.  She was surrounded by her loving husband and family at the time of her death. 

Karen was born on June 9, 1941 in Hamtramack, MI to Dorothy Marion Flees and Frank Joseph Zimmerman.  She moved to Cedar in her toddler years and lived there for the remainder of her life.  She attended Holy Rosary School and graduated from Glen Lake High School as part of the Class of ‘59.  She then attended Northwestern Michigan College and worked at Cone Drive Gear.  She fell in love with “the boy across the street” and married Aloyze Benedict Laskey Jr., endearingly called ‘Butch”, on September 22, 1962. 

Karen and Al resided in Cedar, and Karen devoted her life to her family.  She believed in being a stay at home mom and homemaker to their three children, Kim (Laskey) Faulkner, and Allan and Lee Laskey.  She enjoyed baking, canning, sewing, crocheting and going for drives to appreciate our beautiful Leelanau landscape in addition to her busy life as mom and homemaker.  Karen devotedly served over 30 years as an Army Reservist military spouse.  During their relationship, Butch was deployed for active duty for the Berlin crisis in 1961-1962 and again for Desert Shield and Storm in 1990-1991. 

Karen was involved in many activities throughout her life.  She and her husband, Al, were founding members of the Cedar Hilltoppers Snowmobile Club and shared many fond memories of their community rides.  In addition, she was a member of the Cedar Extension Club that supported the community actively.  Holy Rosary Catholic Church was another place where she donated her time and talents as a member of the Rosary Society.  Karen, with her dear friend Ruth Ann Smith, founded the Holy Rosary Home and School Association.  They organized school dances, bake sales and other fundraisers in support of Holy Rosary School.  The Holy Rosary Polka Fest was one of the fondest fundraisers they created.  She was also a Sacristan and a long-time member of the church choir.  In fact, music was always a dear love of Karen’s who learned to play piano as a child and continued to play organ up until her final days at home in her living room. 

Karen will be dearly missed by her husband of 55 years, Butch, and their children, Kim (Anthony) Faulkner, Allan (Lisa), and Lee (Suzanne); her 6 grandchildren, Chloe and Brianna Faulkner, Hannah, Madeline, Elijah and Pierce Laskey; her brother, Keith Zimmerman; her sister-in-law, Nancy Zimmerman; and in-laws, Virginia (Gerry), Donald (Patricia), and Linus (Elizabeth) Laskey.  Her memories will also be shared by many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.  Karen will continue to be well loved for all of our lifetimes. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Dorothy and Frank Zimmerman, as well as a brother, Kent Zimmerman, and her brother-in-law Gerry Laskey.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 14 with the Rosary to be prayed at 7 p.m. at the Holy Rosary Parish of Cedar.  The mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 15, also at Holy Rosary.  Burial in Mt. Calvary Cemetery will follow.  Father Donald Libby will serve as celebrant.

Memorials may be directed to Holy Rosary Church, 6982 S. Schomberg Road Cedar, MI 49621, and/or Munson Home Hospice, 1105 Sixth St. Traverse City, MI 49684.

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L. Jean Schmidt, Died December 6, 2018

L. Jean Schmidt

Died Dec. 6, 2018

SUTTONS BAY –  Lois Jean Schmidt, 86, of Suttons Bay, passed away Thursday, Dec. 6, 2018 at Munson Medical Center.

Jean was born Oct. 15, 1932 in Box Butte County, Nebraska the daughter of Lloyd and Margaret (Uhrig) Erskine.  On June 24, 1956 in Scottsbluff, Nebraska she married John Hamilton Schmidt who preceded her in death on Oct. 8, 2008.

John and Jean spent years in Farmington, MI and retired to Leelanau County in 1989.  Jean and John enjoyed boating, cats, being in nature bird watching.  She was a talented quilter and had a green thumb for gardening.  Jean was a talented piano and organist.

Jean deeply loved her son and daughter in law, her grandchildren and her great grandchildren.

Jean is survived by her son, Mark E. (Beverly) Schmidt; two grandchildren, Ronald Steven Durant, George Samuels Durant; four great grandchildren, Adam George Thompson, Jason Ronald Thompson, Joseph Michael Durant and Lauren Elizabeth Durant.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and her husband of fifty-two years, John.

Visitation will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. and then from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 14 at the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.  The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 15 with the family greeting friends at 1 p.m. at the Immanuel Lutheran Church of Leland.  Pastor Joshua LaFeve will officiate.  Burial in Holy Cross Lutheran Cemetery in Saginaw will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be directed to Hillside Feed and Supply, 3040 South Center Highway, Suttons Bay, MI 49682 and/or Immanuel Lutheran Church, PO Box 436, Leland, MI 49654.

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Lisa J. Brown, Died December 6, 2018

Lisa J. Brown

Died Dec. 6, 2018

LAKE LEELANAU – Lisa Joy Brown, 56, of Lake Leelanau passed away peacefully on Thursday, Dec. 6, 2018 as her family held her hand.

Lisa was born on April 10, 1962 to Beulah and Floyd Fowler of Byron Center, MI.

Lisa was an elder with the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians.  She loved her family and was a wonderful mother who loved her children; Krystal and Ryan whole heartedly.

She was always available to lend an ear, or to give a good hug.  Lisa looked forward to special time spent with each of her kids; whether it be rock-hunting or snuggling in cozy blankets watching a movie, to showing great interest in RC and off-roading adventures.

Lisa supported her kids in everything they did, with a love and passion like no other.

She enjoyed taking her grandchildren to the library, going to the beach, gardening; and just teaching her grandchildren to find joy in everything they do.

Lisa was a great woman and will be greatly missed by everyone who had the privilege to know her.  She has touched the lives of many.

Lisa is survived by her son, Ryan (Susanna) Brown, her daughter, Krystal Brown; her brothers, John Fowler and Bill Fowler; her grandchildren, Jordan, Hailey and Kyler Brown, along with many loving nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Becky.

A celebration of Lisa’s life will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 16 in the ballroom of the Hotel Indigo Traverse City, 263 West Grandview Parkway, Traverse City.

Memorials may be directed to the Suttons Bay-Bingham Fire and Rescue, PO Box 280, Suttons Bay, MI, 49682.

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Lorraine J. Sharnowski, Died Nov. 28, 2018

Lorraine J. Sharnowski
Died Nov. 28, 2018

LAKE LEELANAU - Lorraine Joyce Sharnowski, 71, of Lake Leelanau, died Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2018 at her home.

Lorraine was born on April 19, 1947 in Buckley, the daughter of Clifford and Fern (Schuester) LeRoux.  On Jan. 6, 1967, in Traverse City, she married Jack D. Sharnowski, who preceded her in death on Feb. 14, 2003.

She was an animal lover and volunteered at the Leelanau Veterinary Care.  Lorraine dearly loved her grandkids and had a laugh that was contagious and made everyone around her laugh.

Lorraine is survived by her daughter, Lorrie M. Sharnowski; grandchildren, Garrett D. Sharnowski and Dannielle (Rob) Trustkowski; sisters, Annette Popp and Leona Spedoski.

In addition to her husband, Lorraine was preceded in death by her brother, Daniel LeRoux.

Graveside services will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Lake Leelanau will be announced in the spring.

Memorials may be directed to the American Cancer Society, 129 Jefferson Ave. SE

Grand Rapids, MI 49503 and/or Cherryland Humane Society, 1750 Ahlberg Drive

Traverse City, MI 49686 and/or to Grand Traverse Area AC Paw, P.O. Box 94, Acme, MI 49610.

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