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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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...
Benjamin Myers
Jan 22, 1940
— INTERLOCHEN — Benjamin Fletcher Myers Jr., 71, of Interlochen and formerly of Shelby Township and Cedar Falls, Iowa, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2011, at St. Mary's Hospital in Grand Rapids. Ben was born Jan. 22, 1940, in Toledo, Ohio, the son of Benjamin F. and Mary Irene (Harshman) Myers Sr. Following his high school education, Ben earned his...
Kay Tezak
Apr 25, 1937
TRAVERSE CITY — Kay Ann Tezak, 73, went to be with the Lord Friday, Feb. 25, 2011, surrounded by her loving family. Kay was born in Frankfort on April 25, 1937, to the late Kenneth (Peg) and Evelyn Robinson. Kay's great love was spending time with her grandchildren and attending their many sporting events, concerts and other activities. She was...
Ardith Eisele
Apr 14, 1937
TRAVERSE CITY — Ardith Marie Eisele, 74, passed away peacefully early Wednesday morning surrounded by the love of her family. Ardith was born April 14, 1937, in Three Rivers, to Dale and Victoria (Sales) Norton.She graduated from Three Rivers High School and went on to earn a Registered Nurse Degree at the W.A. Foote Memorial Hospital Nursing School in Jackson....
William Warren
Dec 18, 1936
- — TRAVERSE CITY - William David Warren, 73, of Traverse City, formerly of Grand Blanc, passed away following a 15-year struggle with Parkinson's Disease. Bill was born on Dec. 18, 1936, in Texarkana, Ark. He graduated from Ashdown High School in Ashdown, Ark. In 1955 he joined the United States Navy and served as a submariner for four-and-a-half years....
