Paul M. Deering, 97, of Traverse City passed away at home on Sunday, October 22, 2023.

Paul was born on November 10, 1925, to Thomas and Agnes (Mahoney) Deering in Empire, Michigan, the youngest of five children. His mother's desire for her children to receive a Catholic education and for more opportunities for the family and the prospect for growing the family business brought them to Traverse City, where their store, Deering's Market, still stands today.

Paul was a proud graduate of Traverse City St. Francis. He played basketball for St. Francis, ran errands for his favorite teachers, and made friends that he kept throughout his life. He looked forward to organizing and participating in many class reunions.

Paul often recounted how lucky he was to have had a car early on and the coveted job of working at a local movie theater.

Paul was part of the Greatest Generation and served in the Army as a cartographer. He remained in the Army Reserves and was reactivated during the Korean conflict though he was never sent overseas.

Upon his father's death, he was able to purchase the store from the estate, and that remained his employment focus until his own retirement . Paul was happy that his son Gerald would carry on the family market. During his ownership, Paul made changes to both the physical property and the contents and services. With the help of his longstanding friend and contractor, Dennis Mayo, the building was expanded, a modern smoking facility was added, deer processing was streamlined, and more household inventory was added. Over the years the store stood as a hub for the neighborhood, often supplying neighborhood kids with their first job. Whether it was his proud Irish heritage, his shop keeper upbringing, or having to vie for attention as the youngest of five, Paul had "the gift of gab." Some people showed up at the store just for neighborhood news or the latest "story," i.e. joke. Of course, few left without being enticed by a hand cut steak, fresh ground burger, homemade hotdogs, or a piece of jerky.

On June 26, 1975, Paul established his sobriety and maintained it until his passing. Along the way he demonstrated encouragement, empathy and understanding for those struggling to find and maintain that same path. He was honored with a Humanitarian Award from the TC Housing Commission for his cooperation in renting to those coming out of treatment and/or jail.

Paul had many outside interests and activities. He was a numismatist, loved watching sports with friends, especially St. Francis and Notre Dame games, played cards, loved to dance, and belonged to the FOE and Elks Clubs.

He enjoyed travel, especially with his significant other, Marlene Butler. They went on many cruises and best of all finally to "the old sod" – his lifelong goal of seeing Ireland!

Other than family and friends, his greatest pride and pleasure was spending as much time as possible on family property at Glen Lake. It was a sanctuary in the truest sense. A lifelong goal was met when a real cottage was constructed, making it much more enticing and comfortable for extended stays.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Agnes Deering, and his siblings Mary Heilman, James (Barney) Deering, Thomas Deering, and Kathleen (Kitty) Stevens.

He is survived by his longtime companion, Marlene Butler, and his children Michael P. (Rose Mary) Deering, Agnes K. Ochs, Patrick J. (Peggy) Deering, Gerald M. (Deborah) Deering, and Mary Ann (Kenneth) Stein, all of Traverse city. Also surviving are nine grandchildren, Michael (Sommer) Deering, Sean (Kristen) Deering, Ryan (Crystal) Stein, Amy (john) Hansen, Paul (Janna) Deering, Jacob (Whitney) Deering, James (Carrie) Deering, Thomas Deering, and Meghann Deering, and 14 great grandchildren. Others surviving are his goddaughter Christine Mikowski and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Monday, October 30, 2023 from 4-7 pm at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11 am on Tuesday, October 31, 2023 at St. Francis Catholic Church with visitation beginning at 10 am. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Father Fred Foundation or the Women's Resource Center. Burial will take place with Military Honors at Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens. Kindly share thoughts and memories with his family at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .