Everett Jerome Lautner

Everett Jerome Lautner, 81, of Maple City, MI, passed away peacefully on August 18th, and Polka danced through heaven's gate. He was surrounded by his loving wife and family at Munson Medical Center when he was called home. Everett was born November 3, 1940, at James Decker Munson Hospital to Harland and Lucille (Peplinski) Lautner. Everett married his sweetheart, Janice, on February 15, 1992. He lived most of his life in Maple City, MI. Everett's professional work career included time at Grand Traverse/Cadillac Overall and Traverse City Ironworks. While at Ironworks he realized the importance of Pallets, he would come home from a full day's work and hand build a few pallets each night then turn around and sell them the next day. When the plant closed and forced him to find new employment, he started his own business, Maple Valley Pallet Company, which was very successful in Northern Michigan for 30 years. The business was located on his family farm, where he also spent time farming, raising pigs and pets. His strong work ethic continued after business ownership at Leelanau Redi-Mix, where he drove his previously owned Kenworth Semi Truck "Giddy – Up Go”, until retiring in 2019. Polka music played a huge role in Everett's life. He also enjoyed country music and his CD and home video collections. His happy place was in the driver's seat of his and Jan's Bluebird Motorcoach. They traveled to Festivals throughout many states and could often be seen dancing a Polka or Waltz. Everett took pride manicuring his yard and decorating it with lights during the Christmas Season. He was a fan of the John Deere brand and enjoyed playing cards, especially Euchre. Many weekends were spent at a second home in the Upper Peninsula. He enjoyed the occasional stop at a casino, going for car rides, and eating out at his favorite restaurants. Everett was one of the founding members of the St. Rita/St. Joseph Men's Club hosting and promoting polka dances with bands from all over the country at the parish hall for many years. At one point he solicited donation's and volunteer's for a large addition at the Hall. He also participated in many events with Knights of Columbus. Everett is survived by his wife, of 30 years, Jan, his children, Robert (Lisa) Lautner, Kenneth (Mary) Lautner, and Sandra (Jim) Anderson. Stepchildren, George (Dawn) Rosinski, Tammy (Rus) Corwin, Glenn (Stephanie) Rosinski, and Greg (Therese) Rosinski, 16 Grandchildren, 21 Great-Grandchildren, with 3 more on the way including a first set of twins. Each and every Grandchild and Great Grandchild held a very special place in his heart. He's also survived by three sisters , Laura Brzezinski, Geraldine (David) Romzek, Diana Craddock, and a brother Eugene (Carolyn) Lautner, Maxine Lautner, the mother of Robert, Kenneth and Sandra; along with many in-laws, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends everywhere. He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant son & daughter, a granddaughter, 3 brother in laws - Lawrence Mikowski, Andrew Brzezinski, and Charles Craddock. He also enjoyed his time with the Amalfitano Family and his his caring neighbors, the Ankersons. Our Family sends a heartfelt thank you to all of Everett's caretakers, we've gained a deep appreciation for all of you, including Munson Hospital staff and his kidney doctors there, the staff at Grand Traverse Pavilions, French Manor South, Great Lakes Home Healthcare, Dr. Corpus and his staff at Grand Traverse Heart, and Dr. Priest and the staff at Crystal Lake Clinic. We are grateful for your giving hearts. Visitation will be held at St. Philip Neri Catholic Church in Empire on Monday, Aug 22nd from 4 PM to 8 PM, with a Rosary led by Deacon Rene at 7 PM. A Mass of Christian burial officiated by Fr. Ken Stachnik will be held at St. Philip Neri Catholic Church on Tuesday , August 23rd at 11 AM. The family will greet friends one hour prior to mass. Memorial contribution can be made to The Cedar Area Fire & Rescue Department, where Everett was a former Volunteer. Mass Intentions will also be available at the Church. Arrangements provided by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. •

Everett Jerome Lautner

November 3, 1940 - August 18, 2022