OBITUARIES

OBITUARIES


Samuel Creswell

Samuel Creswell

Jun 8, 2026

Samuel Louis Creswell II, 82, of Charlevoix, Michigan, passed away peacefully on June 8, 2026. Born on December 1, 1943, in Painesville, Ohio, Sam was the son of Samuel Louis and Garnet (Hall) Creswell.

Sam proudly served in the United States Air Force and carried the values of duty, integrity, and patriotism throughout his life. He shared 59 wonderful years of...

Kenneth C. Christiansen

Kenneth C. Christiansen

Jun 6, 2026

Kenneth C. Christiansen, 103, of Eastport, passed away on June 6, 2026. He was born on December 19, 1922, in Stanton, the son of Albert and Marie (Hansen) Christiansen.

Ken served in the US Army and protected his country from 1943-1945.

After returning from the war, he would go on to fall in love with and marry Myrtle, in 1946. They shared...

Kathleen L Williams

Kathleen L Williams

Jun 3, 2026

Kathleen (Kathy) Louise Williams of Central Lake passed away peacefully on June 3rd, 2026 at Canterbury on the Lake in Waterford Mi at the age of 80. She was born September 16, 1945 in Detroit, the daughter of Reginald and Sarietta Bird. She graduated from Clarkston High School and went on to study education at Michigan State. At MSU, she...

David Ritsema

David Ritsema

May 29, 2026

David Keith Ritsema, 78, of Ellsworth, Michigan, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Friday, May 29, 2026. He was born in Holland, MI on November 1, 1947, the son of John and Alice (Van Dyke) Ritsema.

When David was just a toddler, his family moved to Ellsworth in 1949. David attended Ebenezer Christian School and graduated from Ellsworth High School....

David Burzyck

David Burzyck

May 27, 2026

David Daniel Burzyck, 81, of Charlevoix, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at his home surrounded by loved ones.  He was born on May 18, 1945, in Saginaw, MI, the son of Daniel and Iris (Livingston) Burzyck.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Ann (Maner) Burzyck, and his son, Thomas (Lisa) Burzyck.

David's family has chosen to celebrate his...

Kim Potocki

Kim Potocki

May 27, 2026

Kim Potocki, born June 13, 1956, in Dearborn, MI, passed away May 27, 2026, at Munson Hospice House in Traverse City, MI. She was a true blessing to many and a great friend who drew people in with her kindness. Kim loved people and helping them, leaving a lasting impact on all who knew her.

Kim graduated from Thurston High School...

Patricia Jane Weesner

Patricia Jane Weesner

May 26, 2026

Patricia J. Weesner,  93, of Mancelona, passed away on May 26, 2026.

   Pat was born on February 9, 1933, in Alba, the daughter of Carl and Mildred (Wolcott) Birdsall.

   She cooked at the Mancelona Senior Center for 20 years and enjoyed reading, wood puzzles and embroidery.  

   Spending time with her family was the most important part of her life.

Surviving...

Andrew W Maier

Andrew W Maier

May 25, 2026

With heavy hearts, we announce the unexpected passing of Andrew William “Andy” Maier, 62, on May 25, 2026, while visiting Utah. He was a beloved father, brother, son, and friend whose presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Born on January 17, 1964, in Bay City, Michigan, Andy grew up along the shores of Lake Huron and Lake...

Rachel Bishop

Rachel Bishop

May 24, 2026

Rachel Cornelia Bishop (nee Pickler), of Berkley, Michigan, passed away on May 24, 2026, in Bellaire, Michigan, at the age of 96.

Born on December 23, 1929, in Huntingdon, Tennessee, Rachel came into the world at home and was famously a ten-pound baby who soon won a beautiful baby contest. In the 1940s, she moved with her family to Detroit, Michigan,...

Louann M Rife

Louann M Rife

May 24, 2026

Lou Ann Mary Rife, 88, of Traverse City and formerly of Central Lake, passed away on May 24, 2026. She was born on September 24, 1937, in Flint, the daughter of Julius and Edith (Ward) Prouse.

Burial will take place at Southern Cemetery in Central Lake.

Arrangements are in the care of the Central Lake Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.

Please sign her...

John Bowden

John Bowden

May 23, 2026

John Charles Bowden passed away peacefully on May 23, 2026.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Patricia Bowden; their sons Mark Schledorn and Dale Hill, and grandson Ryan Cary; John’s big brother, James Bowden; and many dearly regarded friends and family.

He is survived by his daughter, Trudy Cary and forever-though-technically-former-son-in-law Tim Cary; sons Don (Jenny) Hill and Dave...

Robert "Bob" Chaika

Robert "Bob" Chaika

May 22, 2026

Robert William Chaika, 78, of Charlevoix, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 22, 2026, at his home surrounded by family. He was born on November 29, 1947, in Erie, PA, the son of Alexander and Florence (Blaksley) Chaika.

Bob graduated from high school in Erie, PA, and enlisted in the United States Coast Guard shortly after at the age of 17....

Maxwell Lawrence Ostrum

Maxwell Lawrence Ostrum

May 21, 2026

Maxwell Lawrence Ostrum, 22, of Charlevoix, Michigan went to the arms of our Lord on Thursday May 21st in his home. Max was the consummate son, brother, friend, helping hand and teammate and he will be deeply missed by so many people that he graced his presence with.

Max was born in Charlevoix, Michigan on October 11th, 2003, to Melissa and...

Robert "Bobby" R Patton

Robert "Bobby" R Patton

May 20, 2026

Robert R. “Bobby” Patton, lifelong resident of Bellaire passed away, Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at home. Born on July 29, 1960, to Robert and Joyce (Hill), he was a dedicated son, brother, uncle, and friend to all.

Bobby was known by most as a farmer. It was his way of life. He grew up farming, worked at Lamina Bronze for 20...

Nancy G Raby

Nancy G Raby

May 15, 2026

Nancy Gene Raby (September 14, 1941 - May 15, 2026)

Well, 86 Granny. The OG Crazy Cat Lady crossed the Rainbow Bridge on May 15. For all her 84 years, she was the cat’s pajamas. She found her purr-pose in teaching, her family, and her fur babies. She was litter-ally the best. Purr-fectly paw-some. Her paws-itive outlook left us feline fine....

William “Bill” Eaton III

William “Bill” Eaton III

May 15, 2026

William Edward “Bill” Eaton III went to be with the Lord on May 15th, 2026. He was born July, 5th, 1947 in Petoskey, Michigan. Bill was the first of four sons born to William Edward Jr and Winifred Eaton (Ulrich).

Bill attended St. Francis Xavier School in Petoskey through the 8th grade and then went on to Petoskey High School where...

Lyle N. McFarren

Lyle N. McFarren

May 14, 2026

Lyle N. McFarren, 97, of Mancelona, passed away on May 14, 2026.

He was born on June 8, 1928, in Traverse City, the son of John and Florence (Hubbel) McFarren.

For many years he delivered milk, then went on to sell Aflac Insurance until his retirement. He was a longtime member of St. Anthony Catholic Church in Mancelona, and was known for...

Delwin Morris

Delwin Morris

May 11, 2026

Delwin L. Morris, 94, passed away peacefully at his home on May 11, 2026.

He was born February 20, 1932 in Elmira, Michigan to Artie and Rena Morris.

Delwin is survived by his wife of 66 years, Gloria (Richards) and his children Kim (Paul) Steffen of Port Washington, WI, Randy (Michelle) Morris of East Jordan, Dave Morris of East Jordan, and Tracy...

Stephanie Lynn Hudson

Stephanie Lynn Hudson

May 7, 2026

Stephanie HudsonApril 1, 1953 – May 7, 2026Stephanie Hudson, age 73, passed away on May 7, 2026. Born on April 1, 1953, Stephanie was a devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother, and cherished family member whose kindness and love touched those around her.She was the beloved wife of James R. Hudson Jr. and proud mother of Ryan (Meghan) Hudson of Dexter,...

Bernadette Peterson

Bernadette Peterson

May 6, 2026

Bernadette (Smigelski) Peterson passed peacefully from this life on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, beginning her eternal rest.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John Peterson; her parents, Phillip and Esther Smigelski; and her brother, Philip Smigelski.

She is survived by her sons, Philip Peterson Sr. and Michael (Amy) Glass; her grandchildren, Kathryn (Ethan) Linebarger, Philip Peterson Jr., Michaela (Shaun) LeJeune,...

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