Wallace McKim

July 17, 2011

TRAVERSE CITY — Wallace "Wally" McKim, 86, of Traverse City, passed away at home on July 17, 2011.Wally was born Nov. 26, 1924, in Lansing, to the late Kenneth and Florence (Boyce) McKim.After meeting in the 8th grade in high school in Redford, Wally married the love of his life, the former Barbara Vandusen. Together they shared 65 wonderful years of marriage.Wally served his country honorably in World War II as a member of the United States Marines. He then joined the Detroit Police Department, where he worked in the communications department. After retiring from the force, he went to work at Indiana University, and then back to the Detroit Police Dept., working as a consultant. He later worked for Consumers Power.Wally was a very creative man and some of his work with airplanes is on display at the Traverse City airport. He was very meticulous and his craftsmanship was impeccable. In addition to crafting, Wally enjoyed working on his autobiography. He also loved to play golf and spend time with his family. They will always remember his drive and zest for life. He was a fighter even to the very end.Wally is survived by his wife, Barbara; son, Michael McKim; daughter, Donna (Gary) Crellin; grandchildren, Carrie (Christopher) Hahn, Scott (Aisha) Crellin, John McKim, Lisa (Shawn) Carr, Jennifer (Jim) Troeger and Todd McKim; and 10 great-grandchildren.Wally was preceded in death by his parents; son, Kenneth McKim; and his brother, Robert McKim.The family is planning a memorial service to celebrate Wally's life.Memorial contributions in his honor may be directed to the American Cancer Society.Please visit www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com to share your thoughts and memories with his family.The family is being served by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.