Brian Blaise Buckel

Brian Blaise Buckel, 88, of Traverse City passed away on Thursday, May 25, 2017. Brian was born on March 2, 1929 in Cadillac, Michigan to the late Henry and Vera (Seeley) Buckel. He married the love of his life Zenita Groleau on June 20, 1949 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Elk Rapids. Brian was employed by Cone Drive Gear and retired after 33 years of service. He was very involved in the Cone Gear Retirees, UAW Local 21, and the GT Area Retirees. He was a member of St. Francis Catholic Church. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, working in his garden, watching the birds in his yard and spending time on Long Lake with his family and friends. Brian's family was his greatest joy. He loved going to his grandchildren's sporting events and giving them rides on his "Pug" golf cart. He is truly missed by those who love him.

Surviving are his loving wife of 67 years, Zenita; two daughters and two sons; Karen (Fred) Hart, Diane (Bob Lewis) Keyton, Gregory (Janet) Buckel and David (Dawn) Buckel; eight grandchildren; Aaron Fasel, Jimmy (Danielle) Keyton, III, Corey Keyton, Darren (Tessa) Keyton, Emily (fiancé Eric Videan) Buckel, Lauren Buckel, Kari Buckel, and Benjamin Buckel. Also surviving are aunt, Ardis Seeley, brother-in-law, Bill DeBruyn, as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Brian was preceded in death by a brother, Alvin Buckel and a sister, Arlene DeBruyn.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 12:00 noon, with visitation beginning at 10:30 a.m., on Monday, June 5, 2017 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 1025 S. Union St., Traverse City, Michigan, 49684. Rev. Fr. Kenneth Stachnik will officiate. Brian's final resting place will be Evergreen Cemetery, Kalkaska, Michigan.

Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a memorial donation to Grand Traverse Area Catholic Schools or St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church – Building Fund.

Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories with Brian's family at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .

The family is being cared for by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.