Gene A. Anderson, Died July 21, 2019

Gene A. Anderson
Died July 21, 2019

SUTTONS BAY – Our amazing husband and father; Gene Alan Anderson, 71, stepped into the presence of his Lord on Sunday, July 21, 2019 at home surrounded by his loving family.

Gene was a life-long son of Leelanau County.  He was born March 22, 1948 in the Anderson family home and farm, the son of Theodore Martinius Anderson and Rachel Margaret (Setterbo) Anderson.  Gene was the youngest of six children.  He grew up at the Hillyside Farm relishing farm life helping his mom, dad and brother Bob with chores.  He often spoke about the great memories of his mother’s home cooking and canning. 

He attended the Stone School house in Suttons Bay and graduated in 1966.  Gene continued his education at Northwestern Michigan College and numerous classes for general contracting.

Gene was a veteran of the U.S. Army as a Specialist 4^th Class and S-4 Supply Clerk.  He was in the 38^th Infantry, 2^ndInfantry Division and served in Korea from 1967 to 1969 during the Vietnam War.  He transferred to the U.S. Army Reserves when he returned stateside. 

Gene married his first wife Ann Marie Egler on June 17, 1969.  Together they had two children, Matthew James Anderson and Marc Alan Anderson.  Gene loved spending time teaching and raising his sons.

He worked for his father-in-law, Ed Egler’s construction business.  Gene built and remodeled homes from 1966 through 2019.  He was a Master Carpenter and Craftsman.  His work ethic was incredible.  Gene’s relationships with his clients grew into friendships.  He restored “Hillyside,” the family home place which his grandfather Thorvald Anderson originally built in 1898. 

Gene served on the board of the Pregnancy Resource Center.  He also served for a period of time on the board of Bible Baptist Church in Traverse City.  He was a member of the Sons of Norway Christian Radich Lodge 5-568.  Gene was very proud of his Norwegian heritage from both of his parents.

Gene married Christine Ann Maley Swaim on March 16, 2002. Their relationship began with a simple prayer which led to 17 loving years together at Hillyside Farm. Gene embraced her four children, Ryan, Victoria, Morgan and Adam as his own and became a great influence in their lives.

He was a man of integrity and honesty.  Gene treated people fairly and was thoughtful and kindhearted.  He was loved and respected by many people.  Gene was a mentor, shared his wisdom and was encouraging to many.  He approached life with confidence, had a positive outlook and treasured each day as a gift.

At the age of 14, Gene had an epiphany.  He asked God one evening – Where did we come from?  What happens when we die?  God answered him and showed him in a dream.  He was excited when he came down to breakfast the next morning to tell his parents what God told him.  As soon as his foot hit the downstairs floor, the ability to put into words what God had told him was gone but, he was left with a hunger for his Lord and Savior. This led to further desire for God and His word and ultimately repentance and faith in His son Jesus Christ. Gene shared his faith in Christ with others in word and deed teaching Sunday School, singing in the choir, reading God’s word and sharing the Gospel. His life shone with the full armor of God upon him.  

Even though Parkinson’s Disease ravaged his body, Gene’s mind stayed clear. Gene and Christine worked as a team to meet the disease with dignity and grace, trusting God through it all. Parkinson’s Network North support group was a wonderful resource for us.  Hettie Molvang’s knowledge has been invaluable. Our family would like to thank the many family members, neighbors and friends who have come along beside us.

Gene is survived by his wife, Christine; his children, Matthew James Anderson, Marc Alan (Hayley) Anderson, Christopher Ryan (Kimberlee) Swaim, Victoria Nicole (Torrey) Ferrell, Morgan Edward (Martha) Swaim, Adam Taylor (Meaghan) Swaim; a brother, Robert (Effie) Anderson; sister in law, Martha Anderson; mother in law, Nancy Maley,  and a brother in law, Charles J. (LeeAnn) Maley; his grandchildren, Jacob Ryan, Jeffrey Dean, Brady Alan, Tristan Edward, Logan Miller, Rylee Grace, Christopher Andrew, Brianna Nicole, Lillian Claire, Maley Seabrook, Elizabeth Byers, Graecyn Elizabeth and Henleigh Ray; numerous nieces and nephews,  great nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister in infancy, Rose Ann Anderson; a sister, Thelma Marie McClintock, his brothers, Theodore Ralph Anderson, Clayton Peter Anderson. 

We would like to thank the many people who have helped us travel this journey.  We celebrate the gift God gave each of us through Gene. With heavy hearts we say goodbye to a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend until we are all together again in God’s loving arms.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, July 24 at the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.  The Worship Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, July 25 at the Bible Baptist Church of Traverse City with the family greeting friends at 10 a.m.  Burial will be in the Lutheran Cemetery of Suttons Bay.  Pastor Joel Brown will officiate.  

Memorials may be directed to Parkinson’s Network North, PO Box 5734, Traverse City, MI 49696; Pregnancy Care Center, 121 S. Garfield Ave., Suite C, Traverse City, MI 49686 and/or Bible Baptist Church, 1915 Cass Road, Traverse City, MI 49685.

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Thelma M. McClintock, Died June 15, 2019

Thelma M. McClintockDied June 15, 2019

Thelma Marie McClintock, 89, passed away on June 15, 2019 from complications due to

dementia.

Thelma was born on May 26, 1930 to Theodore and Rachel Anderson in her family home on Hillyside Farm in Suttons Bay, Michigan.  Growing up on the farm with four devoted brothers had a profound and lasting effect on her, and helped shape her life in many ways.

She attended Suttons Bay Public Schools at the old stone schoolhouse on St. Mary’s Street.  She was raised as a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church and took pride in her singing with the congregation.

A Norwegian farmer’s daughter, Thelma learned a thing or two about cherries, gardening, and preserving fresh vegetables, all under the fickle eye of Mother Nature.  That love of gardening continued throughout her life.  Ordering seeds from a multitude of catalogs fed her interest through the long Michigan winters.  Nurturing them under grow lights until they were ready to be transplanted brought wonderment to her children as the plants sprouted.

Her garden brought healthy food to the table, and countless jars of canned goods to carry through till the next year’s harvest.  Thelma’s flowers enriched the landscapes of her homes, both inside and out.  Marigolds, irises, petunias, and many other varieties brought color and life wherever she lived. Her extensive collection of African violets proliferated for many years.

Music played an important role in her life. She taught herself to play the accordion. “You Are My Sunshine” was a favorite song that she played while parading children around the

neighborhood.  Her collection of radios, record albums, cassette tapes, and compact discs
provided lasting enjoyment.  Listening to some of her favorite songs lifted her spirits even as her dementia took hold.  She sang out loud, sharing her enthusiasm for the music, which brought smiles to all who heard her.

She was an accomplished seamstress who created many outfits for her children and husband. She customized everything from crisp Irish linen and perfectly matched Pendleton wool plaid men’s shirts, to clothes and accessories for fashion-conscious Barbie and Troll dolls. Coordinating cotton dresses for her daughters at Easter were no match for those occasional spring Michigan snowstorms, but were worn with pride none-the-less.  Teaching her daughters to sew a straight seam on her trusty sewing machine undoubtedly inspired both Linda and Karen to take up quilting as a favorite hobby.

She was proud of her academic abilities and channeled her unfulfilled wish to be a teacher by tutoring her children to be life-long readers.  Libraries were visited often and reading aloud was a gift she frequently gave them.  From that foundation all of her children developed a love of reading, through which the whole world could be explored.

A life spent in the kitchen gave Thelma a deep sense of pride and accomplishment.  Her

brothers loved her Long Johns and filled cookies.  Her children looked forward to fresh baked cinnamon rolls and pumpkin pies, and often fought over who would get the first piece of bread fresh out of the oven.  Her grandchildren enjoyed the same sweet treats as she continued her baking long into life, bringing cherry pies or loaves of bread to most family gatherings.

Thelma’s strong work ethic began on the farm.  Later, as a young adult, she mastered typing and shorthand with great speed and accuracy.  Her strong social skills, and that ever present smile, helped her start her career at age 20 with the Traverse City Ford Dealership.  She retired at age 70 after working nearly two decades at United Technology in Traverse where she was formally recognized as a highly valued employee.  She took great pride in her ability to expand her skills and stay current with the changing demands of her positions .

Leisure time was often spent at thrift stores and estate sales, looking for treasures to enhance her country home.  An antique oak chair, a collectible doll, or an unusual Christmas ornament often made it home with her.  Her son adopted her penchant for finding unique treasures that others may have overlooked, and while Chuck collects different things, he shares her love of the hunt.

Above all, her greatest joy was time spent with family.  The number of photos that she took,

collected, reproduced, shared, and stored is quite extraordinary.  Throughout her life she spent time reminiscing about her childhood, her parents and brothers, her husband, her children, and her grandchildren.  Those photos were a tremendous source of happiness and comfort, particularly in her later years when it was still easy for her to conjure up people, events, and experiences of long ago.

Thelma’s greatest asset was her sense of humor and beautiful smile.  She kept that throughout the challenges and celebrations in her life.  While she led a simple life, it was not without its hardships.  Her smile stayed, though, and that itself is enough to celebrate and remember.

She is survived by her brothers Robert (Effie) Anderson and Gene (Christine) Anderson; her

three children Linda (Charles) Hauser Mueller, Charles Hauser, and Karen Hauser; her six grandchildren Joel (Lauren) Mueller, Rebecca (Michael Todd) Sketch, Nicole and David Hauser, and Ashley and Benjamin Apel; and her four great-grandchildren Anabelle, Nettie, and Otto Sketch, and Kate Mueller. Every member of Thelma’s family has a piece of her heart and soul in them.

Thelma was preceded in death by her husband of 44 years, Steven McClintock; parents Rachel M. (Setterbo) and Theodore M. Anderson; her brothers Theodore Anderson and Clayton (Martha) Anderson; and her infant sister Rose Anderson.

The family would like to thank the staff at the French Manor Extended Care and Dr. Goldsmith for their kindness and care of Thelma.  Their dedication to her made the journey for Thelma and her family easier to traverse.

A funeral service honoring Thelma will take place August 17 at 2pm with visitation starting at 1 p.m. at the Immanuel Lutheran Church, Suttons Bay.  Pastor Jonathan Reid will officiate.

Those wishing to express their sympathy may consider a memorial donation to the Alzheimer’s Association, an organization that supports women in crisis in your area, or your local library.

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

Jane Virginia Schwarz, Died July 9, 2019

Jane V. SchwarzDied July 9, 2019

Our precious mother, Jane Virginia Schwarz, slipped quietly into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior on the morning of July 9, 2019, surrounded by her family.

Jane was born July 4,1920 in the East Leland family home to Elmer and Emma Bardenhagen. Shewas the third of 5 children. We always referred to Mom as Leland’s Little Firecracker, and she certainly lived up to her name. Growing up on a farm instilled in our Mom the value of hard work, independence and determination, importance of family and a strong faith; virtues which remained first and foremost throughout her life.

 

In 1938 Jane graduated from Leland Public School. Other than living a short time in Detroit and Traverse City, she spent her life in our treasured Leelanau County home. 

Jane met the love of her life, Maurice Schwarz, at a high school dance in Cedar. She was quite taken by that tall, red-haired, handsome guy. Jane and Maury were married June 16,1942 in Detroit by Reverend Tong, with John and Lucille Peterson as their attendants.

While her husband was in the Navy during WW ll, Jane lived with her family. Upon his safe return, they designed and built their Leland home and were blessed with three children; Steven, Janie and Joni.

Our parents enjoyed golf together, Sunday drives with their young children, family trips to Mackinac Island, card games and dinner parties with friends and family. They loved their travels to Florida and Arizona.

Jane was a founding member of the Leland Child Study Club,  remaining active when it became the Leland Women’s Civic Club.  She enjoyed her years working at The Leland Country Club, Joyce of Leland, Kim’s Cargo, Pat’s Place, and The Depot of Harbor Springs in Northport, finally retiring at 85 years of age! In addition, she catered many dinner parties for summer residents with her sister, Lucille. Gardening, cooking, cross-country skiing and bridge were her favorite pastimes. As an avid Detroit Pistons and Tigers fan, Jane knew players, coaches and positions well enough to carry on conversations with anyone willing to listen and talk sports!

Jane and Maury were members of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Leland. Jane loved her church family, read her Bible and devotions daily, attended Bible class, Ladies Aid and assisted in many church functions. Her faith was a source of strength and comfort to her. She very much loved her pastor and elder visits, as well as sermon videos made by her son, when she could no longer attend church regularly.

Jane had a huge, giving heart for anyone in need. Many people in Leland were the recipients of her delicious chocolate chip cookies, Christmas fudge or zucchini bread.

Family meant everything to our mom. She was a devoted wife, mother and nana, always there for us, guiding, helping and loving unconditionally. We are grateful and blessed to have had her in our lives and now forever in our hearts.

Left to cherish and honor her life and memories are her children; Steven Schwarz, Janie (Steven) Tavener and Joni (Joseph) Burda. Precious grandchildren, each of whom Nana Jane took care of at one time or another, include; Steven Schwarz, Nathan Joel Schwarz, Sara (Bruce) Maleski, Katie (Matthew) Medler, Joseph (Tiffany) Burda, Michael (Cassie) Burda and Christopher (Kaitlyn) Burda. Her sweet great-grandchildren are Nathan, Quinn, Griffon, Cory, Maddison, Taven, Rowen, Mattie, Emerie, Isla, Weston, Cooper and great-great-granddaughter, Adaley. 

Jane was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Maury, and their dear grandson, Nathan Joel. Also preceding Jane in her death were her parents, Emma and Elmer; brothers, Leonard, Vernon and Victor; and sister, Lucille Peterson Bach.

After moving from Leland to Traverse City, Jane embraced new friendships at Cedar Creek Senior Apartments and, most recently, Boardman Lake Glens. We are forever in deep gratitude and appreciation for the gentle, attentive care and friendship offered by the staff at the Inverness House of Boardman Lake Glens.

A celebration of Jane’s life will be held at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Leland on Monday, July 15, at 11:00 a.m., with visitation one hour before. Pastor Joshua LaFeve will officiate. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts given to Immanuel Lutheran Church P.O. Box 436 Leland, MI 49654, would be greatly appreciated. 

Please share condolences with Jane’s family below or on our Facebook Page.

Allen J. John, Died July 8, 2019

Allen J. John

Died July 8, 2019

KEWADIN – Allen Jerome John, 70, of Kewadin, passed away Monday, July 8, 2019 at Munson Medical Center.

Allen was born on July 5, 1949 in Northport the son of Clarence and Evelyn (John) Manitouwash. On November 10, 1992 in Traverse City, he married Joyce Wilson, who survives.

Allen loved the Lord and all his kids and beautiful grands and great grands! He was a great sportsman and enjoyed working on cars. If he wasn’t home with the kids, he’d be at a ball game or Camp Meeting somewhere. He enjoyed working at the Kewadin Indian Mission campgrounds..

Allen served in the Army and was a Vietnam veteran. He belonged to American Legion Post 120 in Peshawbestown.

In addition to his wife, Allen is survived by his children, John, Allen Jr., Angel, and Bruce (Samantha) John and Jordan, Bret, and Doug (Amy) Shomin; grandchildren, Bryton, Marissa, Dyevin, Dakota, Robert, Austin, Elijah, Carly, Angelica, Isiah, Delia, Twyla, Minwaate, Baby June, and Desmond; seven great-grandchildren; a sister, Joyce (Doug) Smith; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Julia “Judy” Cloud; a stepdaughter, Twyla Jean (Kahgegab) Shomin; and a grandson, Skyler John.

A wake service will be held on Thursday, July 11 at 3 p.m. at the Kewadin Indian Mission Tabernacle with visitation beginning at 2:30 p.m. Visitation will also be on Friday, July 12 from 11 a.m. to the start of the 1 p.m. funeral service at the Northport Indian UMC Campground on Camp Haven Road. Burial and military honors will follow at Leelanau Township Cemetery, Northport.

Please share condolences with Allen’s family below or on our Facebook page.

Lucie A. Dunklow-Burkhardt, Died July 5, 2019

Lucie A. Dunklow-Burkhardt
Died July 5, 2019

LAKE LEELANAU – Lucie Ann Dunklow-Burkhardt, 79, of Lake Leelanau, passed away Friday, July 5, 2019 with her loving husband in an unfortunate car accident.

Lucie was born September 6, 1939 in Lake Leelanau, the daughter of Emory C. and Celia E. (Belanger) LaBonte.  On October 2, 2010 at Immanuel Lutheran Church of Leland, she married Jerry A. Burkhardt. 

Lucie had a gift of bringing beauty to the world around her.  She always tended beautiful flower gardens, whether it be the summertime in Michigan or the winter in Florida.  It was a common occurrence for bicyclists to stop and take pictures of them.  She also had a wonderful passion and talent for painting, often giving personalized paintings as gifts.  

Family meant everything to Lucie.  She took great pride in her daughters and enjoyed hosting parties at the lake house for her family.  She loved spending time with her grandchildren.  She and Jerry enjoyed teaching them to play euchre and would challenge them to a game at any opportunity.  Her strong faith  also helped her find another family and home in the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Leland. 

Lucie is survived by her children, Tina (Thom Hammontree) Dunklow, Becky (Randy) Winowiecki, and Jodi (James) King; her siblings, Renee LaBonte, Katherine (Len) Darga, Ann Baatz, Jake LaBonte, Martha (Gary) Neddo, Mary Jo (Dan) Darga, Caroline (Norman) DuRocher, and Joseph (Ann) LaBonte; and her grandchildren, Randy Winowiecki Jr., Jason Winowiecki, Kyra Winowiecki, Chloe King, Eli King, Lucas Hammontree, and Jack Hammontree.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, Donald Dunklow; and her brothers, David (Marie) LaBonte, and Samuel (Nancy) LaBonte. 

A memorial service for Lucie and Jerry will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 13 at the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay, with the family greeting friends and family at noon. Pastor Joshua LaFeve will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Samaritan’s Closet, 25 S Lake Leelanau Dr, Lake Leelanau, MI 49653 or http://samscloset.org.

Please share condolences with Lucie’s family below or on our Facebook Page.

Jerry A. Burkhardt, Died July 5, 2019

 

Jerry A. Burkhardt

Died July 5, 2019

LAKE LEELANAU – Jerry Arthur Burkhardt, 79, of Lake Leelanau, passed away Friday, July 5, 2019 with his loving wife in an unfortunate car accident.

Jerry was born November 10, 1939 in Detroit, the son of Kenneth Robert and Jane Muriel (Harris) Burkhardt.  On September 18, 2010 at Immanuel Lutheran Church of Leland, he married Lucie Ann Dunklow, who passed away with him.

Jerry was a hardworking, dedicated man.  At the age of seventeen he joined the Army Reserves. He worked as a pipe fitter for McLouth Steel for eleven years.  He was very proud when he was chosen to be a police officer with the City of Trenton where he advanced and retired after 26 years as a Command Lieutenant in the detective bureau. He also retired from the Army reserves as a Sargent Major after many years of service. After retiring from the police department in Trenton, he joined the Leelanau County Marine Patrol as a Marine Officer.

He loved Leelanau County, and in 1971, he bought a plot of land to begin work on the family cottage.  Over the years of hard work, Jerry finished the cottage and had a place to call home. 

Jerry loved his family, and he will be greatly missed.

Jerry is survived by his children, Michael (Lisa) Burkhardt of Rockford, and Matthew (Kelly) Burkhardt of Lansing; and his grandchildren, Robert Puckett, Justin Sosa and Shelby Koss.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Lucie; his parents; a daughter and son in-law, Laurie (Jeff) Hickerson; and his siblings, Linda, Suzy, Judy and Tom.

A memorial service for Jerry and Lucie will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 13 at the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay, with the family greeting friends at 12 p.m. Pastor Joshua LaFeve will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Fraternal Order of Police Foundation, 328 Massachusetts Ave. NE, Washington D.C. 20002.

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Virginia Eitzen, Died July 3, 2019

Virginia Eitzen

Died July 3, 2019

CEDAR – Virginia Eitzen, 93, of Cedar, passed away Wednesday, July 3, 2019 at the Grand Traverse Pavilions surrounded by her loving family.

Virginia was born May 26, 1926 in Flint the daughter of Nicholas Romaniuk and Anastasia Tymczuk.  One month later Nicholas died.  In 1927 Anastasia married Anthony Maslanka.  On February 14, 1953 she married Lloyd J. Eitzen in Flint.

Virginia was a lady of faith, family, and strong work ethics.  She earned her degree as an RN from Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing.  Her diversified tenure as a nurse included Flint City Health Care, Flint Buick Plant, Munson Hospital and Northport Hospital.  She offered many years of personal nursing care to family including her mother, father, mother-in-law, father-in-law, husband and brother.  A strong Catholic faith was exemplified throughout her life and was a member of St. Mary of Assumption Church in Lake Leelanau.

Leelanau County residents knew Virginia through her broad range of interests including horses and trailing riding, Sugar Loaf Mt., skiing, bicycling and walking and volunteering. She always included family with these activities.

Virginia is survived by her children, Karen (James) Rennie, Jerry (Peggy) Eitzen, Kim (James) Blackford, Mary Ann (Rey) Vigil, Robert (Nancy) Eitzen; a sister, Sister Anne Maslanka; her grandchildren, Peter, Christina Rennie, Thomas, Paul, Michael, Amy Eitzen, Johann Deffert, Aaron, Jacob and Benjamin Vigil and Carolyn Eitzen.

She was preceded in death by her husband of forty-seven years, Lloyd; her parents and a brother, Reverend Walter Anthony.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, July 19 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, July 20 at St. Mary Church of Lake Leelanau with the family greeting friends at 10 a.m.  Burial in St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery will follow the luncheon.  Fr. Bryan Medlin will serve as celebrant.

Memorials may be directed to St. Mary of Assumption Church, PO Box 340, Lake Leelanau, MI, 49653 and/or Sisters of St. Joseph 3^rd Order of the St. Francis, 12215 Granger Road, Cleveland, OH 44111.

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Nancy M. Gross, Died July 4, 2019

Nancy M. Gross

August 26, 1932 – July 4, 2019

LELAND – Nancy Mae Gross, 86, of Leland, passed away Thursday, July 4, 2019 at the Munson Hospice House.

Nancy was born on August 26^th, 1932 in Pontiac, MI, the daughter of Alexander Wright and Vernetta (Mader) Wright.  She grew up in the city of Detroit and attended Cooley High School.  In 1954, Nancy graduated from Michigan State University with an Art major and began her career as a public school teacher in New Haven, CT.  She returned to the Detroit area and taught there for a period of time before meeting her future husband Tom.  They were married on February 9^th, 1957 at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Detroit, MI.

Nancy first discovered Leelanau County in 1956 while attending MSU summer art classes at the Old Art Building in Leland.  Here, she created some of her early landscape oil paintings, which later on helped launch her reputation as a locally known artist.  Ultimately, she ventured into watercolors, and her catalog of paintings reflects the inspiration she received from nature, her family and the beautiful landscapes of Leelanau County.  Nancy was in tune with nature, which is illustrated in her body of work.

Often out in the field to sketch or work on her paintings, Nancy also spent a good deal of time in her studio at home.  Here, she would share her love of painting by introducing her family members and neighborhood children to the world of art and helped them to create their own little masterpieces.  Her grandchildren sometimes mentioned how these were great bonding experiences with grandma.

In the mid 1960’s Nancy returned to the Leland area with her husband and sons for a brief summer vacation.  It was then that she was reminded of the extraordinary beauty of Leelanau County that inspired her family, her art, and her soul.  She and her husband knew they would somehow find a way to buy property and spend more time in Leelanau County.  While vacationing one summer at the Jolli-Lodge, they found their dream property and purchased it in 1971.

In the 1970s, while raising her three sons she also owned and operated a preschool in the Detroit area that taught up to 200 children per day.  Children were one of her great passions, especially her six grandchildren, who she adored.  She also loved animals, and they loved her, as they tended to gravitate towards her.

In 1996, Nancy and her husband Tom retired in Leland.  Since then, Nancy made a lasting impression on the community: she volunteered at the Leland Public School, the Leland Public Library, and tutored local high school students.  In addition to being a loving wife, mother and grandmother, Nancy was also a skilled pianist and enjoyed singing in the church choir.

With her infectious smile and that magical twinkle in her eyes, Nancy would light up any room.  She was a strong presence wherever she went and made a lasting impression on everyone she encountered.  Nancy was the family glue: she cherished family get-togethers and always mailed out birthday cards and little gifts to family and close friends.  For years, Nancy sent an unsigned birthday card with no return address to one of her dear friends who shared her birth date, a great example of her mischievous and zesty sense of humor.  She was a free-spirited soul, a sensible character judge, an avid reader on a wide variety of subjects, a lifelong educator, and a great mediator who would bring all kinds of people together with different viewpoints and perspectives to help find common ground.  She will be dearly missed and always remembered by her family and her large circle of friends.

Nancy is survived by her loving husband of sixty-two years, Thomas; her children, Thomas W. (Kelly) Gross, Gerald M. (Katharina) Gross, and Christian J. (Jean) Gross; and her grandchildren, Emily, Bretton, Paul, Carly and Savannah.  

She was preceded in death by her parents and a granddaughter, Abigail Gross.

A Celebration of Nancy’s life will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 27 at the Suttons Bay Congregational Church.  The Rev. Dr. Robin Carden will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Leelanau Christian Neighbors, PO Box 196, Lake Leelanau, MI 49653 and/or the Leelanau Children’s Center, PO Box 317, Leland, MI 49654 or the Leland Public Schools, c/o Music Program, PO Box 498, Leland, MI 49654.

Please share your thoughts and memories of Nancy with her family below or on our Facebook Page.

Mary L. Schaub, Died July 5, 2019

Mary Louise Schaub

Died July 5, 2019

LAKE LEELANAU – Mary Louise Schaub, 70, of Lake Leelanau, passed away Friday, July 5, 2019 at home surrounded by her loving family.

Mary was born May 11, 1949 in Suttons Bay, the daughter of Paul and Helen (Sylt) Schaub.  On May 13, 1972 at St. Mary’s of Lake Leelanau, she married the love of her life, Melvin “Mel” Schaub, who survives.

Mary was truly special in her depth of endless kindness.  Whether you were family, friends, her children’s friends, or a neighbor from down the street, you were welcome in her home.  Mary was the heart that held the family tightly together.  Especially during the holidays, she enjoyed bringing the family and friends together with love, laughter and food.

Tradition and spending time with those she loved was important to Mary, and you could see it in her everyday life.  Every morning, while having their breakfast and coffee, she and Mel would play Kings in the Corner.  Every year in October, she and Mel took the family up to the U.P. for a family vacation, something her children remember fondly.  She’d have early lunches with her friends and regular trips to play bingo or visit the casino. 

Mary loved the outdoors, and you could often find her tending to her flowers and her beautiful garden.  When it came time for morel mushroom hunting, Mary had a gift for finding them, and her basket was usually full.  She also loved playing cards and was always ready for a game of euchre.

Mary was a loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother, mother-in-law and friend, and shall be missed dearly. 

In addition to her loving husband, Mel, Mary is survived by her children, Leo Schaub, Tom (Lin) Schaub, Lisa (Steve) Wagner, Raymond (Tara Couturier)Schaub, and Eddie Schaub; her siblings, Eva Blohm, Jenny McAulay, Bernard (Betty) Schaub, David Schaub, and Elizabeth (Don Mack) McNeil; her grandchildren, Cody and Asher; her adopted in love grandchildren, Emma and Genevieve; a dear sister in-law, Ellie Schaub; her special friend, Ginger Petroskey; and her precious cats, Fluffy and Target.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Helen Schaub; her brothers, Jim, Philip, Fredrick and Norman; and her sister in-laws, Carol Schaub, Joann Schaub, and Wilma Schaub.

Visitation is at St. Mary’s Church in Lake Leelanau between 5 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, July 10 with the Rosary to be prayed at 7 p.m.  The mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Thursday, July 11, also at the church, with the family greeting friends at 10 a.m.  Burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery will follow the mass.  Fr. Bryan Medlin will serve as celebrant.

Memorials may be directed to St. Mary’s Church, PO Box 340, Lake Leelanau, MI, 49653 and/or St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105 and/or Shriners Hospitals for Children, Attn: Office of Development, 2900 N. Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, FL  33607.

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