Darlene M. Plamondon, Died January 23, 2019

 

Darlene M. Plamondon

Died Jan. 23, 2019

SUTTONS BAY – Darlene Mary Plamondon, 71, of Suttons Bay, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2019 at home.

Darlene was born March 24, 1947 in Lake Leelanau the daughter of Walter Paul Plamondon and Elizabeth Mary (Boutain) Plamondon.

Darlene graduated from St. Mary’s High School with the class of 1965.  She then attended and graduated from Central Michigan University with a Bachelor of Arts degree.  Darlene taught school for a year in St. John’s and then moved to New Hampshire.  For over fifteen years Darlene worked as a housekeeper and cook for Our Lady of the Lakes Parish.

Darlene moved back to Leelanau County and worked as a graphic artist for the Leelanau Enterprise.  She was an accomplished artist and photographer; Darlene enjoyed gardening, reading and studying nature and the stars.  She cherished her nieces and nephews.  Darlene valued the friendships she made, and even kept in contact with friends from high school.  In her later years, she enjoyed the company of her two cats.

Darlene is survived by her siblings, Rose M. (Richard) Send, David J. (Shirley) Plamondon, Ruth A. (William) Frasher, Mildred J. (William) Hathaway, Elizabeth L. (Michael) Zeits; and many loving nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

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

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George R. Whitefield, Died January 18, 2019

George R. Whitefield

Died Jan. 18, 2019

ELMWOOD TOWNSHIP – George Robert Whitefield, 91, of Elmwood Township, passed away Friday, Jan. 18, 2019 at home surrounded by his loving family.

George was born May 2, 1927 in Highland Park, the only child of George Boyd Whitefield and Hattie Ophelia (Wolvin) Whitefield.  He married his loving wife Leah Marylyn (Clarke) on Oct. 12, 1950 in Redford Township.  He was preceded in death by his parents, and his loving wife, Leah.  At 91, George had seen this country change dramatically.  He served state side in the Korean War.  He watched sixteen presidents guide our country through his life.

Being an only child, he cherished his cousins as they became like siblings to him.  He had a love for his family that was very powerful.  Many things stand out but above all it was his faithfulness to God!  He set a Godly example that was reflected in the lives of his family.  For over 30 years, he was a loving caretaker of his dearest wife Leah.  His advice to his children, when leaving his home... was “drive careful, you have a precious load”.  When he learned of his grandchildren’s milk allergies, he acquired goats so they could have an alternative.  His grandchildren would often gravitate to his lap.  In his quiet humble way, he showed us the importance of faith in our God, dedication, and to always have a helping hand.

George was a jack of all trades, he could fix everything and anything and he loved sharing his knowledge to teach what he learned first-hand.  The earliest memories are of him delivering the US mail, then on to delivering milk, farm manager, hardware buyer, and lastly, a Certified Master Carpet Technician.  He took pride in becoming an expert in all these fields.

4-H was a great love of his.  George was recognized in the community for founding the 4-H Livestock Market program.  George taught, explained, and was a leader.  He wanted a healthy outlet to teach 4-H kids.  The program inspired hundreds of young people to develop life-long skills and become leaders guided by the 4-H values of Head, Heart, Hand, and Health.  He was on the Northwestern Michigan Fair Board, and instrumental in moving the Northwestern Michigan Fair to its current location today. 

As a family our admiration for him was high.  He will be remembered for the way he lived his life.  His legacy is carried on through his family, you will see examples of the skills, craftsmanship, care, dedication, work ethic, leadership, and selflessness all throughout Traverse City and Leelenau county.

The family expresses their deepest appreciation to Hospice of Michigan and Comfort Keepers for their care and love to our dearest George.

George is survived by his four children, Linda (Richard) Smith, Rebecca (Michael) Flees, Wayne (Sue) Whitefield and Beth Ann (Donald) Szilagyi; his sixteen grandchildren, Jennifer (Kevin) Ott, Heather (Josh) Tjader, Jason Smith, Jon (Chelsea) Smith and Sarah (Wes) Anderson; Matthew (James) Flees, Benjamin (Lisa) Flees; Michelle (Loren) Dellar, Jon (Gretchen) Whitefield, Josh Whitefield, Mary (Kenny) Lalonde, Jane (Michael) Goldberg, Jim Whitefield, Joe (Jessica) Whitefield; Christina (Brent) Roland, Donald (Anita) Szilagyi; his twenty-eight great grandchildren, Caden Ott; Aleya, Joslin and Sven Tjader; Lanora, Kaedence and Hannah Flees, Blake, Blaire, Bailey, Blayne, Brayden and Bryce Dellar; Piper, Raven, Harper and Skyla Whitefield; Quinten, Kaden, Nicolas, Mason and Barrett Goldberg; Channing Szilagyi, Bailey Williams, Cade Roland; Ricky and Rebecca Smith and Paige Tardiff; and many loving cousins, nieces and nephews.

Leah preceded him in death on March 28, 2013.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 22 at the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.  The funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 23 with family greeting friends at 12 noon also at the funeral home.  Matthew Jensen and Thane Nelson will officiate.  Burial in Keswick Maple Grove Cemetery will be announced in the spring.

Memorials may be directed to Leelanau County 4-H, 8527 E. Government Center Drive, Suite 107, Suttons Bay, MI 49682 and/or Hospice of Michigan, 10850 E. Traverse Hwy, Ste 1155, Traverse City, MI 49684.

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Daniel C. Kevwitch, Died January 13, 2019

Daniel C. Kevwitch

Died Jan. 13, 2019

TRAVERSE CITY – Daniel Christsen Kevwitch, 51, of Traverse City passed away on Sunday, Jan. 13, 2019 in Traverse City.

Daniel was born Oct. 31, 1967 in Traverse City, the son of Fred and Rachel (Meyers) Kevwitch.  On Oct. 3, 1992 in Dade City, FL, he married Laura (Giffen) Kevwitch.

Daniel was a hardworking man. For 22 years, Daniel worked as a cook at Don’s Drive In, and continued cooking for 4 more years as a manager.  He loved to work with his hands and enjoyed the challenge of tackling a new or unique job.  He owned two classic cars that he restored and maintained with all original parts and helped others with theirs.

He didn’t talk much, but he was sure to be funny when he did.  He loved to tease his grandchildren and always tried his best to make them laugh.  Daniel was happy to sit with a cold beer and watch the fire, or one of the sci-fi shows he loved.

Daniel was a great husband, father, grandfather and friend. He will be deeply missed.

Daniel is survived by his loving wife of 27 years, Laura; his father, Fred Kevwitch; his children, Daniel (Tina) Kevwitch, Christsen (Crysta) Kevwitch, and Odessa Kevwitch; his siblings, Dawn (Mike) Fleece, Darrian (Lori) Kevwitch, and Roy (Julie) Kevwitch; as well as his five grandchildren.

Daniel was preceded in death by his grandson, Gabriel Kevwitch (2018); two brothers and a sister.

Memorials may be directed to Daniel’s family, c/o Martinson Funeral Home, PO Box 159, Suttons Bay, MI 49682.

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Lorraine B. Zanarini, Died January 11, 2019

Lorraine B. Zanarini

Died Jan. 11, 2019

TRAVERSE CITY – Lorraine Beverly Zanarini, 98, of Traverse City, formerly of Northport, passed away Friday, Jan. 11, 2019 at Orchard Creek Supportive Care, surrounded by a loving community. She was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by her family.

Lorraine was born Jan. 21, 1920 in Gillett, WI, the daughter of John and Hazel (Hansen) Stromer. In Sept. of 1941, she married Emil Zanarini, who preceded her in death on June 7, 1999.

Lorraine was a kind and gentle soul who quietly gave herself to others from an early age.  Lorraine’s chosen profession was nursing; she graduated from Norwegian-American Hospital School of Nursing on Feb. 9th. 1941. Following graduation Lorraine accepted the position of nursing at Cook County General Hospital in Chicago, IL and remained there until moving to Michigan where she and her husband started a family.

Her love of nursing drew her back into the profession. First to Garden City Hospital, Garden City where she was head nurse in maternity and the nursery. Next she was the managing nurse at Clark Nursing Home, in Wayne, and finally, the head nurse at Nightingale Nursing Home in Westland. Nursing highlighted her kind, nurturing personality.

Lorraine and husband Emil, retired to Florida in the early 1970’s.  While in Florida, Lorraine’s concern for others drew her to the migrant worker community. Two to three times a week, Lorraine would travel to a school specifically for the children of migrant workers, to help them with their studies. She grew quite fond of the children as she was assisting with their studies.

Although quiet, Lorraine enjoyed participating in Tai Chi classes, watching the PBR (professional bull rider), country music, and trips to Las Vegas with Emil. Highlights for Mom were attending the finals of the PBR in Las Vegas with her two daughters and granddaughter Kelly, and country music concerts, again with granddaughter Kelly. She also enjoyed yarn crafts and used these talents to provide bonnets and blankets for premature infants and warm watch caps for overseas servicemen and women.  Her sunny disposition and cheerful smile will be missed by those who had the privilege of knowing Lorraine.

We would like to extend a very special “thank you” to all the staff at Orchard Creek Supportive Care and Hospice of Michigan, for creating a caring and loving environment for Lorraine for the last four and a half years. All have a very special place in our heart. You made Lorraine happy, which helped make us happy. Thank You!

Lorraine is survived by her three children, Jane (Vince) Graham, Judy Fitzsimmons, and James (Mary) Zanarini; four grandchildren:  Anthony (Sandy) Graham, Cally (Sean) Zanarini-Topel, Gina Zanarini, and Nicholas Zanarini and three great-grandsons: Mason Graham, Clifford Topel, and Declan Topel.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Emil, and cherished granddaughter, Kelly Graham.

Burial in Leelanau Township Cemetery will be held in the spring.

Memorials may be directed to Hospice of Michigan, 10850 E. Traverse Highway #115

Traverse City, MI 49684.

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Kathleen Ann Yuresko, Died January 13, 2019

Kathleen A. Yuresko

Died Jan. 13, 2019

TRAVERSE CITY – Kathleen Ann Yuresko, 85, of Traverse City passed away on Sunday, Jan. 13, 2019 at the Grand Traverse Pavilions after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer's. Kathleen was born on Aug. 10, 1933 in Kingsley, the daughter of Julius and Mabel (Meisch) Schichtel.  

Kathleen was known for her quick wit, laughter, determination, kindness and amazing work ethic. She grew up on the family farm, where she was known to be a very hard worker.  She left the family farm and went to work in the city.  For many years, she worked for GM in Flint, where she met the love of her life, her husband Peter. On Feb. 27, 1954 at St. Mary’s of Hannah Catholic Church, she married Peter Joseph Yuresko, who proceeded her in death in 2001.

Kathleen opened her heart and home to everyone.  In addition to raising six kids of her own, she provided care for her disabled husband and many others.  There was always room at the dinner table for extras.  She could never get enough of holding and playing with little ones and loved babysitting for her grandchildren and neighborhood children.

Kathy was a wonderful baker, known for her delicious pies. She had an amazing way of teaching herself a new skill and mastering it quickly.  Whether it be redecorating a house, teaching ceramics, reupholstering and refinishing furniture, or sewing in a zipper, whatever needed to be done.  Kathleen was a true fashionista; she always had impeccable style, from her shoes to her hat. Even her home was filled with her sense of style and eye for detail. Kathleen loved music and had a passion for dancing.  She was graceful and light on her feet and could dance all night.  She was also very devoted to her faith. 

Kathleen is survived by her children; Diane (James) Erlenbeck, Peter (Kathleen) Yuresko, Anastasia "Stacee" Adelman, Ted Yuresko, Julianne (Scott) Lama, and Tony (Brooke) Yuresko; her brothers, Gerald (Vivian), Norman (Patricia) and Dave; her sisters, Anna Mae Smith, Margaret Allen, and Linda (Gary) Crain; as well as 22 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Peter Yuresko; her parents; her siblings, Armand “Bud” Schichtel, Alice (Schichtel) Zakrajsek, and Lucille Schichtel; and her grandson, Jordan Adelman.

Visitation will be held from 5 p.m. to the start of the Rosary at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 17 at the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay. The mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 18 at St. Mary’s of Hannah Catholic Church in Kingsley.  A luncheon will follow Interment in St. Mary’s of Hannah Cemetery will be announced in the spring. Father Don Geyman will serve as celebrant.

Floral arrangements can be sent to Martinson Funeral home. Other donations may be directed to Kathleen’s family, c/o Martinson Funeral Home, PO Box 159, Suttons Bay, MI 49682.

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Marsh Wabanimkee Miller, Died January 10, 2019

Gchi Makwa

Marsh Wabanimkee Miller

Died Jan. 10. 2019

PESHAWBESTOWN – Marsh W. Miller, 42 of Peshawbestown, began his journey into the spirit world January 10, 2019 in Chippewa County.

Marsh was born Jan 5, 1977 in Traverse City, the son of Frederick and Minnie (Miller) Wabanimkee.

Marsh was a member of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians.  He resided between family in the Charlevoix and Grand Traverse areas.  He was a painter, taught by his father, Frederick.  He had a loving disposition and enjoyed many happy times with his extended families.  Gchi Makwa (Big Bear) is a true Ogichidaa Protector/Warrior.

“Do not grieve.  Misfortunes will happen to the wisest and best of men.  Death will come, always out of season.  It is the command of the Great Spirit.”  Big Elk, Omaha Chief.

Gchi Makwa is survived by his mother, Minnie; three children, Mijiikwis Wabanimkee, Tehyana Cloud, Neshawn Eggleston; his siblings, Karla K. Harris, Kelsey V. Wabanimkee, Gitchi Clara Mae (Justin) Wabanimkee, Elizabeth (Daniel) Munson and Travis (Jessica) Stuebing and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his father, Frederick.

Memorial services will be held Friday at noon, Jan 18, 2019 at the Greensky Hill Church in Charlevoix.  Visitation will be an hour before service begins and a feast will follow.  His final traveling song will be sung at the end of the service.

Memorials can be directed to the Greensky Hill Church, 8484 Green Sky Hill Road, Charlevoix, MI, 49720.  

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Rev. Theodore L. Staudacher, Died December 20, 2018

Rev. Theodore Louis Staudacher

Died Dec. 20, 2018

EAST LELAND - Rev. Theodore Louis Staudacher, age 81, of Pingree Grove, former Associate Pastor of Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran - East Dundee, St. Paul’s Lutheran - Thornton, and St. John Lutheran Church - Mount Prospect, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Dec. 20th, surrounded by family at the Grove of St. Charles Nursing and Rehab Center after a lengthy battle with many ailments.

Ted was born in Saginaw, Michigan on March 28, 1937 and was the son of Rev. Raymond & Gladys (nee Steffens) Staudacher.  The oldest of 8 children, he left home at the age of 14 to attend Concordia Prep School in St. Paul, Minnesota.

During his time in preparation for the ministry, “Pastor Ted” as he was affectionately called, worked various odd jobs.  He was a cowboy, railroader, barber, and stock boy at a five and dime that Senator Joseph McCarthy once patronized.

Pastor Staudacher earned both his Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree in Divinity from Concordia University, Fort Wayne, where he also utilized his musical gifts singing bass/baritone and touring with the men’s acapella singing group, The Choralites.  He was ordained into the Christian Ministry on July 8, 1962 at St. Peters Lutheran, Kinde, Nebraska.

Over his 37 years in the ministry, he served as an Associate Pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church, East Dundee (1963-1965), Pastor of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Thornton IL (1965-1974), Head Pastor of St. John's Lutheran Church, Mt. Prospect (1974-1979), and twenty years as Head Pastor of St. John's Lutheran Church, Topeka, KS (1979-1999).

In retirement, he served as Associate Pastor of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Good Harbor, Michigan and filled in from time to time at various parishes in and around Traverse City and the Leelanau Peninsula, MI from 1999-2015. Pastor Staudacher and his wife, Carol, returned to the Fox Valley area in 2015 to be closer to family and re-connected with Immanuel Lutheran Church, East Dundee where he was a member until joining the church triumphant.

Pastor Staudacher is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Carol L. Hochsprung to whom he was married on June 24, 1962 at Nazareth Lutheran Church, Chicago. Over their 56 years of marriage, God blessed them with 4 children, Timothy P., MD (Janine), David J. (Stephanie), Mark A., MD (Heather) Staudacher and Teri (Luke, MD.) Evans, 13 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.  Other survivors include his sisters, Lois Porath, Barbara (Alan) Buelt as well as a brother, Jon (Kim) Staudacher, his In-Laws include Kenneth (Marysue) Hochsprung, Robert (Deanna) Runge and Ronald (Lynda Bowlin) Hochsprung.

Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 19 at Immanuel Lutheran Church of Leland with the family greeting friends at 10 a.m.  Pastor Joshua LaFeve will officiate.  Burial in East Leland Cemetery will be announced in the Spring.

  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to either; Immanuel Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 436, Leland, MI 49653.

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James A. Cornell, Died January 10, 2019

James A. Cornell

Died Jan. 10, 2019

NORTHPORT – James Arthur Cornell, 94, of Northport passed away on Thursday, Jan. 10, 2019 peacefully at home in the presence of family.

He was born March 28, 1924 in St. Johns, MI to Glen and Doris (Crowner) Cornell, the oldest of seven, growing up on the farm in depression times.

A WWII Army veteran, James served in Oran, Algiers and Italy.  He was a member of the St. Johns VFW Post 4113 and the Eagletown American Legion Post 120.  A highlight of his life was going on the Honor Flight to Washington DC in 2015.  He felt deep about caring for veterans and has long supported the Dave Roever Foundation, as they have for decades cared for veterans wounded in body, mind and soul.

He was a life member of the American Motorcycle Association. His love of riding is evidenced in the many trophies he brought home.  The most prized ones are those won from the two-day, 500 mile, cross country enduro in MI called the Jack Pine.  What an awesome time his family had following him all across the state.

He was an inventor and could build almost anything out of his machine shop in the garage on Centerline Road in St. Johns where his family lived almost 20 years.  The driveway was often clogged with farm machinery needing repair, or a new project, like a go-cart for his daughters or one of the many air sleds he built with his friend Dick Parsons of Fowler.  Some of you may remember the forerunner to the snowmobile our family called “snow boats”.  Each was individually crafted with airplane propellers for push and flying across the fields of snow, or at Houghton Lakes’ Tip up Town, or through the trails of the Upper Peninsula.

He was also a life member of the NRA and enjoyed hunting pheasant and deer, and in later years listening to the exploits of his grandchildren.  Jim was a member of the Northport Sportsman Club and so enjoyed selling the tickets and greeting everyone at the annual smelt dinner.  He was also a lifetime member of the Buckley Old Engine Club.  His main responsibility was operating the sawmill, but he had an interest in all facets of the club.  He loved that for over 50 years, the club has sought to keep the past alive and real for kids of all ages.

Until being injured, Jim was a big equipment operator, mostly working in Lansing and surrounding areas running a crane and laying water and sewer pipe.  In 1969, they moved to Northport where Jim was a partner in a business manufacturing the Swim Whiz lure and also making the Alcore rod and reel.  He retired from that business and spent his later years traveling to their winter home in Canebrake, in the southern California desert.

Spring found him traveling through the woods on their Northport property, checking for trees to fell to feed the wood stove and to use for various building projects like the cabin in the woods for his grandsons and some of the Northport Boy Scouts, and later his great grand kids.  He was always building something.  His many antique tractors were used in one way or another to prepare the ground for the large vegetable and flower garden put in every year.  Canning and freezing time was a family affair.  He worked hard all his life and even last fall was helping to split wood.  He was active first in the EUB Bingham Church in St. Johns and later at Trinity UCC in Northport.

His deep love for Geneva, his wife of 71 years, was and is inspiring all his family.  He was a man of integrity, committed to the care and protection of his family, treating others with respect, and was a mentor to many.  He lived life large and was deeply loved.

James is survived by his loving wife, Geneva; two daughters, Kathleen R. Williams and Karen L. (Steve) Gregory; a brother, Harry (Dee) Cornell of Charlevoix; four grandchildren, Charlotte Williams, Rebecca (Bruce) Fisk, Matthew Gregory, Aaron (Nicole) Gregory; eight great grandchildren, Halle, Clayton and Abagail Gregory, Evan and Ty Gregory, Elizabeth, Casey and Wyatt Fisk.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings, George, Jean, Keith, Bruce and William J.; and a baby daughter, Marla Jo.

The memorial service will be held Saturday, April 27, 2019 at Trinity UCC in Northport at 1PM, with family greeting friends at 12 noon.

Memorials may be directed to Trinity UCC, PO Box 156, Northport, MI, 49670 and/or any of these nonprofits that are special to the family: daveroever.org, buckleyoldengineshow.org, midmichiganhonorflight.com.

The family thanks Hospice of Michigan for their professional, kind and loving care of James.

Condolences may be shared with James’ family below or on our Facebook Page.

Lawrence "Larry" D. Lassaline, Died January 8, 2019

Lawrence D. Lassaline

Died Jan. 8, 2019

SUTTONS BAY – Lawrence “Larry” Dennis Lassaline, 82, of Suttons Bay passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2019 at Medilodge of Leelanau with his loving wife Mary Ann by his side, Larry took his last breath on earth and entered heaven.

Larry was born on October 9, 1936, in Detroit, to Wilfred and Alma (Campeau) Lassaline.  On Jan. 13, 1973 at Gesu Catholic Church of Detroit he married Mary Ann Domka, who survives.

Larry was a very positive, outgoing soul.  He would greet everyone, friend and stranger alike, with a smile and a wave, and maybe a corny joke or two (much to his children's chagrin).

He was an avid sports fan, always rooting for the home teams!  He especially loved watching the Tiger's and Red Wings play and would proudly wear his Larry Murphy jersey whenever he could.  He enjoyed golfing and played on a couple recreational leagues, at Veronica Valley and later Bay Meadows.

Larry worked in finance (loved working with numbers) most of his life but in later years he held a variety of jobs.  Folks around the county may remember him as: a bus driver for St. Mary's, a tax preparer for Jackson Hewitt, or the friendly cashier at Enerdyne, Turtle Creek, and Tom's (West Bay).

He was a man of great faith and trust in God.  A faith that endured over 10 years of dementia and remained even though his other memories drifted away.  One of his favorite sayings was “Let go and let God” and in the end that's what he did.  Prior to his illness he was very active in his Catholic faith and served as a lector and eucharistic minister, most recently at St. Francis in Traverse City; and was an active member in the Knights of Columbus 3rd and 4th degree.

His family was his world.  Larry had the heart of a child and loved playing with the kids and making them laugh.  He would always come down to their level to play and wasn’t afraid to look silly going down a slide, or sitting on a teeter-totter, or dressing up like a clown, whatever it took to make his children smile.  Larry said his favorite feeling in the world was having a child trust him enough to fall asleep on his lap.

Larry is survived by his loving wife of forty-five years, Mary Ann; he was a beloved father of four children: Brian (Anne) Lassaline; Sheryl (Bob) Zimmerman; Kelly (Jason) Kohler; and Laura Lassaline; he was also a proud Papa of four grandchildren: Josh (14), Eve (12), and Marie (10) Lassaline; and Amelia (6) Kohler.

The sixth of nine children, Larry was predeceased by his parents and siblings.

Visitation will be held from 2 to the start of the 4 p.m. Rosary recitation on Sunday, Jan. 13 at the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.  The mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 14 with the family greeting friends at 10 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Traverse City.  Burial will be announced in the spring.  Father Don Geyman will serve as celebrant.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Alzheimer's Association 921 West Eleventh Street, Suite 1 W, Traverse City, MI., 49684 and/or Knights of Columbus, 13424 S.W. Bay Shore Drive, Traverse City, MI 49686.

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Elizabeth Schleef, Died December 25, 2018

Elizabeth Schleef

Died December 25, 2018

OMENA – Elizabeth Schleef, 96, of Omena, passed away December 25, 2018 at home surrounded by her loving family.

Elizabeth was born Oct. 7, 1922 in Cincinnati, Ohio the daughter of Thomas and Helen (Corboy) Morgan.  On April 14, 1956 she married Daniel John Schleef who preceded her in death on Nov. 26, 2014.

Mom grew up in the small town of Winchester, Ohio.  She attended Miami University of Ohio where she was awarded a BS in Secretarial Science in June, 1945.  After college she worked at Cincinnati Bell telephone company, where she developed her characteristic communication skills and made life-long friends.  Mom always had a unique flair for engaging with people and could strike up a conversation with anyone.

Through her friends at Bell telephone, Mom was introduced to the peace and beauty of Leelanau County.  As a family we spent wonderful summer vacations there, and Mom and Dad enjoyed their retirement years in Omena.

Mom’s primary vocation was as a homemaker.  While she disliked the tedium of housework, she had a passion for good food, company, music, and her beloved West Highland White terriers.  Animals, particularly dogs, were one of the great loves of her life.  She enjoyed exploring new interests like vegetarian cooking, and along with Dad was a regular patron of the Cincinnati Symphony.

After my sister and I started college, she accepted a part-time job with the Hamilton County Library- a new experience that got her out of the house and meeting new people.  Mom was a member of Lutheran churches in Cincinnati and in Leelanau County, where she enjoyed singing in choirs.

Above all, Mom was fiercely devoted to her husband and two daughters.  She was always interested in a nice lunch, some clothes shopping, or watching a favorite movie- with the primary goal of spending time together.  To be her daughter was to know you were cherished.  After we lost Dad in 2014 we were comforted in our grief by the time the three of us spent together- even if just laughing at favorite episodes of the Andy Griffith Show.

In later years Mom lost some of her mental acuity, but never her ability to engage and amuse.  In recent weeks we have shared many fond memories with the magnificent caregivers who made her final years as comfortable and enjoyable as they could possibly be.

Mom is, and will continue to be, desperately missed.

Elizabeth is survived by her two daughters, Katy Schleef and son-in-law John Hadder of Reno, Nevada and Joan Schleef of Grand Rapids, Michigan.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Dan; and two siblings, Richard (Dorothy) Wenrick and Barbara (Pete) Williamson.

Private graveside services will be held in Omena Hillcrest Cemetery.

Memorials may be directed to ShareCare of Leelanau, Inc. (sharecareleelanau.org/) or to MSU Companion Animal Fund, c/o Michigan Animal Health Foundation, 2144 Commons Parkway, Okemos, MI 48864.

  

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Evelyn E. Livingston, Died January 3, 2019

Evelyn E. Livingston

Died Jan. 3, 2019

SUTTONS BAY – Our Lord called Evelyn Elizabeth Livingston, 79, of Suttons Bay, to heaven on Thursday, Jan. 3, 2019.  We are grateful the Lord called her home peacefully in her sleep.

Evelyn was born on the family farm in Centerville Township on Dec. 9, 1939.  She was the second of nine children born to Marion and Irene (Bodus) Fabiszak.  She was a graduate of Holy Rosary, Class of 1959.  On June 25, 1960 at the Holy Rosary Church of Isadore she married Irvin H. Livingston who preceded her in death on Dec. 28, 1981.

They built their home and raised their family in Suttons Bay where she resided until her passing.  She was a lifelong parishioner of St. Michael's Catholic Church and served on the Suttons Bay-Bingham Women's Auxillary for many years.  She enjoyed engaging friends and strangers alike in conversation and enjoyed spending time at family gatherings.  She loved listening and dancing to Polka music and always attended the annual Cedar Polka Festival.  Despite the many challenges Our Lord gave her, she always had a positive attitude, acceptance, courage, unwavering faith and hope.

The family sends deepest appreciation to all the Munson Medical Center staff from the greeters to the doctors for the compassionate and quality care they provided.  A special thanks to Kelly Jo at the Cowell Family Cancer Center who always welcomed her and brightened her day at every appointment.

Evelyn is survived by her children: Lori (Kenneth) Pease Jr., Allen Livingston, and Kayla (Bradley) Thomas; grandchildren: Kenneth Jason Pease, Kelsey Pease, and Madelain Thomas; siblings: Rose Anne Petsch, Germaine (Donald) Schmidt, Dorothy (Dale) Fritz, Joseph Fabiszak, Alice (Robert) Nink, and Clara (Ronald) Bonebrake; in-laws: Helen Fabiszak and Helena Send; and many loving extended family members.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Irvin; her parents; her son, Michael Irvin Livingston (2011); brothers: Gerald Fabiszak (2017) and Stanley Fabiszak (1981); in-laws: Ivan Robert Livingston (2002), A. Kathleen Livingston (2016), and Edward A. Send (2006).

Visitation will be held from 3 p.m. to the start of the Rosary at 7 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 7 at the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.  The mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 8 at St. Michael’s Catholic Church of Suttons Bay.  Interment will take place at St. Michael’s Cemetery.  Father Leonard Paul will serve as celebrant.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Suttons Bay/Bingham Fire & Rescue, PO Box 280, Suttons Bay, MI 49682 and/or St. Michael’s Catholic Church, P.O. Box 9, Suttons Bay, MI 49682.

Please share condolences and memories with Evelyn’s family below or on our Facebook Page.

Venus R. Carew, Died January 3, 2019

Venus R. Carew

Died Jan. 3, 2019

TRAVERSE CITY – Venus Renee Carew, 49, of Traverse City, passed away Thursday, Jan. 3, 2019 in Grand Rapids.

Venus was born Oct. 5, 1969 in Grand Rapids, the daughter of Joaquin Carew and Roseanne Raphael.

Venus has always been God’s child.  Even from a young age, she would preach and sing the word with her amazing singing voice.  She was the friendliest person, accepting anyone and everyone into her circle.  She would often say, “If God is my father, my house is your house”.

Her friendly aura never faded; even when she had cancer, she was happy and constantly trying to care for her family.  She was utterly selfless, and a constant bubble of joy; her coworkers called her “their sunshine”.

Venus is survived by her mother, Roseanne Raphael; and her siblings, Joaquin Carew Jr., Francis W. Carew, Monte E. Carew, Christopher Carew, and Panpan Carew.

She was preceded in death by her father.

Visitation will be held from 1 p.m. to the 5 p.m. start of the service on Tuesday, Jan. 8 at the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.  Burial in St. Kateri Tekakwitha Cemetery will be announced in the spring.  Minister Henry Boulley will officiate.

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