Cletus Plamondon
TRAVERSE CITY – Cletus S. Plamondon passed away peacefully with family present on September 8, 2016, at Orchard Creek Supportive Care of Traverse City. He was preceded in death by his wife, Eva, of 60 years.
Cletus was born at home in Lake Leelanau on January 21, 1924. He was the second of 9 children born to Ovilla and Mamie Plamondon. Following graduation in 1942 from St. Mary's of Lake Leelanau, where Cletus was valedictorian, he entered St. Joseph's Seminary in Detroit. After three years of dedication and serious reflection, he left the seminary before ordination. Shortly thereafter Cletus was drafted into the Army and served in Korea briefly. He then entered Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, MI, earning his BA in History. Returning to Lake Leelanau, Cletus ran the family's general store. In 1953 Cletus married Eva Skeba of Lake Leelanau, and the following year they began raising their family of five children. Together Cletus and Eva opened Plamondon Shoes of Traverse City, which continues to operate to this day.
After retirement in 1986 Cletus continued an active lifestyle. He and Eva travelled and established a winter home in Palm Springs, CA. His giving and unselfish nature found expression in serving others. Whenever he saw someone in need he stepped in, and never turned down a request for help. His service included working with Habitat for Humanity, the Father Fred Foundation, and reading to the inmates at a correctional institute. Cletus was also a finish carpenter on restoring the Schooner Madeline, and volunteered at St. Francis School with repair projects. His toolbox accompanied him wherever he went.
When time allowed, he enjoyed singing in the St. Francis choir, playing bridge, gardening, woodworking and fishing.
Cletus's thirst for knowledge continued throughout his lifetime. He was an avid reader and his World Book encyclopedias become a favorite resource to answer any question, and he considered them essential if he ever became stranded on a desert island. His children and grandchildren also benefited from this habit when he advised them to use that resource and the dictionary to instill their own quest for knowledge.
The family wishes to extend a heartfelt appreciation to the staff of Orchard Creek for their tender care and devotion these past two years.
Cletus is survived by his children; Guy (Anneke Wegman); Michelle Sleder (Gene); Gary; Jan Kostrisak (John), Dedham, MA., and Roger PhD. (Steve Singleton), Birmingham, AL. Grandchildren; Adrian, Jamie, Justin, Francis, Aimee, Ian, Ella, Nicholas and numerous endeared nieces and nephews.Cletus is also survived by brother Thomas Plamondon, sisters; Jeanne Curran, Marilyn Schmuckal, and Helen Raymond. He was preceded in death by brother James.
Visitation for Cletus will take place on Thursday, September 15, 2016 at St. Francis Catholic Church from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Visitation will also take place from 10:00 am to 11:00 am on Friday, September 16, at St. Francis Catholic Church, with funeral services beginning at 11:00 am with Reverend Kenneth Stachnik officiating. A luncheon will be held at the church following the service. A graveside service will take place following the luncheon at Oakwood Cemetery at 2:00 pm on Friday.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to St. Francis Catholic Church, 1025 S. Union Street, Traverse City, MI 49684, and The Father Fred Foundation, 826 Hastings St, Traverse City, MI 49686.
The family is being served by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services. Please visit the Reynolds-Jonkhoff website www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com to share your thoughts and memories with the family.