Vera Margery Steffler

Duck Lake - Vera Margery Steffler, 87, of Duck Lake passed away January 25, 2015 at Munson Hospice House with her family by her side.

Vera was born on August 9, 1927 in Flint to the late Harold and Margery (Raper) Thomas.

On September 4, 1948, Vera married William "Bill" R. Steffler in Flint. Together they raised four children. In 1980, Bill and Vera moved to their home at Duck Lake from Flushing after Bill retired.

Vera and Bill were devoted members of St. Patrick Catholic Church. Vera was instrumental in preserving the Traverse City History Center. In her spare time she enjoyed quilting, weaving baskets and playing cards. She also liked to bowl and had been an active bowler for 50 + years up until she was 86. Vera loved the water and liked to boat, canoe, kayak and swim. She also enjoyed spending time with her neighbors and card playing friends, including her "adopted" daughters Jan, Mya, and Debbie. Above all else, Vera cherished the time she spent with her family. She was an outstanding wife and mother.

Vera was preceded in death by her parents and daughter Mary Lou.

Vera is survived by her husband of 66 years Bill, son Thomas (Kathy) Steffler of South Haven, daughter, Nancy (Dennis) Bekken of Grand Rapids, son Michael Steffler of Grand Rapids; grandchildren, Jennifer Steffler, Elizabeth (Justin) Valley, Greg (Mallory) Bekken, Matt (Kaitlin) Bekken, Olivia Steffler and Nathan Steffler; sister Muriel Jacques of Traverse City and brother Richard Thomas of Grawn.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Patrick Catholic Church on Saturday, January 31, 2015 at 11 am with visitation beginning one hour prior. Visitation for family and friends will also be held on Friday, January 30, 2015 from 5 to 7 pm at the Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home.

Family graveside services will take place at a later date at Monroe Center Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in memory of Vera may be directed to St. Patrick Catholic Church or to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinsons Research.