Roberta M Koutnik

Roberta Koutnik, 97, of Bellaire, MI, passed away peacefully at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City, with her loving son and daughter-in-law by her side on September 9, 2026. She was born April 4, 1929 in Bellaire, the daughter of Leander and Mabel (Scott) Patton.

On Aug 28, 1950 she married the love of her life, Arthur Koutnik. Together, they made their home in Bellaire where they became an integral part of the community in so many ways, touching so many lives. Roberta served the community as Kearney Township Clerk and Art was VP at Lamina prior to his death. Just about any long time resident of Bellaire has an 'Art or Bert' story to tell.

Above all else, the importance of family was engraved in their son, Robert, his wife, Geri, and grandchildren, Sara and Kathryn. In the words of Sara and Katie: "Some of the greatest lessons we've learned in life came from my grandparents. Grandpa told us anything we ever wanted to learn could be found in a book, a message we've taken to heart and work every day to pass on to our own children, and Katie to her students. Grandma taught us that it's important to nurture creativity and when one thing doesn't work out as planned, it's okay to go with it anyway. She loved to sew and craft. Both encouraged hard work, the importance of education and that family comes above all else. That family-first focus was evident in everything they did; every weekend sleepover, every tea party, every morning game of eye spy, every living room dance party, and especially in every book read aloud. We treasure the memories of sitting on the back patio with Grandma on summer mornings, sewing and making crafts, motorcycle rides around the yard with Grandpa, all Florida trips, boat rides, walks to the dairy twist, and working in the garden. We're so proud and grateful they were our grandparents and we will miss them."

Surviving Roberta is her son, Robert (Geri) Koutnik of Grayling, granddaughters Sara Biery of Grosse Pointe Park, MI, and Kathryn (Alex) Farly of Evans, Georgia. Six great grandchildren in Logan, Madeline and Carter Biery as well as Henry, Joseph and Vivienne Farly. She was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Arthur, great-grandson Hugh Biery and great-granddaughter Elaina Farly as well as 12 Patton siblings.

Roberta was a dedicated member of the Wesleyan Church in Bellaire and to honor her, memorial contributions can be made to the church at P.O. Box 250, Bellaire, MI, 49615. 

Please join us in a celebration of Roberta and Arthur's lives to share memories and stories on Saturday, September 19th from 2-4 pm at the Bellaire Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes, 106 South Bridge St., Bellaire, MI.

Arrangements are in the care of the Bellaire Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Please sign her online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com