David W. Sterrett Died August 22, 2020

                                         David W. Sterrett

                                     Died August 22, 2020

 TRAVERSE CITY - David Wade Sterrett, 95, of Traverse City, MI, and formerly of Dayton, OH, passed away peacefully at Cherry Hill Haven on Saturday, August 22, 2020. 

David was born on August 13, 1925 to Wirter and Minnie (Dorst) Sterrett, the fifth of six children, all of whom preceded him in death.

David joined the Navy in 1943 right after graduating from Patterson Co-Op High School in Dayton.  He worked many years at NCR in Dayton.  He spent many summers at the family summer cottage on Lake Leelanau and continued the tradition with his own family.  David and Doris moved permanently to Cedar in 1973 and lived in the area for the remainder of their lives.  After moving to Michigan, he became a realtor until his retirement.

David never met a stranger and made a big difference in many peoples’ lives.  He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.  The world will never be the same, but not because he has passed, but because he lived.

David’s wife Doris of 67 years preceded him in death in 2015.  He is survived by his four children and their spouses, Doug (Merrily) Sterrett of Gaylord, MI, Donna (Paul) Bales of Onaway, MI, Dale (Sharon) Sterrett of Williamsburg, MI, and Diana (Dennis) Hedden of Pensacola, FL; six grandchildren, Krista (Scott) Gapinski, Brad (Lindsay) Alexander, Leanne (Justin) Johnson, Stephanie (Jason) Hughes, Merrily (Matt) Robinson, and Ann Sterrett; 14 great-grandchildren; five step-grandsons;  sister-in-law, Roberta Sterrett Terrell; and many nieces and nephews.

Due to Covid, a memorial service will be planned for a later date by the family.  We would like to thank the entire staff at Cherry Hill Haven for caring for Dad the past three years, especially Megann.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Munson Healthcare Hospice, c/o Munson Regional Foundation, 1150 Medical Campus Drive, Traverse City, MI 49684.

Please share condolences with David’s family below or on the funeral home Facebook page:

Patricia A. Perigo, Died August 21, 2020

 

Patricia A. Perigo

Died Aug. 21, 2020

 SUTTONS BAY – Patricia Ann Perigo, 84, of Suttons Bay, passed away Friday, Aug. 21, 2020 at Medilodge of Leelanau.

Pat was born June 15, 1936 in Leland the daughter of Lester “Pete” and Rita (Atkinson) Carlson.  On May 4, 1957 in Angola, Indiana she married Robert M. Perigo who preceded her in death on Feb. 11, 2000.

 She was skilled in crafts, especially needlepoint.  Pat also crafted wood Santa Claus statues, loved shopping and spending time at the casino.  At Medilodge she was known for being the puzzle lady and loved to play Bingo.

Pat is survived by three children, Todd (Barb) Perigo, Kelly (Kenny) Herman, Shannon Tom) Bumgardner; two siblings, Bill (Jennifer) Carlson, Mark (Laurie) Carlson; her grandchildren, Travis (Betsy) Perigo, Robyn (Matt) Gilbert, Todd (Kim) Perigo, Jason Herman, Garrick (Jacklyn) Herman, Darryl Herman, Christopher Herman, Andrew Bumgardner, Pete Bumgardner; eight great grandchildren; and her dear friends, Liz Vinnie , Joan Everson and Roger Mattison.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert; her parents and a son, Matt Perigo.

A special thank you to Hospice of Northern Michigan, Lena and the staff at Medilodge of Leelanau.

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

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

Michael "Mickey" J. O'Connor Died August 12, 2020

 

NORTHPORT – Michael Jerome O’Connor, 84, of Northport, passed away on Wednesday, August 12, 2020 at Munson Medical Center.

Mickey was born on May 2, 1936 in Highland Park, MI, the son of James and Eulela (Rush) O’Connor.  On Sept. 11, 2002, he married Susan Hammersley, who survives.

He grew up in a large Irish family and attended school in the Birmingham area.  Mickey was ordained a Roman Catholic priest in 1966.  After leaving the church in 1972, his enjoyable personality and soft skills led him down a successful path in sales.  He lived the river and boating life in St. Clair, MI, then eventually finishing his professional career in the petroleum industry and relocating to northern Michigan.   He was extremely compassionate and kind to all of those he encountered.  He supported the ACLU, Southern Christian Leadership Conference, and always contributed to others in need.  Mickey was the area Honoree at the 2019 Walk for Alzheimer’s.

Mickey was a lifelong golfer, a member of two traveling clubs, The Dirty Dozen and the Northern Tissue Open.  As member #0001, he had the honor of hitting the first drive at the opening of Northport Creek Golf Course.  His positive attitude always had him using a nice new white ball on a par three, in the event one ended up displayed on his mantle.  And it did work out that way at least once.  Known for his sense of humor, Mickey was an accomplished jokester, sometimes working days to pull off an elaborate prank.  He loved Laurel and Hardy and never missed reading his comic strips.  Mickey also loved his cats and ironically tamed (much to Sue’s discontent) many generations of squirrels and chipmunks.   With Susan, he traveled throughout Europe and China and cruised the Caribbean.   He was a wonderful host and enjoyed entertaining his beloved O’Connor clan and friends.   Although Mickey had no children of his own, he was adored by all of his nieces and nephews.   He made sure each one of them believed they were his favorite.

In addition to his wife, Mickey is survived by his step-children, Christopher (Karen) Hammersley, Carla (Scott) Barcey, and Andrew (Mollie) Hammersley; three step-grandchildren, Jess, Michael, and Christopher Hammersley; siblings, Patrick H. O’Connor, Richard F. (Jean) O’Connor, Mary E. Denison, Terry C. O’Connor, Susan M. (John) Kirkland; and forty loving nieces and nephews and almost one hundred grand & great grand nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his siblings, James E., Marjorie A., and Joseph A. O’Connor.

Mickey loved his 5 o’clock cocktail.   If you are so inclined, give him an Irish toast from where ever you may be on Sunday August 30^th.

A Mass will be said by Mickey’s lifelong friend, Father Paul Chateau, at a later date.

Memorials may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org.

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

Edwin P. Mucha, Died August 10, 2020

 

Edwin P. Mucha

Died Aug. 10, 2020

TRAVERSE CITY – Edwin Paul Mucha, 83, of Traverse City, passed away Monday, Aug. 10, 2020 at Munson Medical Center surrounded by his loving family.

Ed was born Sep. 5, 1936 in Donora, Pennsylvania the son of Stanley and Hanora (Nosalik) Mucha.  On Oct. 29, 1955 at St. Mary's Church of Lake Leelanau he married the love of his life Betty Jean (Couturier) Mucha who preceded him in death June 28, 2017.

Ed graduated from Monongahela High School in Pennsylvania with the Class of 1954.  He served his country honorably in the US Air Force from 1954-1958 seeing service in Empire, MI and Kirkland Lake Ontario, Canada.  Ed and Betty met at the Coliseum Roller Rink in Traverse City during the days of wooden roller wheels on a hardwood floor.  Ed and Betty traveled abroad and spent their winter months in Florida.

After his service, Ed lived in Traverse City for over 60 years.  He spent decades working at Cone Drive of Traverse City from 1962 until his retirement in 1998.  He was a master machinist in the tool and die field; a do-er, a maker, a builder.  Ed was asked by local educators to mentor students at TBA.  The students loved Mr. Mucha so much that they made buttons with his face on it and wore it to school.

Ed kept in touch with his Air Force buddies and would reunite with them during Empire Anchor Days parade.  He loved the beach and a suntan.  He loved his 1964½ Mustang; Ed called it his “Honey Car”.  A recent highlight of Ed’s life was his Mustang being displayed at the Hagerty Center and an article in the newspaper about his Honey Car.

He was a man whose character was built on faith, family, and a deep love for his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Ed is survived by his two children, Franklin (Sari) Mucha, Janet (Bob) Maine; a sister, Barbara (Frank) Gigliotti; his nephews, David (Janelle) Gigliotti, Andrew Gigliotti;

his grandchildren, Liza (Drew) Simpson, Lindsey (Clayton) Moe, Landen Mucha, Nicholas (Rose) Bostic, Lauren Bostic, Ryan (Maria) Bostic, Abigail (Harmony) Maine, Libby Maine, Matthew Maine, Frannie Maine; honorary grandson, Maxwell Cleveland; his great grandchildren, Andrew, Olivia, Ava, Lillian, Savannah, Cecilia, Elizabeth, Thomas, Alex, Charlie, Samuel, Andrew, Jonah, and Baby Moe and Baby Bostic.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Betty; a daughter and son-in-law, Terri (Thomas) Bostic; and a nephew, Frank Gigliotti.

Private family services have been held, burial was in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Lake Leelanau.  A celebration of Ed’s life will be announced in the summer of 2021.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati, 4623 Wesley Avenue, Ste A., Cincinnati, OH 45212 or at www.dsagc.com

To join the Mucha service remotely via Zoom:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4299831981?pwd=ZDVmb2ZtOXRHU0dmeS9JSGNoQ3FzZz09

Or if you already have the Zoom app:

Meeting ID: 429 983 1981

Passcode: Mucha

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

Helen R. Mahar Died August 8, 2019

Helen Reed Maher

1930-2019

Helen Reed Maher, 89, of Cartersville, GA, and Omena, MI, passed away on August 8, 2019.

Helen was born on July 22, 1930, in Pennsylvania to Robert and Helen Clark Reed.  She was the granddaughter of Harry and Blanche Clark, early summer residents of Ingall’s Bay and spent most summers of her life on Ingall’s Bay.  She owned the Pioneer cottage.

Helen graduated from Northwestern University where she was active in her sorority, Kappa Kappa Gamma.  She moved around the country for her first husband’s career, ending up in metro Atlanta.  She and her then -husband joined Atlanta Yacht Club, bought a sailboat and started racing, usually with one of their children along.   She was active in community organizations in Omena, including the Omena Traverse Yacht Club.

Helen spent most of her career doing environmental health studies at Emory University.  After retiring, Helen moved to Cartersville where she volunteered at the local library, the Red Cross, and her church.  She remarried and continued to have an active life, including travel to Italy, Great Britain, Ireland, and Scotland.

Helen is survived by her children, Laurie Gregory Remter, Karen Gregory Neri (Dan), six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.  She was an excellent mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas O. Maher.  Her son, Matthew Robert Gregory, died on July 20, 2020.

A memorial service was held in Cartersville.  A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, August 18, 2020, at 11 a.m. at Omena Hillcrest Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the World Wildlife Fund or the Omena Historical Society.

Please share condolences and memories with Helen's family below or on the funeral home Facebook page:

Barbara R. Drummond, Died July 29, 2020

Barbara R. Drummond

Died July 29, 2020

Barbara Rae (Lamb) Drummond, 85, of Traverse City, Michigan, passed away on July 29, 2020.  She was born December 23, 1934, in Saginaw, Michigan, to the late Elmer Wesley & Hazel. Gertrude (Carlson) Lamb.

 Barbara is survived by her husband of 65 years, Clinton Vearl Drummond, sons: Wayne Lee (Barbara) Drummond of New Philadelphia, OH; Richard Jay (Clara ) Drummond of Holt, MI; Jeffrey Alan Drummond of Marshall, MI; Brian Scott Drummond of Lansing, MI; and Kerry Sue (Ken) Liedel of Harrison, TN.  She is also survived by 5 grandchildren: Jason (Sarah) Drummond of Gastonia, NC;  Michele (Jim) Black of Stafford, VA; Grayce Drummond (Jason) Langheine of York, PA; Meghan and Joshua McCommon of Harrison, TN; and 3 great grandchildren: Annie and James Black of Stafford VA; and Jasmine Bigelow of Hillsdale, MI.

 She was preceded in death by her sister Marilyn Jean Lamb.

 Barbara graduated from Saginaw High School in Saginaw, MI.  She worked as a secretary at the Springport Middle School for more than 20 years.  She was church pianist at the Springport UMC for many years.

 After retirement Barbara and Clinton moved to Traverse City, where she was the church pianist at Williamsburg UMC.  Sharing music has been important to both of them and as other memories fade, the enjoyment of music and rhythm has stayed with them.  They both have been happy to help and share with others, cherishing friendships and working together.  Barb also enjoyed sewing and knitting, along with refurbishing furniture and cooking.

 A Celebration of Life and burial will at a later date.

 Memorial contributions may be made to Williamsburg UMC, 5750 Wiliamsburg Road, Williamsburg, MI 49690 and/or Springport UMC, 127 W. Main Street, Springport, MI 49284 or a charity of your choice.

 Please share condolences with Barbara’s family below:

Benjamin F. Hohnke, Died July 31, 2020

Benjamin F. Hohnke

Died July 31, 2020

Cedar - Benjamin Franklin Hohnke, 96, of Cedar, passed away Friday, July 31, 2020 after a brief stay at Orchard Creek Skilled Nursing under Hospice Care.

Benjamin was born April 30, 1924, in Good Harbor, the son of Benhardt and Pearl (Olson) Hohnke.  He remained a lifetime resident of Leelanau County, indeed living out the final ten years of his life in the same home he spent the first eighteen.

 

A graduate of Leland High School, catcher on their baseball team, and player on their 1942 State championship basketball team, his only extended venture out of the area was by joining the US Navy.  Upon completing his Naval training in March of 1943, he went to serve his country in the South Pacific during WWII.  He once joked he chose the Navy thinking it was safer at sea than dodging bullets on land.  Ben returned to Leelanau County after the war, and became an accomplished and reputable builder in the area.  He "retired" to cherry farming, his lifelong dream, for his remaining 40 years!

 

On Oct 21, 1950, he married Margaret A (Schnehain) Hohnke at St Paul's Lutheran Church of Good Harbor.  For the next 62 years, Margaret was his source of strength and support on earth.  He was a devoted husband and father, a devout Christian, and life-long member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church.  Ben was an avid Detroit Tigers fan from the days of radio.  He was an honest and hardworking man with "old fashioned" values of service, responsibility, and duty.

 

Even to the end, on his final day, Ben always smiled at the thought of rejoining his loving partner and wife, Margaret, who sadly had passed away on Aug 18, 2012.

 

Ben is survived by four sons, Elmer (Christine) Hohnke of Leland, George Hohnke, Alan Hohnke of Kingsley, and Douglas (Eva Brown) of Ocala, Florida.  Besides his wife, Margaret, he was preceded in death by a son, Gordon Hohnke, as well as Ben's 2 brothers Lyle and Chet and 3 sisters, Eva, Elizabeth, and Eunice.

 

Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Aug 6, at the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.  Masks are required and please practice safe social distancing.

 

A simple graveside service for close friends and family will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Aug 7, in the cemetery of St Paul's Lutheran Church, Good Harbor.  Please wear masks and practice safe social distancing.

 

Memorials may be directed to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 2943 S. Manitou Trail, Cedar, MI 49621and/or Shriners Hospitals for Children, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607.

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

Diane DeHuff, Died July 26, 2020

Diane DeHuff

1929 ~ 2020

Diane Palmer DeHuff, age 90, passed away peacefully at home in Naples, Florida, on June 26, 2020.  She was born September 8, 1929 in Newark, New Jersey, to Karl and Evelyn Pacanovsky.  Diane was married to George B. DeHuff Jr. for over 40 years who preceded her in death in 1993.

Diane was raised on the east coast where she went to nursing school and received her certification at Jefferson Hospital in Philadelphia.  She was very passionate about her nursing even after marriage and moving to the Midwest.

Diane loved Northern Michigan where she spent over 50 summers on Lake Michigan.  She also had a special place in her heart for the Leelanau Conservancy.  For many years she loved and was very dedicated to her volunteer work in the small town of Northport.  Her time in Florida was also special from her walks with friends on Marco Island, to spending time at dinner with friends at Moorings Park in Naples.

Diane is survived by her two sons and their wives, George and Karen and Douglas and Nancy.  Grandchildren, Jacqueline, George (Bo), Robert, Kevin, Blake, Kori, and Dylan along with six great grandchildren and many nephews and nieces, all of whom will miss her dearly. 

The family will hold a private service at a later date in memory of Diane.  Donations may be directed to the Leelanau Conservancy, PO Box 1007, Leland, MI 49654.

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

Robert W. Faull, Died July 18, 2020

Robert W. Faull

Died July 18, 2020

SUTTONS BAY - Robert Wayland Faull, 84, of Suttons Bay, passed away Saturday, July 18, 2020 at Medilodge of Leelanau.

No public services will be held.

Please share condolences with Robert's loved ones below: