Rita M. Darga
9/22/2002
A memorial Mass will be celebrated at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Traverse City on Saturday at 10 a.m. for Rita M. Darga of Cedar, who died Sept. 22 at home. She was 74.
Born May 28, 1928, in Cedar, she was the daughter of Bonislas "Barney" and Frances (Sharnowski) Rice. Her husband of 56 years, Edmond Darga, survives.
She was a graduate of Holy Rosary High School in Cedar . She was employed for many years in the restaurant business and as office manager for her family-owned plumbing and heating business.
Also surviving are her children, Nancy Winfrey of Cedar, David (Sharon) Darga of Cedar, Daniel (Mary) Darga of Farwell and Benedict Darga of Grayling; two brothers; three sisters; 14 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren.
Mrs. Darga was preceded in death by her infant son, Roger Dale Darga; granddaughter, Amanda Darga; and brother Johnny.
Cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the American Cancer Society or Munson Hospice.
James J. Rufli
9/24/2002
A memorial service was held Friday at the chapel at Villa Marquette in Omena for James Jennings Rufli who died Sept. 24 at Munson Medical Center. He was 69.
Mr. Rufli was born in Northport on May 22, 1933, the son of Royal H. and Mary (Mooney) Rufli. On Oct. 5, 1957, in Trenton, Mich., he married the former Barbara A. Walldorf, who survives.
He served in the Coast Guard. In 1990 he retired as a foreman with the Michigan Bell Telephone Company. He then worked as a caretaker at Villa Marquette. He enjoyed fishing and woodworking.
Also surviving are his daughters, Susan (David) Skiba of Carlton, and Linda Rufli of Suttons Bay; sisters Clarabell Banonis, Margaret LaPonsey and Josephine Cato; brothers Royal Rufli and Ted Rufli; and three grandchildren.
Memorial may be directed to the Leelanau County chapter of the American Cancer Society, or to the University of Michigan Hospital in care of cancer research.
George P. Allendorph
7/15/2002
Longtime Lake Leelanau summer resident George P. Allendorph Jr. died July 15 at his home in Park Ridge, Ill. He was 79.
Mr. Allendorph was a decorated combat veteran, serving with the Army during World War II in North Africa, Italy and Germany.
After the war, he completed a degree in mechanical engineering from Purdue University. He worked for Union Carbide Corporation and as an independent entrepreneur. He first visited and vacationed in the Leelanau area in 1952 and established a summer residence here in 1960.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Carol; four sons, George, Tom, Mark and Robert; and six grandchildren.
Richard "Paul" Joseph Pawlowicz
9/19/2002
TRAVERSE CITY - Richard "Paul" Joseph Pawlowicz, 71, of Traverse City, died Thursday evening, Sept. 19, at Munson Medical Center, following a courageous battle against cancer.
Born May 23, 1931, in Detroit, he was the son of Joseph and Adela Pawlowicz. On April 27, 1964, in Detroit, he married the former Harriet "Terre" Regulinski.
Paul graduated from Cass Technical High School in 1949. He served his country honorably with the U.S. Army during the Korean War from 1952-1954.
Paul worked his entire 35 year career in the telephone industry, retiring from CenturyTel in 1996.
After a honeymoon and several more trips to beautiful northern Michigan, Paul and Terre relocated to Suttons Bay to raise their family.
Paul's hobbies included genealogy, history, ballroom dancing and polka dancing. He was a member of VFW Cherryland Post No. 2780, American Legion Bowen-Holliday Post No. 35, Fraternal Order of Eagles and the Polish Society.
He is survived by his loving wife, Terre; children, James Pawlowicz, Kathryn Chamberlain, Karen (Ned) Shafer, and Matthew (Stephania) Pawlowicz; two grandchildren, Brandon and Logan Chamberlain; sister, Adela G. Sokolowski; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters; and a brother.
A memorial Mass will be celebrated at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church on Monday, Sept. 23, at 11 a.m., where friends may call one hour prior to the service. The Rev. Father James Hayden will serve
as celebrant.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the American Cancer Society or VFW Cherryland Post No. 2780.
The family is being served by the Reynolds- Jonkhoff Funeral Home in Traverse City.
Alice Mae Smith
11/29/1999
Funeral services are planned for 3 p.m. today at Suttons Bay Congregational Church for Suttons Bay resident Alice Mae Middleton Smith, who died Nov. 29 at Munson Medical Center. She was 53.
Mrs. Smith was born on Dec. 5, 1945, in Traverse City, the daughter of Elmer "Sy" and Dorothy (Firestone) Middleton. On May 18, 1963, in Traverse City, she married Jon Smith, who survives.
Mrs. Smith was a Postal Service clerk and also worked as a secretary. She was a member of Trinity Church in Northport and also attended Suttons Bay Congregational Church and Leelanau Community Church. An avid bike rider, sailor and power boater, she loved her family and especially baby-sitting her grandchildren. She will be remembered for her love of nature and any outdoor activity.
Also surviving are a daughter, Sheila (Jeffrey) Lingaur of Omena; a son, Clifford (Ann) Smith of Suttons Bay; two brothers, Alan (Tally) Middleton and Sam (Deb) Middleton, both of Northport; a sister, Joan Kalchik of Omena; three grandchildren, and her mother. She was preceded in death by her father.
Rev. James Beadle will officiate the service. Memorials may be made to the Leelanau Community Christian School or the Traverse City Shrine Club.
Bertha H. Olson
11/26/1999
A funeral Mass was celebrated yesterday morning at St. Rita's Catholic Church for Maple City resident Bertha H. Olson, who died Nov. 26 at Birchwood Nursing Center in Traverse City. She was 81.
Mrs. Olson was born on Oct. 18, 1918, the daughter of Frank and Helen (Nemeskal) Bartunek. On Sept. 11, 1954, at St. Rita's Catholic Church, she married Howard Olson, who preceded her in death in 1980.
Mrs. Olson was a homemaker who enjoyed embroidery and crocheting. She was a lifelong resident of Maple City.
Surviving are an aunt, Anna McConnell of Alberta; and several first cousins including Leon Kelderhouse of Traverse City.
Burial was in Cleveland Township Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to Cleveland Township Cemetery upkeep or Mass intentions.
Nels Jorgenson
8/29/2002
Nels Jorgenson of Northport and Grosse Point Shores died Aug. 29 at his Northport summer home. He was 83.
Mr. Jorgenson was born on Sept. 18, 1918, in Marshfield, Wis., the son of Frank Peter and Amy Alice (Irving) Jorgenson. On June 6, 1942, in Saint Clair Shores, he married the former Joyce Dickenson, who survives.
Mr. Jorgenson was a retired Navy captain who served during World War II and the Korean War, and remained active in the Naval Reserve. He was active in many municipal and industrial organizations.
Also surviving are his children, Wendy Jorgenson of California, Judy Jorgenson of Grand Rapids and Peter Jorgenson of Grosse Point Shores; a sister, Margaret J. Bruce of Jackson; and a grandson.
No services are planned at this time. Memorials may be made to the Leelanau Conservancy or Salvation Army.
Robert Seward
10/11/2001
A celebration of life will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. at the Burdickville Community Reformed Church for Robert M. (Bob) Seward, who died Oct. 11, 2001.
Refreshments will be served. Memorials may be sent to the Glen Lake Community Library.
