Fred J. Couturier

Frederick "Fred" James Couturier, 79 of Traverse City, passed away Tuesday, September 8, 2015 at Munson Medical Center surrounded by his loving family.

Fred was born on September 3, 1936 in Lake Leelanau to the late Roy and Mazil (McNeeley) Couturier. He honorably served our Country in the United States Army. Fred married Lucy Mericle on February 21, 1976.

Fred retired from Cone Drive after 31 years of dedicated service. In his spare time he enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing cards, and camping, and relished the many road trips he and his wife took, especially the 6-week trek to Alaska. He was very proud of his orchard, and loved to share the cherries and apples with his many friends. He was a great fan of the Tigers, Lions, and Beach Bums. Most importantly Fred was a family man. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. His quiet strength along with his generosity will be missed by all who knew him.

Surviving Fred is his wife Lucy of 39 wonderful years; children James "Skip" (Mary) Couturier, Diane McArthur, Mike (Holly) Couturier, Nan (Larry) Lewis, Mark (Virginia) Reitman, Devon (Priscilla) Newman; grandchildren Justin and Ryan Couturier, Holly (Chay) Gray, Ian McArthur, Candice (Cheney) Schopieray, Niki Begley, Gabe Couturier, Amanda (Daniel) Doezema, Ashley (Greg) Roper, Alissa (Dan) Hess, Alexa Everett, Zach, and Kaiya Newman; great grandchildren Nadia, Sophia, Lane, Sylvanus, Emby, Elizabeth, Scarlett, Ruby; siblings Helen (Harold) O'Brien, Jean Couturier, and Betty (Ed) Mucha, and many other loving family members and friends.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents, sister Rosalind (Louis) O'Brien, brothers Lee (Emma) Couturier, Richard Couturier, son Kent Couturier and grandson Tony Lewis.

The family wishes to thank Munson Medical Center for the care Fred received there over the years. Special thanks to Heart Failure Clinic personnel Dr. Dino Recchia and Nancy, Sheila and Rhonda, who would call us if we didn't call them. And thanks, of course, to cardiologist Dr. Kevin Clayton. Also, thanks to nephrologist Dr. Jessica Slocum and the peritoneal dialysis experts Wendy, Laura and Jana who were available day and night--literally--to help us when we needed. We also appreciate the many other doctors, nurses and aides who provided not only expertise during Fred's numerous hospital stays, but kindness and compassion and comfort as well. Last but not least: thanks to Dr. Ray Bohrer and to Gail for all these years.

Visitation will be 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm on Saturday, September 12, 2015 at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home with a rosary prayed at 7:30. Funeral services will be at 3pm on Sunday, September 13, also at the Funeral Home with a visitation one hour prior. Memorial contributions may be directed to American Legion Baseball Post 35, 1231 Hastings St, Traverse City, MI 49686 . Kindly share thoughts and memories of Fred at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com . The family is being served by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.