obituaries

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Russel 'Russ' Wallace

Russel 'Russ' Wallace

Jun 29, 1969

TRAVERSE CITY — Russel G. "Russ" Wallace, 42, of Traverse City; born June 29, 1969, in Bay City, died Wednesday evening, June 29, 2011, from injuries sustained in an accident. Russ is survived by his loving wife, Sheri Wallace, of Traverse City; his adoring children, Geoffrey, Gregory and Alisabeth; parents, Ron and Joan Wallace, of Lake Ann; siblings, Dr. Bethany...

Narda Hughson-Adams

Narda Hughson-Adams

Jul 11, 1963

INTERLOCHEN — Narda Jane Hughson-Adams, 47, of Interlochen, formerly of Mesick, passed away at her home in Interlochen after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Narda was born at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City on July 11, 1963, to Jerry T. and Christeen (Kibby) McNitt. Narda entered into marriage with Michael Hughson in 1988; he preceded her in death....

Paul Chartier

Paul Chartier

Nov 9, 1957

TRAVERSE CITY — Paul Theodore Chartier, 53, of Traverse City, passed away Feb. 15, 2011, at Munson Medical Center, with his loving family at his side. He passed away shortly after receiving the Anointing of the Sick by Fr. Ruben Munzo and went directly to heaven to be with his Lord and Savior. Paul was born on Nov. 9, 1957,...

Vera Irene Hart

Vera Irene Hart

Mar 15, 1957

Vera I. Hart, 90, passed away on April 8, 2026. She was born July 31, 1935 to Millard and Florence (Hittle) Hart and she married Jack Upleger on March 15, 1957. She is survived by daughter Jill (Jack) Ogden; grandchildren Jalen (Tracy) Provo and Jaren Provo (Geoff Bloom). She is also survived by two brothers Larry Hart, Fred (Kathy) Hart,...

Deborah Defer

Deborah Defer

Dec 4, 1956

TRAVERSE CITY — Deborah "Deb" DeFer, 54, of Traverse City, passed away Feb. 17, 2011, at Munson Medical Center. Deb was born on Dec. 4, 1956, in Ypsilanti, to William and Marilyn (Miley) Teter. After growing up in Garden City, Deb moved with her family to the Traverse City area and has resided here since the 1970s. Deb was employed...

David Ledford

David Ledford

Jun 27, 1956

TRAVERSE CITY — David F. Ledford, 54, of Traverse City, died Thursday morning, Feb. 17, 2011, at Munson Hospice House, surrounded by his wife, daughters and dear friends. He is now at peace following a long illness with Hepatitis C.Born June 27, 1956, in Arlington, Va., he was the son of Ronald and Bonnie (McChesney) Ledford. On April 3, 1982,...

George Mantell

George Mantell

Jun 8, 1956

TRAVERSE CITY — George A. Mantell, 55, of Traverse City, passed away at Munson Hospice House.George was born June 8, 1956, to George Sr. and Madieline Mantell, in Vicksburg.George is survived by dear friend, Jim Vanderley, of Traverse City, and many other friends.George was preceded in death by his parents, George and Madieline Mantell.A memorial service for George will be...

Riley Messer

Riley Messer

Nov 30, 1954

TRAVERSE CITY — Nov. 30, 1954, launched the positive spirit of Riley Everette Messer II into this world, the son of Riley E. and Mildred (Lucas) Messer. Curiosity, intellect, energy, a passion for the outdoors and mirth were characteristics that marked every day of his too brief life.A graduate of Grosse Pointe North High School, Riley received an associate's degree...

Kathryn Barr

Kathryn Barr

Jun 13, 1953

TRAVERSE CITY — Kathryn Marie Barr, 80, of Traverse City, passed away Monday, Feb. 14, 2011, at Bortz Health Care in Traverse City.Kathryn was born on Feb. 25, 1930, to the late Leslie and Hazel (Coan) Michler in Marlette. Kathryn was a graduate of Kingston High School in 1948 and went on to nursing school in Detroit at Grace Hospital.Kathryn...

Jon Forton

Jon Forton

Mar 7, 1953

TRAVERSE CITY — Jon David "Dave" Forton, 58, of Lake Ann, passed away at Munson Medical Center, into the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He was born in Traverse City on March 7, 1953. Dave loved to work on all things mechanical and ran a small business, "Dave's Imparts".He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, and...

Calvin Maison

Calvin Maison

Sep 16, 1950

TRAVERSE CITY — Calvin F. Maison, lifelong resident of Traverse City, passed away Thursday, Feb. 9, 2012, at Bortz Health Care in Traverse City. Cal was born and raised in Traverse City to the late Frank and Julia (Forton) Maison.After serving in the U.S. Navy in World War II, Cal met and married the love of his life, Marvel R....

Howard Keesling

Howard Keesling

Apr 18, 1948

TRAVERSE CITY — Howard Lloyd Keesling, 62, of Traverse City, who traveled all over the United States working in the oil fields, passed away Saturday, Feb. 26, 2011, at his home, surrounded by his loving companion, Dawn. Born April 18, 1948, in Salem, Ore., he was the son of the late Lloyd and Pearl (Fritz) Keesling. Howard faithfully served his...

Danny Brewer

Danny Brewer

Apr 1, 1948

COPEMISH — Danny King Brewer Sr., 62, of Copemish, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday Feb. 12, 2011.Dan was born April 1, 1948, in Eastport, to the late Claude and Maxine (King) Brewer. He married the love of his life and high school sweetheart, Marilyn Widrig, on Oct. 14, 1967, in Acme. Dan honorably served our country in the United States...

Richard Melkild

Richard Melkild

Nov 27, 1947

FENWICK — Richard Martin Melkild was born in Traverse City on Nov. 27, 1947, to Martin and Elizabeth (Garthe) Melkild. He passed away Aug. 7, 2010, in Fenwick, at the age of 62.Rick was an active Boy Scout in Troop 36, sponsored by Central United Methodist Church, where he was a member. During his last two summers of high school,...

Susan Stoudt

Susan Stoudt

Dec 5, 1946

TRAVERSE CITY — A gentle, loving light passed into God's hands Friday, leaving a legacy of loving children, grandchildren, close family, and many dear friends.Susan Laurin Stoudt was born in Muskegon Dec. 5, 1946, where early on she exhibited a love of nature, beautiful surroundings, and books. The daughter of Adrian and Mary (Semelbauer) Laurin, Susan attended Muskegon Catholic Central...

Marie Evelyn

Marie Evelyn

Mar 6, 1946

TRAVERSE CITY — Marie Evelyn Zak, 65, lifelong resident of Traverse City, passed away at her home. Marie was born on March 6, 1946, in Traverse City, to the late Joseph E. and Annastasia C. (Peplinski) Flohe. In her spare time, Marie enjoyed embroidery, listening to music, playing the accordion and gardening. Above all else, she loved being with her...

Rick Steckley

Rick Steckley

Apr 10, 1945

---- — SUTTONS BAY --- Rick T. Steckley, 66, of Suttons Bay, died in his home Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2012, ending a courageous battle with cancer. Rick was born April 10, 1945, in Detroit, to Richard and Audrey (Goodman) Steckley. As a Motor City native, Rick developed a lifelong appreciation for automobiles and was a devoted fan of Detroit sports....

William 'Jake' Jacob

William 'Jake' Jacob

Nov 8, 1941

TRAVERSE CITY — William R. "Jake" Jacob Sr., 69, of Traverse City, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2011, at Munson Medical Center, surrounded by his loving family. Jake was born Nov. 8, 1941, in Saginaw, to the late Royal Benjamin and Eleanor Mildred (Randall) Jacob. He married the love of his life, Barbara Jean Seidel, also from Saginaw,...

Anthony Alessio

Anthony Alessio

Oct 9, 1940

INTERLOCHEN — Anthony J. Alessio, born Oct. 9, 1940, passed away on Oct. 20, 2011, at home with his loving wife of 37 years, Lin, by his side."Son Jo," as he was known as a child, grew up in Belle Vernon, Pa., and Detroit. He retired from Detroit Diesel, moved to Interlochen on Green Lake, where he and Lin built...

Margaret Brookshire

Margaret Brookshire

Apr 17, 1940

TRAVERSE CITY — Margaret "Diane" Brookshire, 70, of Traverse City, formerly of Dalton, Ga., died Sunday morning, Feb. 27, 2011, at Munson Medical Center. Born April 17, 1940, in Detroit, she was the daughter of Lee C. and Genevieve (Panek) Solem. Diane will be fondly remembered as a staunch animal advocate who was a longtime member of the ASPCA and...

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