Lucille M. McSauby Died June 26, 2020

Lucille M. McSauby

Died June 26, 2020 

PESHAWBESTOWN – Lucile Mae McSauby, 89, of Peshawbestown, passed away on Friday, June 26, 2020 at her daughter Roxanne’s home with her loving family at her side.


Lucille was born on February 18, 1931 in Garden Island, the third youngest child of Harry and Josephine (Wabaminkee) Lewis.  In October of 1946 in Northport, she married Harry H. McSauby who preceded her in death on May 29, 2002.


Lucille and Harry moved to Grand Rapids and resided there for 40 years.  Following Harry’s retirement, they moved to Traverse City and later to Peshawbestown.  Lucille was a member of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians and enjoyed playing Bingo and the casino.  A huge animal lover, Lucille “adopted” many animals that wandered into her yard.  Lucille was a devout Catholic and took great comfort in her faith.  Everybody who knew Lucille loved her and will miss her dearly.


Lucille is survived by her three daughters, Roxanne McSauby, Kimberly Goddard, and Loretta (William) Selby; grandchildren, Harry, Tye, Harry McSauby Jr., Robert and Butch DeVault, William Selby Jr., Bonnie Willis, and Bernadette Ertle; and numerous great-grandchildren.


In addition to her husband, Lucille was preceded in death by her 15 siblings.


Private family graveside service will be held at St. Joseph Calvary Cemetery, East Jordan.


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Gerald "Gerry" A. Walters Died June 25, 2020

Gerald “Gerry” August Walters

Died June 25, 2020

            SUTTONS BAY –Gerald A. Walters packed his last pipe, poured his last drink of scotch, and dealt his last game of euchre before quietly passing to join his wife Pauline in heaven on June 25th. Gerry enjoyed a good life of 98 years. One of his favorite phrases as of late was “It’s hell to get old but it’s good to still be here.” The son of Lawrence (Loren) & Lois (Eddleman) Walter, Gerry was born January 25, 1922 in Suttons Bay. He graduated from Suttons Bay High School where he excelled at basketball, winning numerous awards for his free throw ability. He learned the trade of a Blacksmith in his father’s L.J. Walters Blacksmith & Livery Stable, formerly located on St. Mary’s Avenue in Suttons Bay.

     He was a Veteran of World II, proudly serving our country from December of 1942 - December of 1945, where he was active in the Rhineland Central Europe Campaign. He obtained the Rank of T/5 serving as a Blacksmith. In subsequent years he participated in many Memorial Day and Fourth of July parades, still looking sharp in his World War II uniform.

     Gerry was a 51 year member of Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 85, member of the American Legion, life member of Lake Leelanau’s V.F.W Little Finger Post 7731, life member of the Knights of Columbus, and life member of the Ruskin, Florida, Elk’s Club. Besides working as a Master Pipefitter, he also owned a farm where he grew cherries, plums, and prunes as well as maintained a large garden. Many days were spent with family and friends fishing and hunting including several trips out west hunting antelope and mule deer with his sons.

            After the war, Gerald returned to Suttons Bay where he met and married Pauline Sharnowski, a local Suttons Bay gal, and they spent the next 70 years together. Together they attended many polka dances around the county and hosted numerous corn roasts at the family farm. Years later they spent many winters at their second home in Ruskin, Florida as well as trips to Arizona, California, Alaska, and Washington, D.C.

Together they had nine children who will miss him dearly – twins, Larry and Gary Walters, Gloria (Robert) Rothgarber and Shirley (George) Caplinger of Suttons Bay, Linda (Dwaine) Schaub of Cape Coral Florida, Merry Sue (the late Steven) Megill of Suttons Bay, Gerald “Nick” (Judy) Walters and Paulette (Barry) Andrews of Traverse City, and Ken (Erin) Walters of Comstock Park. Gerry’s children blessed him with 26 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren. In addition to his children he is also survived by his sisters, Vera Bouwhuis, Katherine Flohe, Mary Lou Rothgarber; and sister-in-law, Fern Walter. He was preceded in death by his wife, Pauline; parents; brothers, James, Albert, Earl, and Charles; his infant twin sons, Larry & Gary; granddaughter, Kristin Rothgarber; sons-in-law Tim Fuller and Steve Megill; daughter-in-law, Peggy Walters; and newborn grandson, Dakota Walters.

            The family is especially grateful to his long-time caregiver, Kathy Eggert, for her exceptional care, compassion, and comforting kindness that she extended to Gerry, and also to Hospice of Michigan for their excellent care and assistance in his final months.

In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial mass at St. Michael’s Church of Suttons Bay and burial in St. Michael’s Cemetery will be announced at a later date.

            Gerry was a very faithful man and a lifelong devoted parishioner of St. Michaels Church.  Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a donation directed to St. Michaels Church, PO Box 9, Suttons Bay, MI 49682 or Hospice of Michigan, 10850 E Traverse Hwy #1155, Traverse City, MI 49684 or the Suttons Bay Bingham Fire and Rescue Department, PO Box 280, Suttons Bay, MI 49682  

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Lynn M. Green, Died May 31, 2020

Lynn M. Green

Died May 31, 2020

LAKE LEELANAU – Lynn Marcia Green (Lynnie), 73, of Cedar, passed away Saturday, May 31, 2020 at Orchard Creek Supportive Care.  Her family thanks the staff for their excellent and compassionate care in Lynnie’s last months.

Lynn was born June 25, 1946 in Detroit to William and Jeanne (Moffett) Gotshall.  She grew up in Orchard Lake, Michigan and was a graduate of Michigan State University with a degree in English.  She remained an enthusiastic lifelong MSU fan.  Her career encompassed teaching, secretarial work and homemaking.  Her favorite job was helping others through payroll management in the Human Resource Department at Britten Banners in Traverse City.

Lynnie was a gentle, kind and sweet person with a feisty spirit.  She enjoyed reading, crafts, sewing, fishing and was an avid football fan.  Lynn loved dogs and her country - she was a true American patriot.  She was devoted to her church and the many friends she found there.

Lynn is survived by three children; Stacey Allison, Krista Allison Snider and Jason Green; nine grandchildren; Brendan, Sierra, Destiny, Alexia, Alanah, Christian, Alexander, Ari and Justin; her siblings; Susie Quinlan and Glenn (Bonnie) Gotshall.

She was preceded in death by her husband Glenn Green, her parents and her brother Billy.

Services will be held at Leelanau Community Church on Monday, June 22 at 6:00pm.  Lynn’s final resting place will be with her parents and brother at Pine Lake Cemetery in West Bloomfield, Michigan.

Memorials may be directed to Leelanau Community Church, 245 S. Lake Leelanau Drive, Lake Leelanau, MI 49653.

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Wayne L. Plamondon, Died May 28, 2020

Wayne L. Plamondon

Died May 28, 2020

LAKE LEELANAU – Wayne Louis Plamondon, 75, of Lake Leelanau, passed away Thursday, May 28, 2020 at home surrounded by his loving family.

Wayne was born July 3, 1944 at home in Lake Leelanau, the son of Donald and Loretta (Tarchinski) Plamondon.

He attended and graduated from St. Mary’s High School of Lake Leelanau, class of 1963.  Wayne started working at N.J.’s Grocery owned by his father Don and Uncle Skeex.  He married the love of his life, Mary JoAnn Sedlacek on Sept. 24, 1966 at St. Wenceslaus Church of Gills Pier, MI.  He continued to work at N.J.’s Grocery and in 1980 he purchased/operated N.J.’s for the next 25 years.  This is where he served the community and made many dear friends.  Wayne was known for his knowledge and expertise in meat cutting.  He was also active on the Lake Leelanau Volunteer Fire Department, a member of the Leland Township Fire Board, and a life-long parishioner of St. Mary’s Church of Lake Leelanau.

Wayne enjoyed taking his restored 1967 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible for cruises around the county, which sparked an interest in Classic Cars and their shows.  This in turn lead him to enter and compete in many car shows.  He brought home many trophies for both the 1967 Volkswagen and 1965 original Chevrolet pick-up truck.  Other spare time enjoyments were playing cards, cribbage, pool, wine making, fishing, and catching a trophy Lake Trout (17# 7oz- 35”) in 1983 while ice fishing on Lake Leelanau’s Robinsons Bay.  Wayne loved golfing with his buddies. He would often say, “A bad day on the golf course was better than a good day at work!”  And, who could forget Wayne’s unique laugh and endless supply of jokes to entertain family and friends.

After retiring in April 2004, he was able to spend more time with his grandchildren.  He enjoyed giving them cooking lessons, taking them fishing, and they helped “Papa” with odd jobs in and around the house and garage.  Retirement provided time for a wonderful family vacation to Disneyworld, giving everyone great lasting memories.  He looked forward to winters in Florida, getting away from the snow and cold.  He was able to enjoy his favorite pass times, fishing/surf-casting off the ocean, going to flea markets, yard sales, and golfing with close family and friends.

Wayne will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle, and parishioner.  His character was a bedrock of faith and family.

Wayne is survived by his loving and devoted wife of fifty-three years, Mary Jo; two sons: Keith Wayne (Barb) Plamondon, Jay Christopher Plamondon; his siblings, Anne Bergstrom, Lynn (Barbara) Plamondon, Mary Plamondon, Lori (Stephen) Nelson, Ruth Plamondon; his grandchildren, Melissa (Chris) Haapala, Casie (John) Cholewinski, Molly Plamondon, Sarah Plamondon, Samuel Plamondon, Joshua Plamondon, Timothy Plamondon, Carlie Plamondon; his great grandchildren; Aurora Haapala, Aiden Cholewinski; and many loving nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Loretta; his in laws, Joseph and Frances Sedlacek; a sister Pattie Young; brother in laws Grant Young and Terry Bergstrom.

With all of Wayne’s struggles and health issues his greatest achievement was his positive attitude he kept for 11-years while battling multiple myeloma.  

Wayne, you will forever be an inspiration to us all!

A memorial visitation will be held on Friday, August 28 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Martinson Funeral Home, Suttons Bay.  A memorial mass will be celebrated on Saturday, August  29 at 11 a.m. at St. Mary of the Assumption.  Interment to follow at St. Mary Cemetery.  Fr. Bryan Medlin will serve as celebrant.  Masks are required and to please follow safe social distancing.

To watch the funeral mass remotely via Zoom:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4299831981?

pwd=TDJhakg1SkdnOXpjdVpNc1lNa1JDdz09

Or if you already have the Zoom app:

Meeting ID: 429 983 1981
Passcode: Plamondon

Memorials may be directed to St. Mary’s School (Educational Enhancement Fund), P.O. Box 340, Lake Leelanau, MI, 49653 /or Cancer Research c/o Cowell Family Cancer Center 217 S. Madison Street, Traverse City, MI 49684.

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Howard L. Marek Died Jun 3, 2020

Howard L. Marek

Died June 3, 2020 

SUTTONS BAY – Howard Leroy Marek, 82, of Suttons Bay, passed away Wednesday, June 3, 2020.

Howard was born Aug. 22, 1937 in Detroit to John and Gertrude (Heidelmeyer) Marek.  On Oct. 27, 1956 in Taylor, MI, he married Marie A. (Lorenz) Marek.

Howard dedicated his life to his love of engines.  He managed an auto supply store and also worked at Fold Motor Company.  In 1968, Howard and Marie moved to Leelanau County to continue their family legacy and run the Marek farm.  In 1970, he started the H & M Grocery on M-204 and H & M Sales which he ran for decades and today still serves the county he loved.

Howard was revered in the community as an honest, hard-working man.  He was always in a good mood and had the ability to make people smile and was always quick with a good joke, even if it was a corny one.

Howard is survived by his loving wife of sixty-three years, Marie; two sons, Jeffrey Marek, Mark Marek; a brother in law, Richard Lorenz; his grandchildren, Theresa Marek, Jeffrey Marek II, Kyle Marek; Matthew (Nicole) Marek, Sean Marek and Ryan Marek; and two great grandchildren, Isaac and Gemma. 

He reunites in death with his parents; a brother, Harvey; and infant son, Jon Marek.

Private family graveside services in St. Michael’s Cemetery will be held at a later date. 

Memorials may be directed to Munson Hospice House, 1150 Medical Campus Drive, Traverse City, MI 49684.

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Barbara R. Foster, Died June 5, 2020

Barbara R. Foster

Died June 5, 2020

NORTHPORT – Barbara Ruth Foster, 83, of Northport, passed away Friday, June 5, 2020 at the Northport Highlands surrounded by her loving family.

Barbara was born March 3, 1937 in Philadelphia, PA the daughter of Lloyd and Ruth (Miller) Bodie.

Barbara was a graduate of West Chester State College and taught for many years in the New Jersey public school system before having a family of her own. Barbara enjoyed reading, cooking, traveling, and boating—but most of all she enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren and great grandchild—moving back to Michigan from Florida to be with them during the final years. She will be greatly missed.

Barbara is survived by her husband, Ross A. Foster; two siblings, Lloyd Bodie Jr., Robert Bodie; her three children, Cheryl Cerk, Scott (Karin) Foster, David Foster; five grandchildren, Timothy Foster, Abigail Foster; Christopher (Lexie) Cerk, Jonathan Foster, Benjamin Foster, Margaret Foster; a great grandchild, Thaddeus Foster;

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lloyd and Ruth Bodie.

Private family services at the columbarium of the Omena Prebyterian Church will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be directed to the Ross and Barbara Foster Merit Scholarship Endowment, Grove City College, 100 Campus Drive, Grove City, PA 16127 and/or to the Omena Presbyterian Church, PO Box 187, Omena, MI 49674.

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Richard P. Bennett, Died June 2, 2020

Richard P. Bennett

Died June 2, 2020

MANCELONA – Richard (Dick) Paul Bennett, 70, of Mancelona, passed away on Tuesday, June 2, 2020 at Munson Medical Center.

Dick was born on March 1, 1950 in Highland Twp., the son of Claude and Maxine (Klein) Bennett.

Dick served Bravo Company with the 326th Marines Lima Company as a small arms technician and explosives expert.  He was a dedicated Marine and proud Vietnam veteran who gave his mind, body, and soul for his country.

Dick was a fighter, a warrior, and a survivor.  His return to civilian life was anything but welcoming.  He returned to a hateful America.  An America that threw rocks, insults, fists, and spit at him.  An America that abandoned and continuously denied him the benefits he not only earned but desperately needed.  He loved his country until his last breath, and he deserved better.

In 1972 Dick left one war to join another. Haunted by Vietnam PTSD kept him from living a typical life.  Dick's family was everything to him. He loved us in his own way, and we treasured and respected him.

Dick enjoyed hunting, fishing, cats and took great pride in his marksmanship skills.  He also enjoyed Stevie Ray Vaughn. Dick's playlist: Life Without You, Wall of Denial, Life by the Drop, Tightrope, Couldn't Stand the Weather, Willie the Wimp.

Dick was a member of the Loyal Riders Motorcycle Club and owner/operator of Dirty Dick’s Daycare and Detention Center.

Dick is survived by his ex-wife, Cathy Beehler (Jacques), son, Jacob (Samantha) Bennett; grandchildren, Marcella, Kaden, and Madilyn Bennett; brothers, John, Fritz, and his many nieces and nephews; bonus children, Tara Quesnell, and Ian Darlington; special friends, Teri Hurd, Cathy Litrenta, and Sir Taz William Bennett.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Claudette Wheeler.

A private celebration of Dick’s life will be held at a later date.

Memorial donations may be directed to the PTSD Foundation of America at ptsdusa.org or Vietnam Veterans of America at vva.org.

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Lynn M. Green, Died May 31, 2020

Lynn M. Green

Died May 31, 2020

LAKE LEELANAU – Lynn M. Green, 73, of Lake Leelanau, passed away on Sunday, May 31, 2020.

Lynn was born June 25, 1946 in Detroit the daughter of William and Jeanne (Moffett) Gotshall.

A full obituary will be published as soon as it is approved by the family.

Bernice S. Pease Died June 4, 2020

Bernice S. Pease

Died June 4, 2020 

SUTTONS BAY – Bernice Sally Pease, 88, of Suttons Bay, passed away, Thursday, June 4, 2020 at her home.

Bernice was born Oct. 21, 1931 in Traverse City the daughter of William and Emma (Lagerström) Johnson.  On May 30, 1952 in Traverse City she married Kenneth A. Pease Sr. who preceded her in death in 1989.

Bernice was a strong and independent woman.  She started to embroider when she was 2 years old and then later became an expert at sewing, knitting and crocheting.  Bernice made everything from dish cloths, sweaters to rugs.  She was a carpenters helper for Ken and together they built three homes.

She loved to work outside in her yard and garden.  Bernice enjoyed boating, archery and hunting.  After Ken passed away, she drove herself to Florida to visit family every winter.  Even into her later years Bernice heated her home with a wood stove but recently had to give up splitting the firewood a few years ago.

Bernice is survived by her two children, Jaunita (Jeff) Send; Kenneth A. (Lori) Pease Jr.; her grandchildren, Jenn (Jon) Gregory, Jill (Jon) Doubler, Amy (Theron) Coleman; Kenneth Jason Pease and Kelsey Pease; and her great grandchildren, Jordyn Gregory, Mya Gregory, Lexy Gregory, Kylie Doubler, Kennedy Doubler, Ethan Coleman, Megan Coleman and Travis Coleman. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Ken; and her siblings, Arnold Johnson, Oliver Johnson, Al Johnson, Agda Hatfield, Eileen Nelson and Myrtle Weber.

Private family services at Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens will be held at a later date. 

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

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Yusheka Raphael Died May 27, 2020

Yusheka Raphael

Died May 27, 2020

PESHAWBESTOWN - Yusheka Raphael, 44, of Peshawbestown, passed away on Wednesday, May 27, 2020 in Grand Rapids.

Yusheka was born Feb. 2, 1976 in Grand Rapids, the daughter of Horace Reed and Deborah (Raphael) Gunter.

Yusheka was a loving and caring mom and sibling.  Members of her family had to answer their phones when she called because she would blow your phone up until you answered.  Her kind nature was part of her being, she cared for troubled youths in her professional job.  She is a member of The Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians and also worked for her tribe as well.

She loved to sing and dance.  It did not matter if Yusheka (aka Kim Browwn) only knew three words of the song; she was going to sing the song and make up the rest.  She and her family would always be at the beach.  She enjoyed life, her family, her pickles, and crushed ice.

Yusheka is survived by her mother, Deborah; her seven children, Andre (Charli “Rae” Anderson) Raphael, Robert (Anna Barrientoz) Durr Jr., TaHannah (Derrick Thomas) Raphael-Durr, Wyman Raphael, Henry Daniels, Octavias Daniels, and Corrina Daniels; her siblings, Tyrone Raphael, Corrina DeLeon-Jackson, Curtis White, ShaLarry Fortenberry, Duane Raphael-Fortenberry, and Margaret DeLeon; and her grandchildren, Darius, Ezmae and Ezra.

She was preceded in death by her father, Horace, and a sister, Charlene Raphael.

Private family burial in St. Kateri Tekakwitha Cemetery, Peshawbestown, will be held at a later date.

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Laurene K. Stroh, Died May 17, 2020

Laurene K. Stroh

Died May 17, 2020

SUTTONS BAY – Laurene Kohler Stroh, 82, of Suttons Bay, passed away on Sunday, May 17, 2020 at Munson Hospice House.

Laurie was born on January 6, 1938 in Flint, the daughter of Leo and Bernadine (Dobis) Kohler.  The family later settled at the Kohler Farm in Suttons Bay.

Laurie graduated from Suttons Bay High School in 1955.  She moved to Grand Rapids to attend Mercy Central School of Nursing at St. Mary’s Hospital, which she graduated from in December of 1957.  Laurie met the love of her life, Roger, while in Grand Rapids.  They married at St. Michael’s Church in Suttons Bay on Oct. 1, 1960.

They settled in Holland, MI where they raised their five children.  Laurie worked at Holland Hospital and later Meadow Brook Nursing Home, along with private home care.  Laurie dedicated her life to helping and caring for others.  Her loving and generous nature was known to anyone who had the pleasure of knowing her.  Laurie and Roger retired and moved back up to Suttons Bay where she could be close to her family.

Laurie was an accomplished painter.  Her favorite subjects being light houses, birds, and landscapes.  Her love of wildlife and animals was evident by never missing her favorite veterinary show, Dr. Pol; although watching Survivor with her daughter Cindy, came in a close second.

Laurie loved all seasons, spring-time brought out her passion of flower gardening, landscaping and her love of bird watching.  Summers were spent canning all the vegetables that Roger grew in their garden, and making homemade jams.  Laurie’s favorite time was spent in the quiet, early morning hours, picking blueberries at their 100 bush blueberry farm.

Fall and winter brought out her love of both interior and exterior decorating for the holidays.  Laurie took great pride in her home.  A loving, warm and cozy sanctuary for her family and all those who entered her doors.  Laurie will be deeply missed by everyone who knew her!

In addition to her husband, Roger, Laurie is survived by her five children, Chuck, Cindy, Carrie, Cathy and Chris; eight grandchildren, four great grandchildren; and her siblings, Dianne Dalzell, Jeanette Huddleston, Leo C. Kohler, Albert Kohler, Robert Kohler, Sylvia Kohler, Diana Kohler and John Kohler.

She was preceded in death by her brothers, Ben and Joe Kohler, a sister, Shirley; and a grandson, Joseph Roger.

Graveside services at St. Michael’s Cemetery will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be directed to St. Michael’s Church, PO Box 9, Suttons Bay, MI 49682.

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William G. Thomas (MD), Died May 27, 2020

William G. Thomas, MD

Died May 27, 2020

NORTHPORT – Dr. William Garland Thomas, 94, of Northport, passed away Wednesday, May 27, 2020 at home surrounded by his loving family.

Will was born Dec. 3, 1925 in Hinsdale, Illinois, the son of Roy and Pauline (Grafton) Thomas.  He graduated from Hinsdale Township High School in 1943, having been an accomplished athlete and performer in musical theatre productions.

Will began college at the University of Chicago and then served in the U.S. Navy V-12 medical training program at Northwestern University Medical School during WWII.  At the University of Chicago, he played Big Ten basketball and once guarded hall of famer George Mikan.  After earning his doctorate of medicine and officer’s commission, Capt. W.G. Thomas interned at Cook County Hospital in Chicago and then served as a doctor in the U.S. Army in Sendai, Japan, during the Korean War.  On April 21, 1951, in Milwaukee, he married Virginia Mildred Lehan, who preceded him in death on Feb. 15, 2017.

Dr. Thomas began a general/family medicine practice in Sycamore, Illinois, joining the Elm Street Clinic in 1956 and practicing there and at the Sycamore, DeKalb and Kishwaukee hospitals until 1984.  He treated as many as five generations in one family, delivering many babies including babies of women whom he had delivered.  He said, “In family practice you are a big part of your patients’ lives, sharing their happy moments and all too often, their sad ones.”  In Sycamore he and Virginia raised five children.  He was a member of the Sycamore Community Schools Board of Education for nine years.  He was an active member of the Kiwanis Club, sang in the barbershop chorus, played Old Man’s Basketball, was team doctor for high school sports, jogged and participated in 10K races.  Will and Virginia made many friends and were active members of the Federated Church, focused on the church’s service to the local and greater community. 

In 1984, he and Virginia moved to the Thomas family homestead, known as “Beach Home,” in Northport, Michigan.  He practiced in local medical offices and was on staff at Leelanau Memorial Hospital in Northport and Munson Medical Center in Traverse City, Michigan.  He served as medical director of several residential care facilities in the area and the Munson chemical dependency rehabilitation unit, and worked for the National Emergency Service providing coverage at emergency rooms across northern Michigan.  After retiring from medical practice he worked as a consultant for the Michigan Disability Determination Service office in Traverse City, retiring fully at age 81.

He and Virginia were active members of Trinity Church in Northport (built by his grandfather and great-grandfather) and founding members and officers of the Grand Traverse Lighthouse Foundation and Northport Area Heritage Association, spending many hours guiding tours of the Northport Area Museum.  A passionate expert on local history, he and Virginia participated in the Northport Sesquicentennial celebration in 1999, completing restoration of his grandfather’s horse-drawn hearse for the occasion.  The hearse now resides in the Museum.  He was a proud member of the Eagletown American Legion Post 120 in Peshawbestown, Michigan.  He spent many hours managing and organizing golf leagues.  He founded his own organization, the Waukazooville Athletic Club and Literary Society, and invited everyone who visited to be members and wear their t-shirts proudly.

He loved sports (especially basketball, baseball and golf), music, old cars, entertaining friends and family, camping and canoe trips, beach fires, working on the beach, following the stock market, and telling stories of history and people’s lives.  He held and expressed strong beliefs, especially regarding equal rights and helping others, and wrote essays on many topics both serious and light-hearted.

Will is survived by his five children, Priscilla J. Thomas of St. Paul, MN, Roy S. (Susan) Thomas of Odessa, FL, Barry L. (Candice) Thomas of Clemmons, NC, Andrea R. (Richard) Boudah of Northport, and Paul W. Thomas of Chicago, IL; a brother, Philip S. (Henrietta Barnes) Thomas of Northport; ten grandchildren, Jean (Trent Wells) Porter, Robert Porter, William Thomas, Richard (Jennifer) Zakrzewski, Savanna Thomas, Anthony Esquivel, Rosalie Esquivel, Michael Esquivel, Alia Thomas and Zayn Thomas; two great grandchildren, Ethan Zakrzewski and Frederick Porter-Wells, and numerous loving nieces, nephews and extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife of sixty-five years, Virginia; his siblings, Grafton M. Thomas, Barbara T. Broberg, Roy K. Thomas Jr., Harvey E. Thomas and Martha T. Woodhouse; and great granddaughter, Olive Ofelia Esquivel.

A celebration of Will’s life will be announced at a later date.  A private family graveside service has been held.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Northport Area Heritage Association, P.O. Box 453, Northport, MI 49670.

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