Russell A. Scholtens Died March 19, 2020

Russell A. Scholtens
Died March 19, 2020

SUTTONS BAY – Russell Aaron Scholtens, 87, of Suttons Bay, died March 19, 2020 at Munson Medical Center.

I was born in Ionia April 6, 1932, the eldest son of John and Gladys (Smith) Scholtens. I attended Ionia Public Schools and graduated in 1949 excelling in the music program and was an accomplished saxophone and clarinet player. I attended Central Michigan College as Music Major and while there met my loving wife, Joan "Corky" Bernice Corwin of Grayling. We were married February 10, 1951 and enjoyed 64 years together until her death in 2015.

I left college and returned to Ionia with my wife and performed with various bands and was employed at Consumers Power Company.

In 1954 I enlisted in the Michigan State Police and served at Flint, Houghton Lake, Bridgeport and Traverse City (1968-1979) where I retired as a Sergeant.

In 1957 I was baptized in the Catholic Church while in Flint.

After retirement from the state police in 1979, I drove school bus for Suttons Bay, Leelanau St. Mary's, Traverse City Public Schools and Grand Traverse Catholic schools until 2008. I performed in various musical groups in Traverse City, was Court Officer for 86th district Court and drove a truck during cherry harvest.

I was an avid sailor travelling the northern Great Lakes with my wife. I was a voracious reader. I was active in St. Michael the Archangel Church in Suttons Bay as lector, catechist, and choir member, and served a term as chair for the Liturgical Council. I enjoyed writing both chronicles and prose.

I was an enthusiastic member of the Knights of Columbus and was active in forming councils in Elk Rapids, Lake Leelanau and Suttons Bay serving as Grand Knight, Faithful Navigator of the Fourth Degree, District Deputy, Area Manager of District Deputies and Diocesan Program Director. While District Deputy I formed councils in St. Mary's Church at Hannah and St. Francis Church of Traverse City.

I was survived by daughter Rebecca "Becky" (David) Phillips of Traverse City, John C. (Simona) Scholtens of Fairfield, California and daughter Rochelle "Shelly" (Al) Durga of Mayfield, leaving behind thirteen grandchildren, eighteen great grandchildren, and one great-great grandson.

I was preceded in death by my beloved wife of 64 years Corky, my parents, my brother William of San Diego, California and grandson, Justin Durga of Traverse City.

Interment in St. Michael the Archangel Cemetery with Corky in Suttons Bay will be announced at a later date.

Donations should be directed to St. Mary's Church, PO Box 340, Lake Leelanau, MI 49653.

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Lynn B. Long Died March 25, 2020

Lynn B. Long

Died March 25, 2020

SUTTONS BAY – Lynn Bradley Long, 81, reached the end of a courageous battle against cancer on March 25, 2020 with his wife and children beside him.

Lynn was born Aug. 18, 1938 in Cadillac, the son of Eston “Sam” Odell Long and Ida (Kesl) Long.  Lynn was raised in Hoxeyville, Michigan, on the family farm.  After graduation, on his 18th birthday, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps.

On May 8, 1965 in Chicago, he married his best friend, Donna L. (Perrella) Long, who survives.  Shortly after they were married, they built a home in Suttons Bay where they spent nearly 40 years raising their family.  During their time in Leelanau County he was active in local government. 

Lynn began his career in banking and later moved into the building trade.  He was a master carpenter, with learned skills ranging from fine furniture to timber framing.  He had a hand in building and renovating a variety of projects both locally and abroad.  Lynn was ahead of his time with his love to “repurpose” and he took great pride in utilizing his pole barn “stash”.

In recent years, he took great joy in providing fruits and vegetables to all his friends and neighbors who gathered in Florida for the winter.  Because of this, packing included minimal belongings for he and Donna but included many crates of potatoes, heads of cabbage, carrots from his garden, jellies, apples and other items which he would personal deliver shortly after his arrival.  He was happiest with a chainsaw in his hand, riding around on his tractor, or working in his garden.

He was a lifelong member of the Catholic Church and raised his family honoring and living the traditions of his faith.  Lynn's life goal was to provide for his family and ensure that their lives were full of opportunities that he never had.  His greatest accomplishment was raising exceptional children and being a proud Buppa to his six grandchildren whom he loved dearly.  Lynn lived to serve, and he blessed the lives of everyone he met with his generosity, hard work, friendships, and service to his local communities.

The family would like to give a special thanks to his Munson Home Hospice nurse Ellie for her love and support throughout his battle.  They formed a special bond and we will forever be grateful for her amazing care during his long illness.

Lynn will be greatly missed by his wife of 55 years, Donna; his children, Michael and Stephanie Long, Jeannine and Jeff VanderWall, and Michele and Craig Elhart; his six grandchildren, Katharine and Jacob Long, Lauren and Drew VanderWall, Spencer and Sophia Elhart; his siblings, Sharon and Bob Verlinde, Bob and Donna Long, Tom and Judy Long, Roger and Jessica Long; his close cousins, Ron and Barb Kesl, as well as many nieces, nephews, and his many close friends in Michigan, Florida, and Canada.

He was preceded in death by his parents and three siblings, Bruce Long, Gloria (Jim) Hastings, and Gregory Long.

Graveside services in Restful Forest Cemetery of Norman Township, Manistee, have been held which were presided over by Father Ciprian Streza.

The Long family will invite everyone to a celebration of Lynn’s life at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Munson Home Hospice, 1105 Sixth Street, Traverse City, MI 49684.

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William "Bill" R. Haupricht, Died March 19, 2020

William “Bill” Haupricht

1951 - 2020

SUTTONS BAY – William R. Haupricht, 68, of Suttons Bay, passed away Thursday, March 19, 2020 at the Munson Hospice House with his family at his side.

Bill was born to Raymond W. Haupricht and Helen Jane (McCutchan) Haupricht.  He had an easy going, original and irresistible charm, with a great sense of humor and always had a good story to tell.  It was hard not to love him.

He graduated from the University of Toledo and worked for Johns Manville in Sales and Marketing for 30 years.  Bill finished his career in the fly-fishing department at Bass Pro Shop.  He loved fishing, woodworking, and his family.

You want to talk sports; he was your man.  Professional auto racing, Big Ten and Notre Dame being his favorites.  And if you want to talk politics – you’d better be Republican! 

Bill was also a long time member of the Elks and was a true Rotarian; being president of the Maumee Rotary and assistant to two district governors in N.W. Ohio.  He was proud and happy to have achieved his goal to move to Northern Michigan.

Bill is survived by his wife, Beth (Shuman-Kuebler) who will miss him daily and forever; his siblings, Julie (Joe) Ziegler and their children Matthew and Allison and Gary (Nancy) Haupricht and their son Jason.

A celebration of his life (we all have our own Billy stories), being scheduled later in the year, with hopes of an early autumn.

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Gerald "Jerry" J. Jagosz, Died March 10, 2020

Gerald J. Jagosz

Died March 10, 2020

CLEVELAND TOWNSHIP – Gerald John Jagosz, 80, of Cleveland Township, passed away Tuesday, March 10, 2020 at home surrounded by his loving family.

Gerald was born Dec. 9, 1939 in Detroit the son of Walter and Mary (Zbrudzewski) Jagosz.  On Oct. 28, 1961 in Kapuskasing, Ontario, Canada; he married Doris G. (Lafleur) Jagosz, who survives.

As a young man, Jerry served his nation in the U.S. Airforce.  After his services he worked for and retired from General Motors Corporation as an electrical engineer. 

Jerry was the life of the party, ready to give the shirt off of his back to help someone in need.  He was always looking out for the welfare of his family before himself.  When one showed up at his home, they didn’t leave hungry.  Jerry was patriotic and prayed for the President and was a member of St. Mary’s Church in Lake Leelanau.  He was a man of faith, family and country. 

Jerry is survived by his loving wife of fifty-eight years, Doris; a daughter, Janet (Paul) Ashton; three grandchildren, Rhett, Drew (Kristy) and Brandon (Gina) Ashton; two great grandchildren, Reece and Sterling Ashton; a brother-in-law, John Konkal and a sister-in-law, Kathy Jagosz.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his siblings, Laura Konkal, John Jagosz, Walter (Marlene) Jagosz and Richard (Jerry) Jagosz.

A memorial mass will be celebrated on Saturday, August 22 at 11 a.m. at St. Mary of the Assumption, Lake Leelanau.  Burial to follow with military honors at St. Mary Cemetery.  Masks are required and to please practice safe social distancing.

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Peter A. Leabo Died March 12, 2020

Peter A. Leabo

Died March 12, 2020

SUTTONS BAY – Peter Allen Leabo, 93, of Suttons Bay, passed away Thursday, March 12, 2020 surrounded by his loving family.

Pete was born May 26, 1926 in Suttons Bay, the son of Pete and Justina (Wiesler) Leabo.  On April 28, 1956 in Detroit he married Josephine “Josie” M. (Bica) Leabo who preceded him in death on Oct. 1, 2015. 

Pete leaves behind a family of five children and a sister Delores “Dodie” Mikowki.  He was born in Suttons Bay, graduated from the Union School, purchased and worked a farm, raised a family, and worshipped in Suttons Bay.  Pete was a third generation Suttons Bay resident. 

As a young man Pete served his nation in the U.S. Army Infantry during WWII as a mountain climber.  He even extended his enlistment by one year because he enjoyed the Army Infantry ski training.  Thankfully the war ended, after that extra year, Pete came home.

Pete and Josie purchased the 160 acre Leabo Family Farm in 1962 and started raising a family.  He would build homes during the day and worked the farm evenings and weekends.  He also worked at Northern Lumber for fifteen years.  Many folks might recognize the Leabo Farm with its rows of Sunflower’s along M-204.  Pete enjoyed hunting trips to the U.P.

The family extends their thanks to Gerald Selby, Max Morey and the members of that generation who built the wonderful community we enjoy today. 

Pete is survived by his five children, Michael Peter (Shari) Leabo, Peter John (Kathleen J. Smith) Leabo, Sherri Crider, John Gregory (Elizabeth) Leabo, Mary McManemy;

11 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren, and a sister Dodie Mikowski

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his loving wife of 59 years, Josie and 7 siblings.

The funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, March 17 at the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay with the family greeting friends at 2 p.m.  Burial in St. Michael’s Cemetery of Suttons Bay will be held at a later date.

The entire family will invite everyone to another celebration of dad’s life in the months to come.

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

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Clara B. Routzahn Died March 12, 2020

Clara B. Routzahn

Died March 12, 2020

LAKE LEELANAU – Clara Belle Routzahn, 102, of Lake Leelanau, passed away on Thursday, March 12, 2020 at Medilodge of Leelanau.

Clara was born Oct. 23, 1917 in Plamondon, Alberta, Canada, the daughter of Ernest and Florence (Belanger) Plamondon.  On Oct. 15, 1946 in Traverse City she married Milton D. Routzahn who preceded her in death on March 31, 1992. 

Clara graduated from St. Mary’s Schools with the class of 1937.  She loved the outdoors and gardening and was careful to teach her young ones to pull the weeds and not the plants.  Clara planted a garden every year and grew raspberries and strawberries.

She lived next to waters of Lake Leelanau and was a life-long member of St. Mary’s Church.  A loving mother and grandmother who dearly loved her family and her faith.

Clara is survived by her son, David L. (Marcia) Routzahn; three grandchildren, Shannon Routzahn, Shelly (Justin) Roush, James Routzahn; two great grandchildren, Donald “DJ” and Brayden; and three sisters, Mary Louise, Lena and Arvine.

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

Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on Monday, March 16 with the Rosary to be prayed at 7 p.m. at Martinson Funeral Home, Suttons Bay.  The mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 17 with the family greeting friends at 10 a.m. at St. Mary of the Assumption, Lake Leelanau.  Burial in St. Mary Cemetery will be announced at a later date.  Father Bryan Medlin will serve as celebrant. 

Memorials may be directed to St. Mary Schools. PO Box 340, Lake Leelanau, MI 49653.

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Kathleen A. Evans Died March 8, 2020

Kathleen A. Evans

Died March 8, 2020

NORTHPORT - Kathleen Ann Evans, 73, of Northport, passed away on Sunday, March 8, 2020 at Munson Medical Center.

Kathleen was born on June 4, 1946, in Clarksburg, WV, the daughter of Jack and Betty (Shuttlesworth) Evans.  On September 27, 1991, she married Robert W. Mead, who survives.

Kathy graduated Lumberport High School, WV, and attended Northwestern Michigan College.  She worked as an emergency services dispatcher for both Grand Traverse Central and Leelanau County Dispatch.

In addition to her husband, Bert, Kathy is survived by her sisters, Carolinda Wayland of Mason Neck, VA, and Dr. Meredith Kiger of Morgantown, WV.

She was preceded in death by her parents and younger brother, Jeb Evans.

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

Memorials may be directed to the Cherryland Humane Society, 1750 Ahlberg Drive, Traverse City, MI 49686 and/or to the Grand Traverse Region Public Safety Alliance, 897 Parsons Road, Traverse City, MI 49686-3650.  

Please share condolences with Kathy’s family at www.martinson.info

Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Leelanau.

Paul T. Dunleavy Died March 2, 2020

Paul T. Dunleavy

 Died March 2, 2020 

PESHAWBESTOWN – Paul Thomas Dunleavy, 44, of Peshawbestown, passed away unexpectedly Monday, March 2, 2020 at his home.

Paul was born February 10, 1976 in Grand Rapids, the son of Jeanette and Bill “Big Bill” Schwandt.  Paul attended school and grew up in Caledonia, MI, where he was known as one of the “OGLG’s” and later moved to Peshawbestown, MI.

Paul had an infectious personality and is described by his family and friends to be an instigator who enjoyed starting crap and then sitting back and laughing, but also as the most selfless, caring, thoughtful, generous, helpful, compassionate, humorous, and easygoing individual.  Besides spending time with family and friends, Paul loved hunting, fishing, and cooking.  Paul touched many lives with his generosity and passion to help others.

His memory will be cherished and kept alive by his mother, Jeanette Schwandt; his siblings, Kelly (Mark) Hanson, John (Shauna) Dunleavy, Billy Dunleavy, Bobby-Jo (Tim) Dunleavy-Dumont, Lisa Schwandt, Bill (Kathy) Schwandt, Barb (Aaron) Powers; and many loving aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his dad, Bill “Big Bill” Schwandt, and sister, Faith Ann Dunleavy.

The funeral service will be held on Friday, April 3rd at 12 noon at St. Kateri Tekakwitha Church in Peshawbestown.  Sister Sue Gardner will officiate.  Private family burial will take place in St. Kateri Tekakwitha Cemetery.

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Marilyn R. Klinefelter Died February 29, 2020

Marilyn R. Klinefelter

Died Feb. 29, 2020

SUTTONS BAY – Marilyn Ruth Klinefelter, 89, of Suttons Bay, passed away on Saturday, February 29, 2020 at Munson Medical Center.

Marilyn was born on March 3, 1930 at the family home in Suttons Bay the last child of Carl L. and Lena (Bahle) Garthe and granddaughter of early Leelanau County Norwegian settlers.

After graduating from the Union Stone School in 1947, she attended Central Michigan University and earned her teaching degree.  She briefly taught Glen Arbor kindergarten and moved to the Northport High School in September 1953.  There she met another new teacher, Tom Klinefelter, and they were married at the Suttons Bay Congregational Church on June 18, 1955.

Tom accepted a teaching position in the Detroit area in the early 1960s and with their growing family in tow, moved to Livonia where they remained until the early 2000s.  Here, Marilyn was very active in her church, volunteering and sitting on many boards.  She was especially proud of being area president of Church Women United for the Detroit area.  Marilyn and the family returned to Suttons Bay every summer and ran the Bay Theatre from 1961 until 1976.  After Marilyn’s mother passed in the early 1980s, she took over the Garthe Guest House B & B in the village which had been run by her family since the early 1930s.  After leaving downstate and returning to Suttons Bay, she ran the B & B full time, welcoming back returning guests year after year.  Marilyn had a great sense of humor and was a friend to any one she came in contact.

Some of Marilyn’s pastimes were enjoying a sit & sip of tea and cookies, sewing, reading, and a rousing game of Canasta.  She was an avid pursuer of antiques and loved a good yard sale.  She always dreamed of her own antique shop and her home was full of treasures – a testimony to her dream.  Marilyn had an infectious smile with a twinkle in her blue eyes which lit up a room.  Her many selfless acts earned her many close friends which she remained in contact with for years.  She loved to write a letter or a note and tell a good story.

She and Tom loved to travel and spent many winters in Florida and Alabama with family and friends, but her most memorable trip was to her parents’ ancestral home in Surnadal, Norway, where she spent time with distant cousins and visited family homesteads.  Her travels also took her and Tom to Great Britain, Asia, Alaska, Russia, the Panama Canal, much of the U.S. and many islands in the Caribbean.

Marilyn is survived by her loving husband of sixty-four years, Tom; three children, Thomas Klinefelter, Robert (Lisa) Klinefelter, Catherine Klinefelter; and a sister in law, Elna Garthe.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and eight siblings, Laurel Blackmer, Carlton Garthe, Arnold Garthe, Dorothy Woodworth, Stanley Garthe, Ray Garthe, Bob Garthe and Phil Garthe.

A gathering will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. on Friday, March 6 at Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay. 

The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 7 with the family greeting friends at 10 a.m. at the Suttons Bay Congregational Church.  Rev. Dr. Robin Carden will officiate.

Private family burial in the Lutheran Cemetery of Suttons Bay will be held at a later date. 

Memorials may be directed to Suttons Bay Congregational Church, PO Box 70, Suttons Bay, MI 49682.

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Ronald L. Collins, Died March 1, 2020

Ronald L. Collins Sr.

Died March 1, 2020

BINGHAM TOWNSHIP – Ronald Lee Collins Sr., 75, of Bingham Township, passed away Sunday, March 1, 2020 at Medilodge of Leelanau surrounded by his loving family.

Ron was born Sept. 22, 1944 in Traverse City, the son of Arthur and Fern (Rinehart) Collins.  On July 21, 1962 at the Hinshaw Family Farm he married Elma M. (Hinshaw) Collins who survives.

For a decade he was a volunteer with the Suttons Bay-Bingham Township Fire and Rescue and was a longtime supporter of all of his children’s Suttons Bay School events. There wasn’t a Suttons Bay Norsemen event that he didn’t attend for his five children.

He was a long-time member of the Suttons Bay Public Schools Sports Boosters and Band Boosters.  Ron helped put up the first lights around the football field and was instrumental in fund raising for the bands stage and marching uniforms.

Ron worked for many years for Consumers Energy and later ran and operated his own vending machine business.  Many kids grew up playing his quarter operated video games at Jon’s Barbershop and other venues.

He was always stopping for coffee at his aunt's and uncle’s homes to check on them and lend them a hand.  He loved all music, but especially the man in black, Johnny Cash.  His sons and grandsons treasure the memories of trips to the U.P. for camping at the family cabin.

His whole life he loved to hunt and fish. His first car was a Ford Model A and even into his golden years he was reading Model A Magazine.  Ron enjoyed his draft horses and ponies for many years.

Ron grew up, was married, raised a family, worked and ran a business in Leelanau County. He was a man with deep love for his family, a good joke, MSU basketball, playing his trumpet and his red, white, and blue Buck Owen’s guitar.

Ron is survived by his loving wife of fifty-seven years, Elma; five children, Denise Collins of Coatesville, PA, Ron (Shelly) Collins Jr. of Traverse City, Diane (Greg) Lewis of Traverse City, Dawn (Josh) Bardenhagen of Lake Leelanau, Ken (Abby) Collins of Suttons Bay; his siblings, Larry (Lou) Collins, Marie Ball, Ray (Jacque) Collins; a sister-in-law, Shirley (Jim) Eckerle; nine grandchildren, Nick Collins, Matt Collins, Jack Collins, Cori Lewis, Ben Lewis, Abe Lewis, Eli Lewis, Jake Bardenhagen and Ruby Bardenhagen; and eleven nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and a sister, Kay Faust.

Visitation will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, March 8 at the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.

The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 9 also at the funeral home.  Rev Patti Haas will officiate.

Private family burial in Bingham Township Cemetery will be held in the spring.

Memorials may be directed to the Suttons Bay-Bingham Township Fire and Rescue P.O. Box 280, Suttons Bay, MI 49682 and/or Hospice of Michigan, 10850 E. Traverse Hwy, Traverse City, MI 49684.

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Bertha M. Oscar, Died February 16, 2020

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 was a lady of a strong work ethic all her life.  She worked at Frigid Foods, Leelanau Fruit Company and the Spartan Flag Company in Northport.  She didn’t stop working until well into her 80’s and even then, worked from her home.

Bertha is survived by her three daughters, Carolyn (Thomas) Herman, Shirley (Lew Whims) Oscar, Janis (Ronnie) Carr; five grandchildren, Shanna (Dave) Belzak, Andrew (Gayle) Hudson and Jessey (Heather) Hudson, Tom and Sara Herman; brothers, Jim and Dan Lemaster; a sister, Rose Badgley and five great grandchildren and many loving extended family members.

She was preceded in death by her husband Andy; a son, Jeffrey Allen Oscar; an infant brother, Larry; an infant sister, Betty; and her siblings, John and Tom Lemaster, Ethel Probst, Irene Woehl and Esther Walter.

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

Memorials may be directed to Hospice of Michigan, 10850 E. Traverse Highway, Traverse City, MI 49684.

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