Thomas E. Mahar Died April 25, 2020

Thomas E. Mahar

Died April 25, 2020

 LAKE LEELANAU – Thomas Eugene Mahar, 89, of Lake Leelanau, passed away Saturday, April 25, 2020 at Medilodge of Traverse City with his loving family by his side.

Thomas was born April 26, 1930 in Hastings, MI, to Michael and Nora (Spencer) Mahar.  On October 18, 1952 in Nashville, MI, he married Patsy Jean (Firestone) Mahar who preceded him in death on February 14, 2006.

Tom honorably served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. Over the years, he often spoke highly of his time at sea; the challenges he experienced, the people he met, and all the places he visited while on board the USS Hyman.  While in the U.S. Navy he obtained his initial electronics training where he advanced to become an Electrical Engineer.

He loved spending time with his family, playing cards and playing solitaire on the computer.  His hobbies were designing, building, tinkering with and repairing things.  He was a long-time member of St. Mary’s Parish of Lake Leelanau where he served as Eucharistic Minister and Lector.  Before moving to Lake Leelanau, he was a member of St. Cyril Church in Nashville, MI.  Tom served his community as Commander of the Little Finger VFW Post 7731 of Lake Leelanau and was also the Financial Secretary of the Knights of Columbus for many years.

Tom is survived by his six children, Kathryn Lea (Bill) Smith of Farmington Hills, Marilyn Ann (Curtis) Crow of Traverse City, Annette Marie (David) Andres of Traverse City, Patrick Aaron Mahar of Traverse City, Karen Louise (Derek) Botfield of Portage, and Matthew Scott (Ashley) Mahar of Clarksville, TN; a half-brother Joseph Mahar of Alloway, NJ; a half-sister, Magdalen Joppie of Hastings, 14 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Bernard and Robert; sister, Martha Stamm; daughter, Barbara Jean; son, Thomas Allen; daughter-in-law, Carol Mahar; grandson, Michael Mahar; and great grandson, Devin Cowan.

Celebration of Tom's Life and graveside service will take place at a later date to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Mary of the Assumption Church, PO Box 340 Lake Leelanau, MI 49653.  Memorials may also be directed to Hospice of Michigan, 10850 East Traverse Highway, Traverse City, MI 49684.

Please share condolences and memories with the Mahar family below or on our Facebook page.

Brandon J. Pearson Died April 25, 2020

Brandon J. Pearson

1988 ~ 2020

Brandon James Pearson, 31, of Empire, passed away Saturday, April 25, 2020 at home with his loving family.

Brandon was born May 9, 1988 in Arlington Heights, IL, the son of Jerry and Michele Pearson.

Brandon always enjoyed being at our “Up North” home beginning in 1997. In 2007, he permanently made the Glen Lake area his home. While not graduating, he attended Glen Lake High School in 2007-08. He enjoyed the acceptance he received and participating in the graduation all night party at Avalanche Bay. He attended the Ace Program in Traverse City for a time, but then settled into “his” routine at the one place he felt best: home. When he was able, he enjoyed walks with his father along Empire Beach. He enjoyed celebrating the holidays and going to the movies with his Mom and Dad. Brandon was so sweet. He was always kind and considerate. He was loved dearly and will be sorely missed.

Brandon is survived by his parents, Jerry and Michele, and his older brother, Bradley Pearson. 

He was preceded in death by his younger sister, Chelsea B. Pearson, on Jan. 15, 2007.

A memorial at Glen Lake Community Church will be held at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Glen Lake Community Church, 4902 W. MacFarlane Road, Glen Arbor, MI 49636.

Please share condolences and memories with Brandon’s family below or on our Facebook page.

Charlene G. MacEachran, Died April 23, 2020

Charlene G. MacEachran

Died April 23, 2020

SUTTONS BAY – Charlene Gail MacEachran, 75, of Suttons Bay, passed away April 23, 2020.

On a Thursday afternoon a heavenly being took flight and returned home to be with her Lord.

With her family by her side, Char crossed over peacefully to join the other artists to help paint the sunrises, sunsets and intriguing cloud formations.  She would like us to remember her being with us as we view their splendor.

Char’s warm and bubbly personality endeared her to all she met.  Everyone enjoyed talking with and just being around her.  She earned the respect of the students she taught whether at Wyoming Godwin Elementary, Leland Middle School, or senior citizens in her adult art classes.  She instilled honesty and integrity in her family, her youth group adolescents, and her students.

She loved the image of the stages of the butterfly as she saw it as a parallel to human life. Developing in a sheltered cocoon, emerging and becoming a beautiful creature of God, and finally soaring away.  Life is all too short but full of wonder and promise.

Char is survived by her loving husband of fifty-four years, Robert; her three children, Tyler (Melissa) MacEachran, Jennifer (Tom) Gretzmacher, Trent (Brianne) MacEachran; a sister, Judy (Jerry) Krauss; and eight grandchildren, Dylan, Sophia, Connor and Tilly MacEachran, Corrine and Carson Gretzmacher, Miles and Oliver MacEachran.

She was preceded in death by her parents Peter and Vivian Schutt.

A celebration of Char’s life will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Leelanau Christian Neighbors, P.O. Box 196, Lake Leelanau, MI 49653.

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Donald H. Duff Died April 17, 2020

A full obituary will be updated upon family approval


Donald H. Duff
Died April 17, 2020

NORTHPORT– Donald Henry Duff, 85, of Northport, passed away Friday, April 17 at Orchard Creek.

Donald was born on June 3, 1934 in Harvey, IL, the son of Henry and Selma (Brueggman) Duff.  On January 26, 1957 in Ann Arbor, he married Mary Slawson, who survives.

In addition to his wife, Don is survived by his children, Alison (James) Audet, James Duff, and Laurel Duff; grandchildren, Kristen and Kevin Audet, Nathan and Anna Luczak.

Per Don’s wishes, cremation has taken place and interment will be at Leelanau Township Cemetery at a later date.

Please share condolences and memories with Don’s family below or on our Facebook page.

Terry B. Stanton Died April 17, 2020

Terry B. Stanton

Died April 17, 2020

LAKE LEELANAU - Terry Bayne Stanton, 84, of Lake Leelanau, passed away Friday, April 17, 2020 at Northport Highlands.

Terry was born Nov. 7, 1935 in Milwaukee, WI, the first-born son of Earl and Gladys (VonHolt) Stanton.  On Aug. 18, 1955 in Chicago he married his high school sweetheart, Donna M. (Chinberg) Stanton, who survives. 

Terry graduated from New Trier High School in 1953 and attended college (with Donna) at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, where he earned a BA in Business.  Terry was very athletic in both high school and college.  At New Trier he participated in both varsity football and wrestling.  Under Terry’s leadership as captain, the New Trier wrestling team won the state title his senior year.  His success on the mat continued at Miami of Ohio where he won the Mid-American Conference Championship in 1956, while being an active & vibrant member of the Delta Tau Delta Fraternity.

After Miami University, Terry became a Lieutenant of the United States Marine Corps and was stationed at Camp Pendleton in California.  Terry & Donna’s oldest child, Karen, was born at Camp Pendleton.  Following Terry’s military career, he entered the printing industry in Chicago.  He owned Darby Graphics, a highly successful printing and communications firm.  In his down time, Terry focused much of his time and attention on the cherry industry.  He was the second-generation owner of Stanton Orchards in Lake Leelanau, where his family spent their summers enjoying the beauty of the peninsula and working long hours during the July harvest.  The Orchard is still in operation much in part to Terry’s hard work and his dedication to family tradition and heritage.

Terry was a very generous individual both with his time and his finances when it came to his passions.  Wrestling was a big one.  With help from friends at Northwestern University, Terry helped to establish a youth wrestling program in Chicago called Beat the Streets which has now grown into a national organization with chapters across the country.  In recognition of his tireless support of the sport of wrestling & specifically to Beat the Streets, Terry was inducted into the National Wresting Hall of Fame in 1989. Some of Terry’s son’s fondest memories of him are the result of annual trips to attend the NCAA wrestling championships held all over the country, a tradition that continues with the next generation.  Later in life, Terry was involved with and supportive of the Nature Conservancy, The Champion Tree Archive, and the Fishtown Preservation Society in Leelanau County.

Terry was a loving father and was active in his children’s lives coaching hockey and attending Indian Princesses.  Terry was always an avid reader and as a retiree he became an accomplished painter and wood carver specializing in fish decoys and birds. Terry loved to cook, especially for his family.  He was always the master storyteller and a loyal friend to many.

Terry is survived by his loving wife of sixty-four years, Donna; four children, Karen Joy (Tom Andreoni) Stanton, Curt (Pamela Kay) Stanton, Todd Stanton, Greg Stanton; a brother, Brent Stanton; and ten grandchildren, Joanna, Peter, Jack, William, John, Rebecca, Lauren, Cooper, Henry, and Walter.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and a sister, Joy Lynne Stanton.

Private family graveside services have been held at Beechwood Cemetery, Leland. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in Terry’s honor can be made to the following:

www.ancienttreearchive.org/donate and/or www.btschicago.org/donate

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Lawrence "Larry" J. Herman Jr., Died April 11, 2020

Lawrence J. Herman Jr.

Died April 11, 2020

SUTTONS BAY – Lawrence “Larry” Joseph Herman Jr., 67, of Suttons Bay, passed away Saturday, April 11, 2020 at Munson Medical Center with his wife by his side.

Larry was born Aug. 27, 1952 in Traverse City the son of Lawrence Sr. and Ruby (Clark) Herman.  On Sept. 4, 1971 at St. Michael’s Church of Suttons Bay he married Denise M. (Schubot) Herman who survives.

Larry enjoyed camping, lighthouse tours, car shows, country music and spending time with his family.  Larry worked helping his son and grandsons through the ranks of the Boys Scouts.  He was present at his son, Larry, and youngest grandson, Wyatt’s, presentation of the Eagle Scout Rank.  Larry was also avid bowler.  

Larry was a member at St. Francis Catholic Church of Traverse City where he served as an usher and Eucharistic Minister.  He was a 3rd degree Knight of Columbus at St Francis Council 13958 and past Faithful Navigator for the 4th degree Knights of Columbus Assembly 0499.  He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus Color Corps.

Larry drove truck for Air Gas for 21 years and then drove for AmeriGas for 7 ½ years.  Upon retiring in 2015, he drove bus for Suttons Bay High School.

Larry is survived by his loving wife of forty-eight years, Denise; two children, Larry (Jennifer) Herman, Wendy Herman; two grandsons, Austin and Wyatt Roubal; six siblings, Louann Dennis, Gloria (Charles) Kitterman, Rick (Elaine) Herman, Tim Herman, Mark Herman, and Kenny (Kelly) Herman; and many nieces, nephews and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A celebration of Larry’s life will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to 13958 Knights of Columbus Scholarship, 1025 S. Union Street, Traverse City, MI 49684 and/or Munson Health Care, 1105 Sixth Street, Traverse City, MI 49684.

Please share condolences and memories with Larry’s family below or at our funeral home Facebook page:

Jacqueline L. Kilgren Died March 28, 2020

Jacqueline L. Kilgren

Died March 28, 2020

NORTHPORT – Jacqueline (Jackie) Lou Kilgren, 78, of Northport, passed away Saturday, March 28, 2020 at Cherry Hill Haven Assisted Living with her loving family at her side.

Jackie was born on April 25, 1941 in Greenville, MI, to Rosellen Somers.  She lived with Rosellen and her stepfather, Raymond Brainard.  On June 19, 1965 in Greenville, she married Douglas D. Kilgren who survives.  Jackie is also survived by her son, John D. Kilgren.

Jackie graduated and earned her bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University with the Class of 1964. She taught in Muskegon and Mendon Community Schools.  Jackie and Doug eventually settled near Shelby, MI, and started their family.  The remainder of her 34-year career was spent at Shelby Public Schools where she taught art, journalism and mentored the yearbook staff.  On the off months of teaching, Jackie, Doug, and John would travel the Great Lakes, sailing on their boat Great Expectations – Jackie named the sailboat and referred to their dingy as “Little Dickens”.

During these travels, the family sailed into Northport and were stuck in port due to a rainstorm.  Jackie walked around town and saw a house that caught her eye.  Jackie and Doug bought the home and summered in Northport.  In retirement, they settled in Northport and Jackie was active in substitute teaching at Northport Schools.  In the community, she would design and decorate sets for the Community Arts Center, was president of the Northport Area Heritage Association, and was a member of the Trinity Church of the United Church of Christ of Northport.

With retirement, Jackie and Doug spent summers in Michigan and winters in Florida.  They enjoyed the panhandle of Florida, spending time at St. George Island and Destin.  Over the course of retirement, the two traveled far and wide; together they went as far north as Alaska, as far east as Russia, around the southern tip of Cape Horn and to Australia in the west.

Jackie is survived her husband of fifty-four years, Doug, and her son, John Kilgren.  She is survived by two brothers-in-law, three sisters-in-law, and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and a brother, Raymond Brainard Jr.

A celebration of Jackie’s life will be announced this coming summer.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Alzheimer’s Association, 921 W. 11^th Street, Suite 1, Traverse City, MI 49684.

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