Eugene "Gene" Golab, Died May 23, 2019

Eugene Golab
Died May 23, 2019

CEDAR – Eugene Golab, 86, of Cedar, formerly from East Pointe passed away Thursday, May 23, 2019 at Munson Medical Center.

Gene was born on February 8, 1933 in Detroit, the son of Frank and Mary (Gostek) Golab. His parents passed away when he was 14 years old. He was raised by his siblings Ted, Lillian and Stanley. He graduated from De Lasalle High School in 1952 and studied engineering at University of Detroit.

As neighbors, Gene fell in love with Marge Zauski. They married in 1957. Through their 62 years of marriage, Gene lovingly referred to Marge as “the girl next door”.    

Gene served his country in the U.S. Army.  After his military service he worked as a technical writer for Fruehauf Trailer Company in Detroit, creating repair and maintenance manuals for commercial trailers. Shortly after retirement, Gene and Marge moved to their home on Lime Lake, near Traverse City.

Up to the day before his passing, Gene enjoyed a mile and a half pre-dinner walk. Even in his later years, his family and friends found it hard to keep up with his endurance.

Marge and the entire family looked forward to Gene preparing breakfast and lunches. Except for tending the grill, he left the 

preparation of dinners to his beloved wife Marge.

He was the ultimate Detroit Lions Fan. He loved telling stories of his brother Stanley and him attending the last Lions championship game in 1957. Gene would tell his sons “I sure hope I am alive long enough to see the Lions win a Super Bowl”. Unfortunately, he did not get his wish.

He was an amazing father and grandfather. He had a talent for entertaining his kids. From taking his boys to watch the planes take off and land at Detroit Metropolitan Airport to annual vacations in northern Michigan and bringing home frogs in the boy’s socks, Gene had a unique talent for creating entertaining adventures and lifelong memories. He deeply loved his grandchildren. He passed his love of making balsa wood airplanes onto his grandchildren. He was the only grandfather who could magically catch an invisible ball in a paper bag. The guy never missed! His love for his entire family was his greatest attribute.

Gene is survived by his wife Marge, their four sons and spouses, David Golab (Henry Pon), Greg (Lori) Golab, Rob (Marcia) Golab and Randy (Susan) Golab; and eleven grandchildren, Kyle, Emily, Reanna, Michael, Zack, Molli, Nate, Jacob, Hannah, Ethan and Genna.

Graveside services and urn entombment in the columbarium of the Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, MI, will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 20.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Gene’s name may be directed to the Down Syndrome Association of Northwest Michigan, in memory of his friendship with his favorite little neighbor Carmella Valentine.  Address: PO Box 2151, Traverse City, MI 49685 or their website of www.dsupnorth.org

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Thomas A. Botz, Died May 5, 2019

Thomas A. Botz.

Died May 5, 2019

NORTHPORT – Thomas Anthony Botz, 64, of Northport, passed away Sunday, May 5, 2019 at Munson Hospice House.

Tom was born June 11, 1954 in Trenton, to Dr. Robert and Mattie Botz; he was the oldest of four siblings.  

Tom was a graduate of Northport Schools, Northwestern Michigan College, and Central Michigan University.  He had his own home remodeling business.  Most recently he worked for the Village of Northport for many years in the DPW and was a certified water technician.  Tom had many, many, good friends in the Northport area and enjoyed their visits while he was in hospice.

Tom is survived by his siblings, Dr. Patrick (Jodi) Botz, Mary (Tim) Shannon, and Nancy Botz; nephews Jason, Nicholas and Matthew Botz; nieces Sarah Blight and Elizabeth Lovelace; his uncle Bill Brendel; his cousins Tim, Tony, and Chris Brendel; as well as many great nieces and nephews.  His dog Bailey also misses him. 

The family would like to thank his many friends who helped make his final days easier as well as thanks for the excellent care he received at Munson Medical Center and Munson Hospice House. Tom will be missed by us all. 

A memorial service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 22, at Trinity Church United Church of Christ in Northport.  A luncheon will follow the service.  Friends and family are invited.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Munson Hospice House, 1150 Medical Campus Drive, Traverse City, MI 49684 and/or a charity of one’s choosing.

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Mary H. Anderson, Died May 21, 2019

Mary H. Anderson

Died May 21, 2019

NORTHPORT – Mary Heuser Anderson, 86, formerly of Bay City, passed away Tuesday, May 21, 2019 at Northport Highlands surrounded by her loving family.

Mary was born August 18, 1932, in Chicago, the daughter of Harold and Margaret (Moore) Heuser.  On March 1, 1958 in Bay City, she married Andrew F. Anderson, who preceded her in death on June 22, 2000.

Mary graduated from Bay City Central High School and later graduated with an honorary Doctorate of Music from the University of Louisville.  She met her sweetheart, Andy, at Linwood Beach in Bay City where their parents would summer.  Together, they carried on the legacy of Anderson Orchards in Omena.

A gifted musician, Mary played for 50 years in the Saginaw Bay Symphony Orchestra. She shared her talent by teaching the flute at Delta College, and Saginaw Valley State University.  While at Delta College, she formed the Delta College Flute Choir, which still performs today.  She was also a member of the National Flute Association.

Outside of music, Mary loved golden retrievers, and to summer in Omena.  She enjoyed winter skiing, and even tried water skiing.  In the warmer months, she liked to play tennis.  Mary was a member of the Bay City Garden Club, the First Presbyterian Church as well as the Omena Traverse Yacht Club.

Mary is survived by her children, Bruce (Cheryl) Anderson, Eric (Julie) Anderson, Ashley Anderson, and Susan (Gina Harder) Anderson; her grandchildren, Andrew Anderson, Abigail, Margaret, and Cooper Anderson; four step grandchildren, Michael, Kelsey, Hayley and Matthew; her brother, Robert (Nancy) Heuser; her sister-in-law, Annette Deibel; and many loving nieces and nephews.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband and her parents.

Visitation will be held from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday, May 23, at the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.  Burial in the Hillcrest Cemetery, Omena will be held at 4 p.m. the same day.

Memorials may be directed to the Omena Historical Society, P.O. Box 75, Omena, MI 49674, and/or the Leelanau Conservancy, PO Box 1007, Leland, MI 49654 and/or a charity of your choosing.

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Thomas W. Edmondson, Died May 17, 2019

Thomas W. Edmondson

1952 ~ 2019

Thomas Walter Edmondson, 66, of Northport, passed away on Friday May 17, 2019 at his home surrounded by his loving family and friends.

Thom was born on August 16, 1952 in Detroit, the son of Bland and Peggy (McMaster) Edmondson.  On Nov. 10, 2004 in Holly, he married Cynthia Bryant, who survives.

A native of the Motor City, Thom made his living as a freelance automotive writer.  His deep love of nature was rooted in years of keen observation of the flora, fauna, waters and weather of Northern Michigan.  He particularly loved songbirds and trout, preferably appreciated while fly fishing at the family cabin on the Thunder Bay River.  The last nine years of his life were some of his happiest times, which he and his wife Cindy spent refinishing their house in Northport and enjoying life on the Leelanau Peninsula. 

In addition to his wife, Thom is survived by his sons, Andrew (Lillyanne) and Derek (Brenn); stepchildren, Robert Guerrini (Lisa), and Victoria (Danny) Power; grandchildren, Evelyn, Alexander, Stella, and Lochlan Thomas; and his siblings, Bob (Carmen), Jean, and Meg (Rick) Stouffer.

He was preceded in death by Andrew and Derek’s mother, Delores Tiseo.

Per Thom’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a celebration of Thom’s life will be held at 12 noon on Saturday, June 1, 2019 at Peterson Park Pavilion in Northport.

Memorials may be directed to Leelanau County Cancer Foundation, P.O. Box 235, Lake Leelanau, MI 49653 and/or Hospice of Michigan, 10850 E. Traverse Highway #115 Traverse City, MI 49684.

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Carolyn T. Anderson Died May 14, 2019

A full obituary will be updated upon approval from family.

Carolyn T. Anderson

Died May 14, 2019 

NORTHPORT – Carolyn T. Anderson, 85, of Northport, passed away on Tuesday May 14, 2019 at MediLodge of Leelanau. 

Lyn was born on Jan. 3, 1934 in Detroit, the daughter of Noble and Carolyn (Berridge) Travis.  On Oct. 23, 1960 in Detroit, she married George W. Anderson who preceded her in death on Nov. 7, 2013.

Lyn is survived by her sons, Charles W. and Andrew T. Anderson; grandchildren, Rachel and Jared; great-granddaughter, Lyla; and sister, Ann Travis.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, May 23 at 11 a.m. at Trinity Church UCC, Northport with visitation held one hour prior.  Burial will follow at Leelanau Township Cemetery, Northport.  Rev. Phil Garrison will officiate.

Memorials may be directed to Trinity Church UCC, P.O. Box 156, Northport, MI 49670.

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Buford F. Waling, Died May 13, 2019

Buford WalingDied May 13, 2019

MAPLE CITY – Buford Frederick Waling, 104, of Maple City, passed away Monday, May 13, 2019 at home surrounded by his loving family.

 Born on March 21, 1915, the son of Frederick and Lydia (Potts) Waling, Buford grew up on a farm in Brook, Indiana. He studied in a one room schoolhouse and later attended Indiana University in Bloomington where he received his Masters Degree in Chemistry.  It was there that he met his future bride, Frances Whaley, a Nutrition major.  They married on August 23, 1941 and moved to Midland, Michigan where he found his lifelong  job at Dow Chemical Company.

Throughout his life, Buford had a great love for the woods and his acreage on Lime Lake. He was active at his churches in Midland and Leland until just a few years ago. He was loved and admired by friends and family near and far.

Buford is survived by his two children, Paul (Janine) Waling, and Diane (Marc) Kemp; seven grandchildren, Stacy (Brandon) Luther, Erik (Anneli) Waling, Maria (Mikael Ljung) Waling, Tomas (Rebecka Martinsson) Waling, Travis (Greta) Kemp, Andrew (Christy) Kemp, Jason (Courteney) Kemp and eight great grandchildren, Alana, Simon, Emilie, Benjamin, Alice, Frances, Hunter and Brooklyn.

A special thanks to his loving caregivers, Marcie Hester and Nancy Martin, and also to the crew from Comfort Keepers.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Frances, his son Jan, and his brother Charles.

His service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 17, at the Leland Community United Methodist Church with the family greeting friends at 10:00 a.m.  Burial in Cleveland Township Cemetery will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 19.  Pastor Chuck Towersey of the Fresh Wind Christian Community will officiate.

Memorials may be directed to Leelanau Christian Neighbors, PO Box 196, Lake Leelanau, MI 49653.

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Ingrid "Sunny" Colling, Died May 8, 2019

Ingrid “Sunny” Colling
Died May 8, 2019

OMENA – Ingrid “Sunny” Colling, 83, of Omena, passed away Wednesday, May 8, 2019

at Orchard Creek Skilled Care.

Ingrid was born Dececember 14, 1935 in Highland Park, the daughter of Arthur Hilding

and Susanne (Jorgensen) Mathisen.  On November 3, 1962 in Royal Oak, she married

Richard Woodworth Colling, who preceded her in death on March 4, 1989.

Ingrid was a very caring person, who was always active in not only her children’s lives,

but in the community as well.  From 1978 until the day she passed away, Ingrid owned

the Omena Bay Country Store, where her generous nature was shared with all of her

customers.  She was also a 65-year member of the Sons of Norway, and in the 80’s,

Ingrid raised leader dogs for the blind.  All three of her dogs graduated from the course.

She is also the “grandma” of the first and fourth mayors of Omena.  

When her children were in school, she would attend their events, games, parent teacher conferences and such while still finding time to sew, knit, bake and garden.  She grew much of her own food and baked twelve loaves of bread every week.  On top of that, she also made

homemade strawberry jam, chili sauce, and canned the extra food she grew.  She was an

avid reader and loved her crossword puzzles. 

A longtime Detroit Red Wings and Tigers fan, Ingrid loved to watch sports or listen to

them on the radio.  She enjoyed the arts; taking in many concerts and performances.  She was gifted in the art of Norwegian painting known as rosemaling.

Ingrid is survived by her children, David (Sandy) Colling, Cheryl (Richard) Huffman,

Diane (Bob) Joyce, and Richard (Dana) Colling; her grandchildren, Lisa Makowski,

Dennis, Kyle, and Stefanie Colling, Tabitha (Ernie) Pearson, Jaron Huffman, Samantha

(Nick) Bronke, and Dereck Huffman, and Jack Joyce; her sister, Sylvia Wright;

brothers- in-law, Joel R. Holcombe and Sonny G. Edward, and 17 great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband, Ingrid was preceded in death by her parents; her sister,

Marilyn Barnard and twin sister, Astrid “Bunny” Holcombe.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 18, 2019 at 11 a.m. at Immanuel

Lutheran Church in Leland, with the family greeting friends one hour prior.  The family asks that in memory of Sunny, please feel free to wear your Omena, Red Wings, or Detroit Tigers T-shirts or sweatshirts to the service. 

Private burial in Hillcrest Cemetery will take place at a later date.  Pastor Mark Reinsch will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Immanuel Lutheran Church, P.O.

Box 436, Leland, MI 49654; Leelanau Children’s Choir and Youth Ensemble, P.O. Box

902, Leland, MI 49654 and/ or Leader Dogs For The Blind, 1039 S. Rochester Rd, Rochester Hills, MI 48307.

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Robert F. Potvin, Died May 5, 2019

Robert F. Potvin

Died May 5, 2019

SUTTONS BAY – Robert Floyd Potvin, 71, of Suttons Bay, left this world on Sunday, May 5, 2019 at Munson Healthcare Cadillac Hospital.

He was born May 31, 1947 in Detroit the son of Emile and Myrtle (Westlund) Potvin.  On July 31, 1971, at the Saint Frances Church in Traverse City, Bob married Kathleen Ann Hawkins, who survives.

Bob was a hero to his family, friends, and country.  He participated in life with a sense of integrity and courage.  He embraced each day with a sense of purpose, love and friendliness that endeared him to many.  His adoration for his wife, sons, and grandchildren, was a constant source of joy and pride.

Bob graduated in 1965 from Benedictine High School in Detroit, and started attending Michigan State University in the fall of 1965, but with the escalation of the war in Vietnam, his life choices changed.  Bob served as a Scout Helicopter Pilot in the First Calvary Division.  For his bravery in combat he was awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, and Purple Heart.

After graduating with a degree in Criminal Justice from Michigan State University in 1973, Bob worked as a Special Agent for the IRS, then as Director of the Police and Fire Department in South Bend, Indiana.  In 1981 Bob started working as a Financial Advisor for E.F. Hutton, in East Lansing and remained working in the financial business until his retirement in 2016.

Bob was civic minded, and served on the East Lansing and Suttons Bay School Boards.  He also served on the Downtown Development Authority in East Lansing.  As a father, if either of his sons’ soccer or baseball teams needed a coach he was there for them.

Bob is survived by his wife, Kate; his sons, Jason (Nola) Potvin, Adam Potvin; his siblings, twin brother Joe (Mary Lee) Potvin, Richard (Joan) Potvin; his two grandchildren, Jake and Jayla Potvin; and many loving nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Mary (Mike) Krause.

A burial with full military honors, and a celebration of Bob’s remarkable life will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 31, 2019 at Keswick Maple Grove Cemetery.  Afterwards a celebration and luncheon will be held at a location and time to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Suttons Bay Bingham Fire and Rescue, PO Box 280, Suttons Bay, MI 49682; Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association, 2100 N. Highway 360, Ste. 907, Grand Prairie, TX 75050; Leelanau Conservancy, PO Box 1007, Leland, MI 49654 and/or Tart Trails, PO Box 252, Traverse City, MI 49685.

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Molly Meghan (Hollinger) Kildee, Died May 2, 2019

MOLLY MEGHAN (HOLLINGER) KILDEE

Died May 2, 2019

TRAVERSE CITY – Molly Meghan (Hollinger) Kildee, 48, of Traverse City, passed away on Thursday, May 2, 2019.

When we use the term “Passed On” we think of the end of life, which is reported in a format called an “Obituary”.  Sad this is the case, when the end of life is reported in a format.  This is not the case, instead as it should be this is a celebration of one’s life, and the given promise of new life.

The story begins when by the love of John “Jack” Hollinger and Rebecca Moe Hollinger resulted in a child born December 1, 1970 - Molly Meghan Hollinger.  From her first day to her last day, Molly’s presence brought happiness to those that surrounded her with her vibrant charismatic personality combined with a beautiful smile that often followed with the joy of her laughter.

As a small girl her mother, in a moment of lost patience stated “Molly, you are Impossible” Molly’s reply was “No, Mom I am Possible”.  That phrase alone describes the good times, the struggles and the life of Molly Meghan Hollinger.  A life of promise, a life of possibilities, a life of achievements, but most of all the beautiful smile and greeting that made everyone’s life just a little bit better.

Molly loved working with her family in the restaurant business in Michigan and Florida in the early years of her life.  While in Florida she attended the University of Central Florida for four years.

Later in life she married William Kildee and assisted him in a financial service enterprise.  On October 15, 2010 Molly gave birth to a son, Billy.  Billy was the highlight of her life.  Molly enjoyed their shared activities every moment possible, as everyone enjoyed the smile of Molly which now was embraced by Billy, who now will pass that smile on for all to enjoy.

Throughout the years, Molly loved and enjoyed her sisters, Karen, Debbie, Tracy, her brother John and her many friends, those precious moments with her mother and father. 

Molly’s life on earth ended in a peaceful sleep with her companion, her dog, King, who laid by her side as she rose to her new life greeted in heaven, with Jesus in his open arms.

For those who miss her and that beautiful smile, look up at night sky, the brightest star is Molly shining her love on you.

The family extends their deepest thanks to those who knew Molly and her struggles and stood by her and gave their comfort and expressed their love for her. God Bless

Molly is survived by her son, Billy; her mother, Rebecca (Dan) Brady; her siblings, John (Kelly) Hollinger III, Karen (Mark) Confer, and Tracy Hammel; her nieces and nephews, John James Hollinger, Alex Confer, and Kaitlyn Confer; and her dog, King.

Molly was preceded in death by her father, John “Jack” Hollinger II (2009); and her sister, Debbie Hollinger (2003).

A private family memorial service will take place at a later date at the Beechwood Cemetery in Leelanau County.

Memorials may be directed to the Women’s Resource Center, 720 S. Elmwood Avenue, Suite 2, Traverse City, MI 49684, and/or the Cherryland Humane Society 1750 Ahlberg Drive, Traverse City, MI 49686.

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