Justin C. Strickland Died February 24, 2020

Justin C. Strickland

Died February 24, 2020

TRAVERSE CITY- Justin Curtis Strickland, 24, of Traverse City, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, February 24, 2020.

Justin was born on November 13, 1995 in Stamford, CT, the son of Julie (Mebert) Strickland of Traverse City and Jeffrey Strickland of Connecticut.

Justin was a sweet gentle soul who fought Epilepsy like a true warrior.  He was and always will be a hero who was taken far too soon.  Justin attended the University of Michigan and was currently attending Northwestern Michigan College.  Justin loved all types of music with a very diverse play list to liven up any road trip.  He enjoyed watching and playing sports, working out, and especially enjoyed bowling in his spare time.  He also really enjoyed trying new foods, the spicier the better, and going to festivals with his friends.  His appreciation for everyone was always felt and he never missed an opportunity to compliment a stranger to brighten their day.  His sweet and sincere charm, crazy sense of humor, practical jokes and infectious smile will never be forgotten.  He was loved by everyone who was blessed to meet him.

In addition to his parents, Justin is survived by his maternal grandparents, Al and Jeanne Mebert; fraternal grandmother, Betty Strickland; uncle Ryan (Kim) Mebert; aunt Kelly (Jeff) Eccleston; his cousins, Keegan, Kelton, Kennedy, Kealyn, Kooper, Kallahan, and Knox Mebert; and many loving extended family members and great friends.

Private graveside services at Keswick Maple Grove Cemetery will be held in the spring.

A Celebration of Life Gathering will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan, 25200 Telegraph Road, Ste. 110, Southfield, MI, 48033 or at www.epilepsymichigan.org

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William O. VerSnyder Died February 13, 2020

William O. VerSnyder

Died February 13, 2020

SUTTONS BAY – William Otto VerSnyder, 67, of Suttons Bay, passed away, Thursday, Feb. 13, 2020 at Munson Medical Center.

Bill was born July 24, 1952 in Traverse City the son of Peter and Elizabeth (Schaub) VerSnyder.  Bill graduated from St. Mary’s School in Lake Leelanau with the Class of 1971.  Afterwards, Bill served his nation in the U.S. Marine Corps earning the rank of Lance Corporal.  After he returned from service, he worked in construction for many years with Easling Construction then started his own business, Provemont Maintenance.

He loved fishing and hunting.  In his later years he would craft humming-bird feeders; Bill enjoyed watching them in his front yard.  He was a private individual who was giving and helpful to others.
Bill is survived by his three siblings, Jean Groesser, Mary Hubschneider, Robert (Jennifer) VerSnyder and many loving nieces, nephews and extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Jane Gleason.

A gathering will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, March 6 at Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.  Private family burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery will be held in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Veterans Affairs, 2650 LaFranier, Traverse City, MI 49686.

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Jean C. Coakley Died February 20, 2020

A complete obituary will be udated upon approval from the family

Jean C. Coakley

1937 ~ 2020

Jean Carol Coakley, 82, of Cedar, passed away on February 20, 2020 at Munson Medical Center.

Jean was born on June 19, 1937 in Detroit, the daughter of Gordon and Aimee (Johnston) Softley.  She married John Patrick Coakley, who survives.

Bertha M. Oscar Died February 16, 2020

A complete obituary will be updated upon family approval

Bertha M. Oscar

Died February 16, 2020

 SUTTONS BAY– Bertha May Oscar, 90, passed away on Sunday, February 16, 2020 at Medilodge of Leelanau.

Bertha was born on May 21, 1929, in Omena, the daughter of Daniel and Regina (Kalchik) Lemaster.  On April 2, 1949, in Traverse City, she married Allen “Andy” Oscar who preceded her in death on March 11, 2011.

Bertha is survived by her three daughters, Carolyn (Thomas) Herman, Shirley (Lew Whims) Oscar, Janis (Ronnie) Carr; five grandchildren, Shanna Carr, Andrew and Jessey Hudson, Tom and Sara Herman; brothers, John, Jim, Tom, and Dan Lemaster; sisters, Irene Woehl, Rose Badgley and Esther Walter.

She was preceded in death by a son, Jeffrey Allen Oscar; an infant brother; an infant sister; and sister, Ethel Probst.

Graveside services at the Lutheran Cemetery will be held in the spring.

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Jennifer S. Ely Died February 22, 2020

Jennifer S. Ely
1977 ~ 2020

Jennifer Sue Ely, 42, of Lake Leelanau, went to be with her mother and her Lord and Savior on February 22, 2020.

Jennifer was born Dec. 1, 1977, in Traverse City, the daughter of Terry and Susan (Dick) Ely. She is survived by her father, Terry; her brother, Chris (Shannon) Steiner; two nieces, Alyssa and Kylie Steiner; and two aunts, Karen Dick and Ramona Jesse.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Susan.

Cremation has taken place, private family services will be held at a later date.

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Joseph S. Fleis, Died February 21, 2020

Joseph S. Fleis

Died February 21, 2020

CEDAR –Joseph Sylvester Fleis, 92, of Cedar, passed away Friday, Feb. 21, 2020 at Cherry Hill Haven, Traverse City.

Joe was born on May 12, 1927 in Cedar, the son of Thomas and Agnes (Pleva) Fleis.  On Sept. 3, 1955, he married Lucille A. Zywicki at Holy Rosary Church in Isadore.  She preceded him in death on June 16, 2006.

Growing up Joe worked on the Fleis family farm and later served his nation in the U.S. Army, seeing service in the Korean War.  Private Second Class Fleis was a member of the 7^th Infantry Division and was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge.

Joe was a life-long resident of Cedar.  He was a devout Catholic and member of Holy Rosary Church.  In his youth he was an altar server and later church usher.  Joe was a forty-year member of the Knights of Columbus.

Upon returning from the military, Joe worked as a mason for over 35 years for Hohnke Construction and later Easling Construction.  He continued to do side jobs far beyond his retirement.  His creative stonework can be seen in homes and businesses throughout the county.

Joe and his brothers would have frequent family gatherings where they played euchre and listened to Polka music.  He was an avid sports fan; he loved the Detroit Tigers, Lions and Pistons.  He also encouraged his children to participate in sports and was their biggest fan.  He enjoyed marching annually in the Cedar Polka Festival Parade and was proud of his Polish heritage.

Later in life Joe enjoyed the casino and his daily 4 o’clock happy hour at the Cedar Tavern, graciously driven there by his wonderful caretaker Patricia.  Folks in Cedar may remember seeing Joe traveling to town on his golf cart or his lawn mower.

Joe is survived by his five children, Agnes (Tom) Mikowski, Karen (Tim) Maskill, Donna Gonder, Dennis (Lisa) Fleis, Camille (Derek) Paquette; daughter-in-law, Rebecca Fleis,; grandchildren, Tina, Tommy, Suzy, David II, Brian, Sarah,  Alex, Lindsey, Leah, Taylor, Adam and Sydney; his great-grandchildren, Henry, Frank, Joseph, Teresa and David III; and his sisters; Agnes Williams and Theresa Rosinski.

In addition to his wife, Joe was preceded in death by his son, David; brothers, Leo, Edward, Roman, Albin, Clem, Tommy, Tony, and two sisters, Sr. Mary Therese Fleis and Susan Fleis.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Monday, February 24, with the Rosary to be prayed at 7 p.m. at Holy Rosary Church in Isadore.  The mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, February 25 with the family greeting friends at 10 a.m., also at the church.  Fr. Bradley Nursey will serve as celebrant.  Burial at Mt. Calvary Cemetery will be announced in the spring.

Memorials may be directed to Holy Rosary Church, 6982 S. Schomberg Road, Cedar, MI 49621 and/or the Ed and Irene Fleis Education Foundation 6060 Grand Haven Road, Norton Shores, MI 49441.

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Richard A. Skipski, Died February 12, 2020

Richard A. Skipski

Died Feb. 12, 2020

MAPLE CITY – Richard Allen Skipski, 65, of Maple City, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2020 at his home.

Rich was born Sep. 17, 1954 in Detroit and was the son of Paul and Alice (Panek) Skipski.  For years he was a devoted son and made sure his mother was well cared for and didn’t want for anything.  Rich spent most of his career in construction and was a skilled craftsman, a perfectionist who took pride in his work as a carpenter.

He had an infectious laugh, and always loved to tease and joke with his siblings, nieces and nephews.  Rich always had a list of things to do, he always had to be doing something and was ready to lend a hand wherever needed.

Rich is survived by three siblings, Carol Jones, Randy (Karen) Skipski, Sandy (Matt) Matuszak; a sister in law, Gerri Milazzo; and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and two siblings, Michael Skipski and Bonnie Wilcox.

Graveside services in St. Rita’s Cemetery, Maple City will be announced in the spring.

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Spencer F. Thomas Died February 6, 2020

Spencer Farrington Thomas Jr.

Died February 6, 2020

NORTHPORT – Spencer Farrington Thomas Jr., 66, of Northport, passed away on Thursday, February 6, 2020 at Munson Medical Center. 

Spencer was born on December 11, 1953 at the Buckley AFB in Aurora, CO, the son of Spencer and Norma (Ninde) Thomas.  In 1993, in Leland, he married Donna Babcock who survives.

In addition to his wife, Spencer is survived by his step-children, Stephanie and Mike Perrault; step-grandchildren, Camden, Aiyana, Logan and Riley; siblings, Kathy, Harry, and Mary; and his best friend and beloved dog, Robby.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Private family celebration of Spencer’s life will occur in the summer. 

Memorials may be directed to the Leelanau Township Emergency Services, PO Box 338, Northport, MI 49670.

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