obituaries

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Elvira Strom

Elvira Strom

Jun 8, 2010

TRAVERSE CITY — Elvira "Vera" Angie Strom, 79, passed away Tuesday, June 8, 2010, at Munson Medical Center with family by her side.Vera was born on March 12, 1931, in Trenton, N.J., to Anthony Carlo and Mary Grace (Inverso) Pesca. She was very proud of her Italian heritage. On May 21, 1975, Vera married Ole N. Strom in Hamilton, N.J....

Ernest C. Mendenhall

Ernest C. Mendenhall

Jun 8, 2010

TRAVERSE CITY — Ernest C. Mendenhall Sr., 84, passed away on Tuesday, June 8, 2010, at Grand Traverse Pavilions, Birch Wing, after suffering for years with Alzheimer's disease.Ernie's loving and devoted wife, Beryl (Wages) Mendenhall, whom he married on June 7, 1952, in Detroit, survives; as well as sons, Ernest (Barbara) Mendenhall Jr. and Jeffery Mendenhall; and daughter, Karen (Mark)...

Dwight Kennard

Dwight Kennard

Dec 10, 2009

TRAVERSE CITY — Clint Kennard, 96, of Traverse City, passed away Dec. 10, 2009, at his winter residence in Deland, Fla. Mr. Kennard had a distinguished career as an aeronautical engineer from M.I.T. working on unmanned space flight projects with NASA, concluding his career as an administrator at Northwestern Michigan College. In retirement, he and his late wife, Martha were...

Kyle Akers

Kyle Akers

Jun 2, 2004

TRAVERSE CITY — Kyle John Akers, age 7, of Traverse City, passed away early in the morning on Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2012, with his loving parents at his side. Kyle was born on June 2, 2004, in Vernal, Utah, to Phil and Jana (Knudsvig) Akers. Kyle grew up in Dinosaur and Grand Junction, Colo. The family moved to Traverse City...

Gertrude Anderson

Gertrude Anderson

May 16, 2003

TRAVERSE CITY — Gertrude "Trudy" M. Anderson, 93, of Traverse City, passed away Feb. 19, 2011, at her home in Hope Village.Trudy was born on Feb. 17, 1918, to the late Rudolph and Anna (Broetzmann) Manthei on their family farm in Cecil, Wis., the 10th of 12 children. She graduated as valedictorian of Shawano High School and went on to...

Joshua Balesh

Joshua Balesh

Mar 17, 1993

CEDAR — Our most precious Joshua James Balesh, 18, was born on March 17, 1993, to James Jr. and Robin (Tyler) Balesh, and was unfortunately taken from his family and friends on Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2012. Josh left us here on earth and is now at eternal rest with God in Heaven. Josh was a 2011 graduate from Traverse City...

Stefan Schofield

Stefan Schofield

Aug 21, 1992

TRAVERSE CITY — Stefan Thomas Schofield, 19, of Traverse City, became an angel in heaven on Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2012. Born Aug. 21,1992, in Traverse City, he was the loving son of Thomas Ray and Ann Elizabeth (Tortellet) Schofield.He graduated from St. Francis High School with the class of 2011. While in school he participated in track, golf, cross country...

Joseph Sloan

Joseph Sloan

Oct 23, 1985

TRAVERSE CITY — Joseph Lindsay Sloan II, 25, of Traverse City, died Sunday morning, Feb. 20, 2011, at his home. Born Oct. 23, 1985, in Traverse City, he was the son of Joseph Lindsay and Jeanne Lee (Stump) Sloan. Joe graduated from St. Francis High School with the class of 2004. He furthered his education by attending and later graduating...

Justin Swabon

Justin Swabon

Nov 29, 1981

TRAVERSE CITY — Justin Robert Swabon, age 29, of Traverse City, passed away suddenly on Saturday, Feb. 5, 2011. Justin was born Nov. 29, 1981, in Chicago, Ill., to his parents, Lynn McGregor and Robert Swabon. He was later joined by his dear brother, Darren. Justin's genuine and radiant smile reflected his passion for life. He grew up on the...

Dorothy Bodnar

Dorothy Bodnar

Sep 28, 1977

TRAVERSE CITY — Dorothy (Dode) Dyke Bodnar spent her early life in Traverse City, attending St. Francis school through 10th grade, graduating from Traverse City Central High School with the class of 1937. Born in Saginaw, she was the daughter of Leo P. and Catherine "Pat" Kalahar, who preceded her in death. She married Robert J. Dyke on Feb. 9,...

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...

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