Sandra K. Fox passed away peacefully July 26, 2020

Sandra K. Fox

Died July 26, 2020

CENTERVILLE TOWNSHIP – Sandra Kaye Fox, 77, of Centerville Township, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 26, 2020 at Munson Medical Center.

Sandra was born on June 2, 1943 in St. Clair Shores, the daughter of Bertha F. Hefke.

Sandy was a bright light. She had a magical smile and a giving heart. She was proud of family and her community and they meant the world to her.  Sandy was active in the Cedar Chamber of Commerce and volunteered at the Cedar Polka Festival for many years as well as other community organizations.

Sandy was skilled at connecting with people and putting them at ease.  She is known for the kind and caring way that she involved herself in their lives of everyone around her.

Sandy was also known for her funky sense of style and her love of animal print clothing and her bright red glasses.  She enjoyed kayaking, concerts, plays, sporting events, and time with her family and many friends.

Sandy is survived by her daughter, Kristin Diotte; sons, Joel (Angie) and Matt (Erin) Diotte; grandchildren, Jenny Atkinson, Lillie, Grace, Maggie, and Ben Diotte, and Landon Molag; and great-grandson, Gary Detora.

She was preceded in death by her son, Tad.

An open house celebrating Sandy’s life will be held on Saturday, August 1, 2020 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Cleveland Township Hall grounds.  Please bring a mask and practice safe social distancing.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Glen Lake Community Schools Athletic Dept., 3375 W. Burdickville Road, Maple City, MI 49664 and/or to Leland Community UMC, PO Box 602, Leland, MI 49654.

 Please share condolences with Sandy’s family below or on the funeral home Facebook page.

Sandra L. Lambdin Died July 21, 2020

Sandra L. Lambdin

Died July 21, 2020

BINGHAM TOWNSHIP - Sandra Lee Lambdin, 74, of Bingham Township, passed away Tuesday, July 21, 2020 at home.

Sandra was born April 14, 1946 in Zanesville, OH, the daughter of Merriel “Bud” and Janet (Abitz) Kemerer.  On Oct. 11, 1968 in LaPorte, IN, she married Michael A. Lambdin who survives.

Sandy graduated from Purdue University with a degree in nursing.  She then worked as a nursing instructor at South Bend Hospital.  Later she and Michael co-owned Lambdin Family Drugs in Plymouth, Indiana from 1985 to 1996.

The family moved to Leland in 1996 and Sandy and Michael bought and operated the Manitou Manor Bed and Breakfast for eight years until their retirement.  Sandy was active with the Leelanau County Sheriff Dept Victim’s Advocates, served with the Vietnam Veterans outreach in Kokomo, IN.  Up North, Sandy and Michael were members of the Leelanau Community Church of Lake Leelanau for 22 years.  They served on missions to include several mission trips to Matamoros, Mexico.

Sandy had an artistic side collecting Petoskey stones and agates along the shores of Lakes Michigan and Superior.  She would craft crosses, line mirrors, build bird houses, lamps, and other items with these stones.

She was a lady whose character was built on family, faith, and her deep and unending love for her grandchildren.

Sandy is survived by her loving husband of 51 years, Michael; two sons, Tim (Bridgett) Lambdin, Chris Lambdin; two sisters, Susan Hansen, Sharon Kemerer; and three grandchildren, Luke Lambdin, Colt Lambdin and Sage Lambdin.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Bud and Janet Kemerer.

Visitation will be held from 4 until the start of the 6 p.m. funeral service on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2020 at Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.  Masks are required and please practice safe social distancing.

Join Zoom Meeting Saturday, August 1 slightly before the 6 PM funeral service https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4299831981?pwd=MXM2RUl4bUlzUEFDSUx0SkpkNTAyUT09 Meeting ID: 429 983 1981 Passcode: Lambdin

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Maxine A. Wittbrodt, Died July 19, 2020

Maxine A. Wittbrodt

Died July 19, 2020

BINGHAM TOWNSHIP – Maxine Ann Wittbrodt, 86, of Bingham Township passed away, Sunday, July 19, 2020 at home with her sister by her side.

Maxine was born Jan. 30, 1934 in Saginaw the daughter of Benjamin and Catherine (Wierzbinski) Wittbrodt.  The family moved to Flint and Maxine graduated from All Saints High School in Flint.

Maxine moved to California to work for her company but as soon as she arrived the company relocated to Dallas, Texas.  Maxine and her sister, Judy, lived and worked in Dallas, starting in 1966 and Maxine retired in 1990.  In Texas she was an administrative professional for Fischbach and Moore in the electrical contracting field. 

Prior to moving to Leelanau County Maxine enjoyed traveling and with her sister Judy, visited countries in Europe and the Far East.  Once in Leelanau County she just enjoyed relaxing in Northern Michigan, especially overlooking the bay with her sister and Gracie the cat.

Maxine was an avid baseball and football fan who along with Judy had season tickets to the Texas Rangers and Dallas Cowboys, and they lived 5 miles away from where the Cowboys played football at the old Texas Stadium.  Her passion for football led to a long-standing friendship with the likes of Heisman Trophy Winner and Pro Football Hall of Famer, Doak Walker and the NFL’s Tobin Rote.

In the 1980’s, Doak had business dealings in Detroit and then drove up and spent the day with Maxine and Judy at their Bingham Township home.  Maxine has autographed pictures of Tobin Rote, Bobby Lane and MLB’s Joe DiMaggio.  Maxine also became close friends with Fred Korth, the former Secretary of the Navy during the Kennedy Administration.

Maxine was a loving sister and aunt whose bedrock was built on the foundation of the Catholic Faith she loved so much.

The family extends their deepest thanks to the staff of Heartland Hospice for their loving and wonderful care.

Maxine is survived by her sister, Judy Wittbrodt; her sisters-in-law, Rosie Wittbrodt, Margie Wittbrodt; and her nieces and nephews, Barbara, Mike, David, Steve, Gary and Ann-Marie.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and two brothers, Robert and Donald Wittbrodt.

Private family services have been held.  Burial in New Calvary Catholic Cemetery of Flint will be held at a later date.

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Ruth C. Kalchik, Died July 10, 2020

Ruth C. Kalchik

Died July 10, 2020

Ruth Cornelia Kalchik, 83, of Lake Leelanau, was called home to be with Our Lord and joined her husband Victor in heaven on Friday, July 10^th, 2020 in Temecula, California, in her daughter’s home surrounded by family.  Ruth is now at peace having received the Church’s Sacraments and having family present for her passing into Eternal Life.

Ruth was born February 28, 1937 to David and Laura (Brow) Couturier on their family farm in Lake Leelanau, Michigan. Ruth, one of 11 children, moved to Traverse City to work as a waitress after graduating from St. Mary’s Catholic School in 1956. It was during this time, 

Ruth was set up on a blind date with Victor Kalchik, who was on-leave from the army. Their relationship continued through lively correspondence taking them through Vic’s military service and onto finding a steady job located in Chicago, Illinois. Once established in Chicago, Victor proposed to Ruth. They married at Saint Mary’s Church, Lake Leelanau, Michigan, September 28, 1957, but Chicago, Illinois would become their home.

Ruth and Vic dreamed of having a large family, but they met hardship along their way. After their second child, Daniel, had died as an infant, this young couple found solace and consolation from their strong faith as Roman Catholics at Saint Gertrude’s Parish, Franklin Park, Illinois, by serving in many capacities as lay leaders for over 34 years.

They showed their children how to be true servants of God in many ways. One of them was by sharing their home to foreign exchange students, foster children, elderly, and other young adults. Among the many ministries Ruth was involved in: sewing vestments and linens for the church, teaching religious education, running the ministers of care program, bringing the Holy Eucharist to the homebound, serving on the pastoral/school boards and much more.

Ruth and Vic moved back to Lake Leelanau, Michigan, for their retirement years in 1995. It was here that Ruth helped raise money for the Church with the other quilters at St. Mary’s Church. She had also sung in the choir, was a lector, and served as a Eucharistic Minister.

We will miss Ruth’s radiant smile and contagious laugh, her assistance with a needle and a thread as she was an amazing seamstress, her experience with canning and making jams, her amazing homemade bread, pies, and dinners and her motherly love she shared with so many people.

Ruth is survived by her children, David (Toby), Paul, Andrew (Michelle), Laura Wise, Teresa (Erik Skieller), Sandra Fruehe (Daniel), Nadine Gay (Robert); her siblings, Luella Neff Furnish (Dale), David J. (Dorothy), Bernard (Martha), Alvin (Vicki), Leonard (Delores), Anna May Kelenske (Jerry), Linus (Loretta); grandchildren, Brandi, Joshua, Miles, Haley, Dylan, Stephanie (Chris), Rachel (Randy), Noelle, Michael, Silke (Mads), Nathan, Zachary, Adam, Olivia (Alex), Austin (Mehgan), Vivian; great-grandchildren, Sofia, Josefine, Amalie, Isaac, Lucas, Matthew, Ethan, Abella, Leland; and many nieces and nephews. 

Ruth was proceeded in death by Victor, husband for 62 years; her parents, David and Laura; her son, Daniel; her son in law, Patrick Wise; her siblings, Raphael, Gerald, Eloise Walters; brothers in law, Firmin Walters and Philip Neff; and sisters in law, Lorraine Couturier, and Lesley Couturier.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday, August 14 with a 7 p.m. recitation of the Rosary at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Lake Leelanau, Michigan.

The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Saturday, August 15 at Saint Mary’s Cemetery, 502 S. Lake Leelanau Drive (Co Rd 641), Lake Leelanau, MI 49653 followed by interment.

In lieu of flowers consider donating to Saint Mary’s School, PO Box 340, Lake Leelanau, MI 49653; a favorite charity of Ruth and Victor Kalchik over the course of their lives.

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Loretta A. Alberts, Died July 16, 2020

Loretta A. Alberts

Died July 16, 2020

CEDAR – Loretta Anne Alberts, 85, of Cedar, passed away Thursday, July 16, 2020 at The Villa at Traverse Point.

Loretta was born Feb. 15, 1935 in Kenosha, WI the daughter of Mathias and Margaret (Larsen) Fosbinder.  In 1952, she married Richard E. Smith.  They had 8 children, 5 daughters and 3 sons.  On Sept. 25, 1964 in Kenosha she married Dale L. Alberts who survives.  They had one son and were married for over 55 years, until her passing.

Loretta and her husband, Dale, were long-term residents of Cedar and were members of St. Rita’s / St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Maple City.  She was a volunteer at the church, a member of the Catholic Women’s Auxiliary and a member of the Church’s Choir.

Loretta was a homemaker and later worked as a CNA at Brookside Nursing Home.  She served as Secretary to the Union.  At the age of 42, she followed her dream and became an R.N., graduating from Gateway Technical College.  Loretta started work at Kenosha Hospital and continued her dedicated nursing career at the Traverse City Osteopathic Hospital and Munson Medical Center.

Loretta was an avid reader, especially biographies.  She adored her Siamese cats, a fondness that she and her husband, Dale, shared.  Loretta also loved nature, scenic drives, pointing out to her family the Michigan Wildflowers, the array of birds and wild animals.  She truly was a lover of nature and animals and she passed this down to her family.

Loretta had a natural talent and was gifted when it came to sewing, knitting, crocheting, embroidery and needlepoint.  Her afghans were beautiful, her doilies were exquisite; her needlepoint was intricate.  She enjoyed crocheting her daughters’ and granddaughters’ Barbie doll clothes; fashioned after famous designers.

Loretta is survived by her husband, Dale L. Alberts; her eight children: Lorna Smith Waldron, Dawn (Dennison) Smith, Richard (Kathy Misurelli) Smith, Christine Smith, Elizabeth (George) Smith-Posanke, David (Claudia) Smith Marnier, Brian (Vicky) Smith and Dale Alberts, Jr.; 18 grandchildren, Lawrence (Silvia) Waldron, Michael (Tina) Waldron, Lionel (Alanna) Waldron, Benjamin (Sarah) Foster, Jeanna Smith, Christopher (Sarah Montemurro) Smith, Carey (Jason) Michaud, Steven (Kimberly) Neil, Michelle (Brandon) Blood, David (Kimberly) Aiello, Eric (Nicole Manfred) Aiello, Brandon (Heather) Marnier, Sabrina (Jeremy) Harper Graham, Kristy (Kyle) Harper Vavra, Maria (Brian) Smith-Martinez, Paige Smith, Joshua Alberts and Skylar Alberts; 30 great grandchildren, Elizabeth, Jeremy, Marissa, Brandon, Zachary, Michael, Matthew, Xavier, Nathaniel, Nicholas, Sarina, Mariah, Lily, Christian, Jacob, Kayla, Silas, Simeon, Raven, Savannah, Brody, Emma, Nate, Kennedy, Colton, Ty, Tatum, Justin, Aubrey, Austin; 14 great-great grandchildren, Evangeline, Caius, Aurelius, Colton, Aidan, Veda, Brandon, Ezra, Logan, Aiden, Emma, Marissa, Angelina and Aubrey and her many beloved cousins & dear friends.

In marriage, Loretta is survived by her brothers-in-law, John (Karen) Alberts & Mike Coon, her nieces; Kimberly Alberts, Jenny (AK Laleye) Jenima, and her nephews; John Alberts, Jr, Mike Coon, Jr, and her great-nephew, Isaiah Laleye. 

Loretta is preceded in death by her parents, Matt & Margaret Fosbinder, her daughter, Diana Smith Cross, her in-laws, John & Tiny Alberts, her sister-in-law, Josette Alberts Coon, her son-in-law, George Posanke, her daughter-in-law, Claudia Marnier, her closest cousin, Ila Jean Gilbert, and many other beloved Aunts, Uncles & Cousins and

her best friend, Sharon Tonai.

May Loretta Rest in the Peace and

Presence of Our LORD, Jesus Christ.

A celebration of her live will be announced a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial’s in Loretta’s memory may be directed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or via www.stjude.org

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

Barry L. Deal, Died July 6, 2020

Barry L. Deal

1956 ~ 2020

OMENA - Barry Ley Deal passed peacefully in his home on July 6, after a short  but brave battle with pancreatic cancer.  He was 64.

Born in Jacksonville FL to Wayne and Margaret (Peg) Deal, Barry grew up in Vandalia and then Rockford IL.  His family spent summers at their family home in Omena and he dreamed from a young age that he would one day live on Ingalls Bay.

Barry attended Illinois State University, both as an undergrad and graduate student in school psychology.  He then worked at the University of Illinois as the resident psychologist at Col Wolfe School for 5 years before relocating to the Portland, Oregon area.

Barry was passionate about football (Chicago Bears), fishing, fine cars, fast motorcycles and good music.  He had a wealth of knowledge about anything and everything that he found interesting, and enjoyed sharing that with others.

His love of fly fishing and motorcycling took him on adventures throughout the country, including a trip to Oregon.  Once there, he was smitten with the natural beauty of the area and relocated shortly thereafter, accepting a job with the Beaverton School District.

Barry’s heart was big and he was a dedicated advocate for disadvantaged kids and families.  He was a visionary and forward thinker when it came to improving systems and providing safety for all.  He was firm, fair consistent and compassionate in how he approached his work, and his life.  After 30 years of service, he retired at 58.

Following a lifelong dream, Barry built his home on Ingalls Bay and soon met his wife Laura.  He was a loving and devoted partner and though their time together was cut short, they made a lifetime of memories in his beloved Omena.

Barry is survived and will be missed by his adoring wife Laura Hassberger Deal, his loving mother Margaret (Peg) Deal, sisters: Lisa (David) Hall, Dana Deal, and Susan (Mike) Frisoli, as well as his nieces and nephews, of whom he was very proud.  In addition, he leaves many devoted friends and colleagues who loved and respected him.

He is preceded in death by his father Wayne Deal.

His family is most grateful for the generous love of friends and family and the wonderful support of Munson Hospice (Debbie Curtis).

A celebration of life will commence at a later date.

Donations may be made in Barry’s memory to the Leelanau Conservancy, PO Box 1007, Leland, MI 49654 or via www.leelanauconservancy.org/donate/

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John L. Kutilek Died July 1, 2020

John L. Kutilek

Died July 1, 2020

NORTHPORT – John Louis Kutilek, 88, of Northport, passed away on Wednesday, July 1, 2020 at Effie’s Place in Leland.

John was born on September 19, 1931, in Chicago, the son of John and Catherine (Jove) Kutilek.  In 1962 in Pittsburgh, PA, he married Realpha Hagen who survives.

John was a United States Army Veteran who served and saw combat in Korea and was honorably discharged.  Following his military service, John earned a Mechanical Engineering degree from the University of Illinois.  He held several engineering positions during his civilian career, including an active engineer on the Apollo 13 rescue mission of the Lunar Module now on display at the Smithsonian.

John was an active father, he coached multiple sports teams, and was a leader in the Indian Guides for his sons.  After retiring, John was active in the community and enjoyed several hobbies, including golf, gardening, and woodworking.

In addition to his wife, Realpha, John is survived by their sons, Douglas (Julie) and Keith (Nyssa) Kutilek, and grandchildren, Genevieve, Penelope, Cherrish and James.

John was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Laura, and sister, Carol Swanson.

Graveside services will be held on Saturday, July 11 at 11 a.m. at Leelanau Township Cemetery.  Reverend Doctor Chrysanne Timm will officiate.

Memorials may be directed to St. Christopher’s Church, PO Box 98, Northport, MI 49670 and/or to Effie’s Place Assisted Living, 300 Grand Ave., Leland, MI 49654.

Please share condolences and memories with the Kutilek family below or on our funeral home Facebook page.

Daniel D. Mahaney, Died July 2, 2020

Daniel D. Mahaney

On a beautiful sunny summer day, July 2^nd, Daniel Mahaney left peacefully at home for his greatest adventure.  Seeing new things, whether taking a side road that he had never traveled or flying in his plane to Costa Rica to explore that country, was something he always enjoyed.  On the day prior to his passing he had his morning yogurt with his little girl kitty, Sonia, in his lap since she knew he would give her a couple of licks as he had each morning for nine years.  Later that day he enjoyed his favorite treat....a big bowl of vanilla bean ice cream with wonderful Bardenhagen Berries strawberries.

Daniel received a 4 year scholastic scholarship to Michigan State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing and took post-graduate courses in Foreign Trade.  He also studied Foreign Trade and Spanish at the University of America's in Mexico City, Mexico.  He was a member of the National Honor Society and a member of Delta Sigma Pi International Business Fraternity-Mexico City Chapter.

His careers included Assistant R&E Laboratory Manager at Parsons Corporation, Assistant Project Engineer at North American Rockwell Corporation and Contract Coordinator at General Dynamics Corporation.  During that time he was responsible for the Apollo Simulation Group management coordination and direction for the Apollo Space Program.  He was responsible for the completion and presentation of a program plan and cost for the Apollo Simulation Program at Pisga Crater area and presented the program plan to NASA in Houston.  He assisted in preparation and presentation of the Apollo Simulator sub-contractor source selection justification to NASA in Houston.  He was appointed as a special representative for the Apollo Engineering Department on recruiting trips to staff the Apollo Lunar Landing Program.

He later was Marketing Manager of Special Projects at Lear Siegler-Telemetrics Division, Western Regional Manager at Multitone Electronic Inc.-13 western states including Alaska and Hawaii, was a management consultant and business manager for a medical clinic, was broker-owner of a real estate firm and broker with an investment banking firm.

Daniel held a private pilot’s license and was past president of a 4 aircraft, 46 member flying club in California and owned a number of aircraft, including a Mooney and Cessna.  While working on the Apollo Program he held a secret clearance by the Air Force and Navy.

Daniel is survived by his soulmate, best friend and wife of 35 years, Lillian, children Jeff (Patty) and Cindy, grandchildren Danielle, Jeffrey (Rita), Troy and Hailey, and great-grandchildren (triplets) Miles, Sawyer and Elliott.  He also has many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews and wonderful friends.  Daniel loved interacting with people and was always ready to make them laugh with his incredible Irish sense of humor.  He loved to read, particularly biographical and historical novels.  He was always willing to help anyone in need, even if it was just a kind word.

Daniel loved all creatures and had many rescued animals during his lifetime.  In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to help the animals at Cherryland Humane Society, 1750 Ahlberg Drive, Traverse City, MI  49696-8914.

A celebration of his life will be held at a future date.  The family wishes to thank the wonderful care of his many physicians and their staff and every member of Munson Hospice, especially Connie, who was holding his one hand while  Lillian held his other hand until he passed on.  His little girl kitty, Sonia, was snuggled on his lap.

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James L. Patrick, Died July 2, 2020

James L. Patrick

1946 ~ 2020

James Lawrence Patrick, 73, died from pancreatic cancer on Thursday, July 2, 2020 at home in Suttons Bay.

He was born in Detroit and graduated from Redford High School.  He then graduated from San Jose State University with bachelor and master’s degrees in civil engineering.  He was a licensed professional engineer in CA, NC, and MI.  He retired from the U.S. Air Force (reserve) as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1996 with 20 years of service and from his civilian career in 2010.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Gayle; four children and two grandchildren. 

A celebration of life will be held at a future date. 

Donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or via www.stjude.org and / or to Operation Homefront, 1355 Central Parkway South, Ste 100, San Antonio, TX 78232 or via www.operationhomefront.org

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John L. Kutilek Died July 1, 2020

A full obituary will be updated upon approval from the family.

John L Kutilek

Died July 1, 2020

NORTHPORT – John Louis Kutilek, 88, of Northport, passed away on Wednesday, July 1, 2020 at Effie’s Place in Leland.

Graveside services will be held on Saturday, July 11 at 11 a.m. at Leelanau Township Cemetery.  Reverend Doctor Chrysanne Timm will officiate.

Memorials may be directed to St. Christopher’s Church, PO Box 98, Northport, MI 49670 and/or to Effie’s Place Assisted Living, 300 Grand Ave., Leland, MI 49654.

Please share condolences and memories with the Kutilek family below or on the funeral home Facebook page.