Timothy J. Kehl
Died Nov. 10, 2018
NORTHPORT
- Timothy Jon Kehl, 71, of Northport passed away Friday, Nov. 10, 2018 at home
with his wife, family and friends at his side.
Tim
was born March 11, 1947 in Traverse City; the son of Edward N. Kehl and Vida J.
Skelly. On Jan. 19, 1984 in Traverse
City he married Vicki L. (Forsman) Kehl, who survives.
Tim graduated from Northport High School and then served his
nation in the U.S. Army. He earned a
bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University. Later he returned to his home town and served as
the Village President. Being the “Mayor
of Northport” was something he was very proud of and he truly enjoyed serving
on the village council.
Tim
then spent a professional life-time in the merchant marines serving on our
great lakes. He earned his way up the
ranks and achieved the rank of Captain.
He spent 20 years as a Merchant Marine Captain. Many times he would take his children and
friends on his merchant ship.
When
back home he loved playing basketball with his children or a game of catch. The family has fond memories of vacations to
Florida, especially the Florida Keys.
Tim loved his MSU Spartan athletics, especially the basketball
program. He loved a good joke, visiting
with friends and sharing stories.
He
was his son’s best friend; he brought joy to his family’s life and will be
deeply missed.
Tim
is survived by his loving wife of thirty-four years, Vicki; his mother, Vida;
his three children, John (Kelly) Kehl, Matt Kehl, Kristen Marie Kehl; his
siblings, Willard Horn, Chris (Susan) Kehl; and many loving nieces, nephews,
and extended family members.
He
was preceded in death by his father, Edward, two siblings, Jim (Donna) Horn,
Gary Horn and a daughter, Melissa Kehl.
Visitation
will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 13 at the Martinson Funeral Home
of Suttons Bay. The funeral service will
be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 14 also at the funeral home. Burial in Leelanau Township Cemetery will
follow the service.
Memorials
may be directed to Munson Home Hospice, 1105 Sixth Street, Traverse City, MI
49684 and/or Autism Centers of Michigan, 1363 Douglas Rd, Traverse City, MI
49686.
Please
share condolences with the family below or on our Facebook page.
With sincere condolences to Tim's family. He was a great Captain and more importantly, a great friend. He will be missed. Noel Bassett
ReplyDeleteI was sorry to hear of Tim's passing. We had many good times over the years going back to NMC in Traverse city. I was fortunate to be a friend of his. He took me on a 5 day ride on his 640 foot ship which included the Cayahoga river running between Canada and Detroit mi. He was considered one of the best Captains on the great lakes. He will be missed by many.
ReplyDeleteTom Kohler
I'm so sorry to hear of Tim's passing. I considered him a good friend. He took me on a five day trip on his 640 foot ship which included going up the Cuyahoga River separating Canada from Detroit. He was considered one of the best Captains on the Great Lakes by his safety record. He will be missed by many. My condolences to Vicki and family. Tom Kohler
ReplyDeleteVICKI, I'm so sorry to hear of TIM'S passing, When TIM came through the doors at the shoe store it was like JOHN WAYNE coming in, ,always a character. GOD BLESS CRAIG GOLDEN
ReplyDeleteVICKI, I'm so sorry to see of TIM'S passing. When TIM would come through the doors of the shoe store it was like JOHN WAYNE coming in. What a character. I will miss him . May GOD BLESS . Craig Golden
ReplyDeleteBob Stowe
ReplyDeleteTim was a classmate of mine, Northport 1966. I'll always remember the great time we had at the "class" twenty year reunion. He was always friendly and after retiring, returned to Northport and served his community. It was sad to hear of his passing. Best wishes to his wife Vicki and family.
Captain Kehl will be deeply missed. Captain Kehl was a great mentor to me, treated me so well, and was so fun to work for. A great man indeed, fair winds and following seas Captain!
ReplyDelete-Terry Heyns
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Kehl family.
ReplyDelete-Terry Heyns
Vicky and family, we are so sorry to hear of Tim's passing. Please know you are all in our thoughts and prayers. Curt, Beth and Family.
ReplyDelete