Arthur W. Schaub, Died October 30, 2019

Arthur W. Schaub

Died Oct. 30, 2019

CEDAR – Arthur William Schaub, 93, of Cedar, passed away Wednesday, October 30, 2019 at The Villa at Traverse Point.

Art was born Dec. 11, 1925 in Chester, Montana; the son of William and Violet (Thiselle) Schaub.  On Aug. 15, 1982 he married Dina (Catanduanes) Schaub, who survives.

As a young man, Art lived in Montana with his grandparents during the Great Depression.  He was drafted for WWII service.  Art served his country in the US Army with the 101^st Airborne seeing service in the African and European Theaters.  He saw combat during the Battle of the Bulge, The Ardennes and was a prisoner of war.

After his service, Art returned to Montana and spent many years as a heavy equipment operator for his local county.  Eventually Art moved back to Leelanau County and worked his 70 acre farm well into his 70’s.  Art had a green thumb and enjoyed his vegetable garden - although sometimes the deer got more than he did.  Art was also known for a variety of beautiful flowers he grew.

At is survived by his loving wife of thirty seven years, Dina; his siblings, Leonard (Theresa) Schaub, Vern (Lorraine) Schaub, Marie Schaub, Josephine Gauthier, and Marjorie Forton.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his siblings, Leo Schaub, and Johanna Peplinski.

Graveside services will be held at 11 am on Wednesday, Nov. 6 at St. Mary’s Cemetery of Lake Leelanau.

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Eleanor M. Babich Died October 26, 2019

Eleanor M. Babich
1927 ~ 2019

Eleanor “Ellie” Babich died October 26, 2019 with her sons by her side. Ellie was born January 4, 1927, at home to Romanian immigrants Zanfir and Anna Albu Koras, and spent most her life in the Detroit area. Ellie had fond memories as a young child accompanying her father to the Romanian Hall, where he would play the flute and his friends would give her candy to dance. Ellie learned to speak English when her older sister enrolled her at the local school.

At 17, Ellie was the sole survivor of an auto accident, and after a considerable convalescence she took a job in 1945 at Hudson’s in downtown Detroit. There she discovered a lifelong love of decorating and shopping for fashionable clothes and jewelry. In 1947, she married her love, Edward Babich, who preceded her in death in 1994. Ed and Ellie loved music, dancing and parties, and attended clubs, concerts, movies and theater around the Detroit and Windsor area often.

Ellie kept the books for Ed’s machine shop, which provided specialized parts to Detroit’s auto industry. She was an antique lover, running a shop in Milford for a few years and creating a beautiful home for Ed and her family. They entertained often, especially during the years living on Lake Sherwood. She was happy as a homemaker, loved holidays, and wanted them to be special for her children. She made sarmale, traditional stuffed cabbage, for holiday feasts, and was an excellent baker, making delicious plum and poppy seed butter cookies for special occasions.

Ellie was a loving grandma to her two grandsons, Dustin and Gavin Bissell; her four granddaughters, Johanna (Ty) Schmidt, Madigan, Flannery, and Norah Johnson; and enjoyed time with great grandsons, Carter and Jameson Schmidt. She is survived by her children, Bob (Sarah Johnson) Babich, Roxie (Darry) Bissell, and her devoted son who cared for her in her last years, Tim Babich.

A graveside service is planned for next summer.

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Victor J.Kalchik, Died September 13, 2019

Victor J. Kalchik

Died Sept. 13, 2019

Victor Joseph Kalchik, 88, Lake Leelanau, Michigan, passed away Friday September 13^th in Temecula, California, in his daughter’s home surrounded by family.  Vic fought valiantly against prostate cancer the past couple of years but ended up losing this battle.  Vic is now at peace having received the Church’s Sacraments and having family present for his passing into Eternal Life.

Vic was born May 11, 1931, in Gill’s Pier, Michigan. Vic was one of 11 children born to Wencel and Barbara (Korson) Kalchik on their family farm. Vic resided on the farm until he enlisted into the military service in 1954.

While on leave during his army service, Vic was set up on a blind date with Ruth Cornelia Couturier of Lake Leelanau, Michigan by his cousin Ray Korson.  Their first date went well and over the remainder of Vic’s military service he would write faithfully to “Ruthie my little farm girl!”  After finishing his 3-year military service, Vic returned to Michigan to work at the Ford plant in Ypsilanti, Michigan, until the automotive workers elected to strike. Vic took it as a sign from God to seek employment elsewhere. Vic moved to Chicago, Illinois, where he enrolled in evening courses at Washburne Trade School and worked at a temporary job during the day. After getting himself established, Vic asked Ruth to be his bride. They were married September 28, 1957, at Saint Mary’s in Lake Leelanau and returned to Chicago to raise their family.  

Vic received a certificate in Plastics Manufacturing at Washburne Trade School in the spring of 1958 and was soon after hired at Comet Tool & Die, where he worked for the next 37 years making molds for various plastic products. One of the molds Vic had made during his career was for siding, which he decided to use on their home in Lake Leelanau.

Vic and Ruth had eight children one of whom, Daniel, died as an infant.  Victor and Ruth found solace and consolation from their strong faith as Roman Catholics.  Saint Gertrude’s Parish in Franklin Park Illinois turned into Vic and Ruth’s home away from home. This couple served in many capacities at the parish as lay leaders for over 34 years. Vic’s spare time was spent working with the Parish’s Financial Council and serving as a handyman/landscaper and helping with the yearly rummage sale/carnival. Vic’s exceptional generosity is one of his most notable traits. It was natural and spontaneous. Vic was always quick to help out anyone in need, which included providing a room in their home over the years to foreign exchange students, foster children, elderly, and other young adults.  Vic led by example of what it means to be a faithful servant of God.

Vic and Ruth moved back to Lake Leelanau, Michigan for their retirement years in 1995. Vic served as a Knight of Columbus and volunteered for many activities at St. Mary’s Church.  Vic’s idea of retirement was working with his older brother Ivan laying cement until he was 86.  Vic’s unsurmountable work ethic was seen by all.  Vic was grounded by his unshaken faith in The Lord, his dedication and love for his wife and family, his selflessness and his great sense of humor. Vic will be greatly missed as he touched so many people’s hearts.

Victor is survived by Ruth, wife for 62 years; children, David (Toby), Paul, Andrew (Michelle), Laura Wise, Teresa (Erik Skieller), Sandra Fruehe (Daniel), Nadine Gay (Robert); his brother, Ivan; 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, Abella; and many nieces and nephews. 

Victor was proceeded in death by his parents, Wencel and Barbara; his son, Daniel, a son in law, Patrick Wise; his siblings and (in-laws), Wencel (Dorothy), Mary (Leon) Spaulding, Edward (Ann), Christine (George) Coyne, Ann (Donald) Callaghan, Lawrence (Joanne), Tony (Norma), (Eileen), infant siblings Emma and James.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday November 7^th with a 7 p.m. recitation of the Rosary at the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.

The Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday November 8^th at 11:00 a.m. at Saint Mary’s in Lake Leelanau.  Immediately after the Mass there will be a luncheon for family and friends in the parish hall below the Church.  Interment will take place in Saint Mary’s Cemetery after the luncheon.

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

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Elsie C. Sevakis Died October 9, 2019

Elsie C. Sevakis

Died October 9, 2019

LELAND, MI/VERO BEACH, FL - Elsie Caroline Sevakis, 96, formerly of Leland and Vero Beach, FL, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2019 at Munson Medical Center, Traverse City, MI.

Elsie was born on June 28, 1923 in Detroit, the daughter of Andrew and Sophia (Plizga) Ogurek.  On October 16, 1941 she married Frank D. Sevakis who preceded her in death on Dec. 28, 2004.

Elsie was a dedicated homemaker and mother who supported and encouraged her husband, Frank, as he started out and grew his precision machining business. Over the years, Elsie and Frank travelled the world, sailed the Great Lakes and the Caribbean and hosted many a get-together at their Leland home.  When the nest was empty, Elsie collected antiquities which included one buying trip to London on the supersonic “speed of sound” Concorde.  In her later years, she fancied playing poker, “Texas Holdem” as it’s called, until the age of 95. She even once reached a table at the World Poker tournament in Las Vegas.  Elsie will be missed by her family, friends and poker buddies.

Elsie is survived by her children, Dennis (Karen) Sevakis, Gary Sevakis, and Elizabeth (Joe) Tibensky; grandchildren, Michael Sevakis, Dana Parker, Justin and Nicholas Thomas.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her eight siblings.

Graveside services will be on Saturday, Nov. 2 at 11 a.m. at East Leland Cemetery.  A celebration of Elsie’s life will follow at a 1 p.m. luncheon at the Village Inn Grill, Suttons Bay, MI.

Memorials may be directed to the Leelanau Conservancy, PO Box 1007, Leland, MI 49654.

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Michael D. Lamb, Died October 3, 2019

Michael D. Lamb

Died Oct. 3, 2019

EMPIRE – Michael David Lamb, 56, of Empire, passed away suddenly, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2019, at home, of natural causes.

Michael was born March 13, 1963 in Cadillac, MI, the son of Dr. Fred S. Lamb and Kathleen (Stites) Lamb.  On Aug. 17, 1990 in Ann Arbor he married Stacy (Tapp) Lamb who survives.

Mike grew up in Traverse City and Ann Arbor.  He was fortunate to have traveled extensively through Europe as a child and to have lived briefly in Hawaii.  His family loved to sail the Great Lakes.  He was a kicker for the Traverse City Trojans, and his love for football continued for the rest of his life (Go Lions!).  Mike knew, from the age of 6, that he would be a police officer.

He began his career at Ypsilanti PD, during which time he met his forever match made in heaven, Stacy, and together they eventually moved north to raise a family.  Mike worked for Elk Rapids PD, then became a deputy with the Leelanau County Sheriff’s Department.  Mike was known to the community as Sergeant Lamb.  He was selected to attend Staff and Command School.  He served on the Northern Michigan Emergency Response Team and the Traverse Narcotics Team.  He was truly grateful for his extended law enforcement family and friends.

After retirement, Mike followed in his father's footsteps and picked up a paintbrush.  Whether it was impressionism or realism, Mike spent the last few years creating art, surprising his loved ones with his talent.

He loved entertaining, sharing good food and good cheer with the ones he loved.  He could be found nearly every night in the kitchen preparing dinner, his dog and sous chef, Buddy, by his side all the while.

In his free time, Mike liked to take his children fishing all over Leelanau County.  The Lamb kids remember fishing with their dad off the dock behind St. Mary's Church.  He was always a patient teacher, despite his daughter snagging his calf with the fishing hook.  More recently Mike fell in love with surf fishing on the coast of Pensacola Beach, FL.

Michael lived with honesty and humility.  He loved this country and its founding principles.  He was a very spiritual man who believed we were put on this earth to love, and that everyone, no matter the lives they led, had a chance at peace in the afterlife.

Michael is survived by his loving wife of twenty-nine years, Stacy; three children, Michael, Lori and Liam Lamb; his mother Kathleen (Stites) Lamb; three siblings, Dr. Fred (Lisa) Lamb, Jennifer Lamb-Carlson and Hayley Lamb. He was preceded in death by his father, Dr. Fred S. Lamb.

Funeral services will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Philip Neri Catholic Church, PO Box 257, Empire, MI, 49630 and/or Tunnel to Towers Foundation - Fallen First Responder Home Program.

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Ruth J. Wakulat, Died October 3, 2019

Ruth J. Wakulat

1942 ~ 2019

Ruth Janet Wakulat, 77, of Leland, passed away Thursday, Oct. 3, 2019 at Effie’s Place Assisted Living.

Ruth was born July 5, 1942 to William and Charlotte (Burgess) Carl.  She graduated from Mason High School with the class of 1960.  On Sep. 1, 1962 in Mason she married George C. Wakulat who survives.

Ruth loved bowling, playing cards and Scrabble and solving crossword puzzles.  She enjoyed country music, especially Randy Travis, and was an excellent cook who would explore culinary boundaries.

Ruth is survived by her loving husband of fifty-seven years, George; four children, Dawn R. Wakulat, Jana M. (Barry) Magness, Deanna S. (John) Murphy, Dale R. Wakulat; four siblings, Rosalyn E. Kenyon, Wilma K. (Earl) Beverly, William E. (Deborah) Carl, Roger E. Carl; seven grandchildren, Lauren Shaw, Kyle Rotarius, Brandon Rotarius, Ashley Goick, Shelby Sylvester, Madeline Rotarius, and Joanne Murphy; three great grandchildren, Owen Sylvester, Norman Sylvester and Ava Rotarius; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and a daughter-in-law, Melissa Wakulat, and brother-in-law, Larry Kenyon.

A memorial celebration for Ruth will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2020 at 1 p.m. at the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.  Rev. Joshua LaFeve will officiate.

Private family burial in East Leland Cemetery has been held.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Effie’s Place, PO Box 1028, 300 Grand Avenue, Leland, MI 49654.

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June H. Atkinson, Died September 27, 2019

June H. Atkinson

Died Sept. 27, 2019

June Hartley Atkinson, age 96 of Leland, passed away peacefully on September 27, 2019.

June was born September 20, 1923 in Bay City, the daughter of Floyd Hartley and Royal (Pike) Hartley.  June married Fred Atkinson September 13, 1945 and they shared 63 wonderful years together.  Prior to her marriage, June attended Michigan State University.  She and Fred lived in a variety of Michigan cities as well as 14 years in Bloomington, Minnesota before retiring to Leland in 1984.

June was preceded in death by her husband, Fred, both of her parents, her brother Jack Hartley, and her sisters Carol Boyer and Marnie Pitman.  June is survived by her 4 children, John Atkinson (Cheryl), Mary Shackleton (Mike), Julie McNeilly (Paul), Fred Atkinson (Karen), grandchildren, Nanette Shackleton Bush, Brian Atkinson (Patty), Laura Atkinson Koerner (Chris), Scott Atkinson, Meghan McNeilly Swayman (Keith), Andy McNeilly (Kathy), Drew Atkinson, Michael Atkinson, 10 great grandchildren, her brother Pete Hartley (Marnie), and many nieces and nephews.

June was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother.  Throughout her life, she was always committed to serving others through a variety of volunteer work.  Helping to found a co-op nursery school, establishing a library at her children’s elementary school, and leading a Great Books class in Leland are just a few examples of her commitment to children.

June was also active in the League of Women Voters when she lived in Bloomington, Minnesota and volunteered at the Historical Museum in Leland as well as serving on the Board of Directors for The Children’s Center for many years.  June loved to knit, sew and do needlework.  She continued to share her love for playing bridge with friends and completing crossword puzzles.  June was an avid reader of all genres and enjoyed a good debate about almost any topic…especially politics.

For all the lives she touched, June leaves behind a legacy of love, compassion and hope. Her love and generosity will fill our hearts forever.

A Funeral service will be held at the Clare United Methodist Church, 105 East Seventh St, Clare, MI 48617 on November 9, 2019 at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to the Alzheimers Association at alz.org or the Leelanau Conservancy at P.O. Box 1007, Leland, MI 49654 or leelanauconservancy.org

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Kristin S. Rothgarber Died September 26, 2019

Kristin S. Rothgarber

1970 ~ 2019

 Heaven has gained a beautiful angel.  Kristen Sheryl Rothgarber was an amazing daughter, sister, friend and most of all, a wonderful, loving mother to her son, Jackson.


Kristin was born November 27, 1970 in Traverse City.  Even though she was given her angel wings too early, she touched everyone’s heart she met.


Kristen attended Suttons Bay Schools and graduated in 1989; she also attended Muskegon Business College.  During high school Kristin participated in track, skiing, jazz and concert band.  She made lifelong friends and memories at school.


While in school she started working at Sugar Loaf on the golf course and most memorable on the slopes.  She taught countless children how to ski and would help run races for the Specials Olympics.  After Sugar Loaf Kristen started working for North Med and then the Hagerty Insurance Company, where she made many more friends. 


In 2012, she gave birth to her miracle baby boy; Jackson was truly a gift from God. Kristin’s kindness and love will always be seen in Jackson’s heart; she loved him forever and always said, “I love you to the moon and back.”  Kristin said that each and every day and night to Jackson.


Kristin Loved warm, sunny weather. She loved boating, sunbathing, taking her son to the beach or taking him on hiking adventures.  She also enjoyed creating masterpieces in her kitchen, whether it was tasty sweets or delicious meals, she had a real passion for cooking with her own creative flair.


She had been teaching Jackson how to cook since he was a toddler.  Mother and son created countless masterpiece meals and treats and especially loved sending treats for his classmates at school.  Her culinary touches were personal, many from scratch, and also made up her own recipes. 


Reading stories to Jackson’s first grade during class time were some of her favorite times as was chaperoning for all of his school field trips.  She was a very active, caring and loving mother to her son.


Party planning was a passion for Kristin, and she loved to decorate for each and every holiday.  Her very favorite was Halloween, where she could decorate over the top; plan events, dress up, and take Jackson out trick-or-treating for that evening.  Kristen loved dressing up and giving out candy to trick-or-treaters even before Jackson was born.


Kristin is survived by her son, Jackson; her parents, Bob and Gloria Rothgarber; her siblings, Derek (Carrie Flaska) Rothgarber and Carly Rothgarber; her grandfather, Gerald Walters; her love, Jeff Dewey; and many loving aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.  She is also survived by her former husband, Matt Demitz; and his parents, Eleanor “Ellie” and Dwight Demitz.


Her eternal wings have taken her to be with her maternal grandmother, Pauline (Sharnowski) Walters; and her paternal grandparents, Edward Sr. & Dorthy (Garton) Rothgarber.


A memorial mass will be held on October 19 at 10 a.m. at St Francis Church with family greeting friends one hour prior.  A celebration of Kristin’s life will also be held on October 19 from 1 to 6 p.m at the VFW Cherryland Post 2780, 3400 Veterans Drive, Traverse City.


In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund for Kristin’s son, Jackson, has been set up.  You may send checks or cards directed to Jackson Demitz, 389 W Century Road, Maple City, MI 49664.


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Tallara "Tally" S. Middleton Died September 28, 2019

Tallara “Tally” S. Middleton
1941 ~ 2019

  On September 28, 2019 Tallara Sue (Davis) Middleton peacefully passed away at home in Northport surrounded by her family.  Tallara, also known as Tally, was born in 1941 to John and Clara Davis.  She was married to Alan Middleton who preceded her in death.  She is survived by her daughters, Amy, Alicia, Melissa and Brigitte; six grandchildren; brother, Jack; sister, Melanee; and extended family and friends.  In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her brother, Tom.

  Tally and Alan shared the joy of family, farmed cherries, taught school, grew gardens, sailed, watched sunsets, and created a loving home in Leelanau county.  Tally appreciated learning and loved teaching children how to read.  Family time and nurturing the growth of her children and grandchildren was most important to her.  She was passionate about nature, projects to protect the environment and living a lifestyle in harmony with her beliefs.  She was independently minded, creative, always smiling, and had an eye for the beauty around her.

  A graveside funeral service will be held on October 5, 2019 at 2 p.m. at the Leelanau Township Cemetery followed by a reception at Trinity Church UCC in Northport.  Rev. Phil Garrison will officiate.

  In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Leelanau Conservancy, https://www.leelanauconservancy.org/donate/ or the Water Shed Center Grand Traverse Bay, https://www.gtbay.org/giving-opportunities/donate-now/.

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

Raymond W. Kingsley, Died September 26, 2019

Raymond W. Kingsley

Died Sep. 26, 2019

SUTTONS BAY – Raymond Wallace Kingsley, 79, of Suttons Bay, passed away Thursday, September 26, 2019 at home surrounded by his loving family.

Ray was born Dec. 8, 1939 in Grand Rapids the son of Paul and Dorothy (Hall) Kingsley.  On Nov. 2, 1997 at Walt Disney World he married Maria J. (Murphy) Kingsley who survives.

In his younger years, Ray served his country in the U.S. Navy.  Later  in life he was an expert in Tai Chi and practiced with  other participants including mentor Alice Brydges.  He was an avid reader and after retirement he volunteered at the Suttons Bay Bingham Township Library.  Ray  was known for his sense of humor and would always brighten gatherings with his wit.

He could handle any problem with technology and computers.  Ray saw computer problems as a welcome challenge; he could fix anything.

Ray was a gourmet cook.  The family remembers his special blue cheese dressing and prime rib dinners at Christmas.  His morel mushroom omelets were made on a special pan that only Ray was allowed to touch.  He was a connoisseur of Jameson’s Irish whiskies and had an extensive wine collection.

Most importantly, Ray was a family man.  He loved his dogs, Keela and Finnigan and doted on his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Ray is survived by his  beloved wife, Maria; a daughter Jamie; three step-children, Scott (Lauren) Layman,  Mark (Susan) Layman, Kristy (Todd) Doyle; two siblings, Lani Diane (John) Ochs, Art (Jan) Kingsley; a grandson, Christopher (Sarah) Kingsley; six step grandchildren, Kyle, Blake  Noah, Elle, Connor, Kayla  and two great grandchildren, Isabelle and Ethan.  Also surviving are three special sisters-in-law, Carol (Phil) Lingman,  and Cathy and Annie Murphy.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Dorothy Kingsley, his wife, Donna Kingsley and his sister Lindsey Kay Piccard.

Private family services have been held.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Suttons Bay Bingham District Library, PO Box 340, Suttons Bay, MI 49682 and/or National Kidney Foundation of Michigan, 1169 Oak Valley Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48108.

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