Mortensen Funeral Homes

Robert C. Zeilinger, "Zeke", 76 of Gaylord, died suddenly July 22, 2021 at McLaren Northern Michigan. He was born March 24, 1945 in Flint, the son of Charles and Edith (Shafer) Zeilinger. Zeke was a retired Michigan State Police Trooper out of the Gaylord Post. He was also known around Gaylord as a favorite school bus driver, retiring after 20 years of dedicated service. In his final working years he was employed for Enterprise. Bob's greatest joy was being a grandfather and spending time with his family. Gardening, camping, bowling, and watching the freighters in the UP were some of Bob's favorite hobbies. He was an excellent cook too. Bob enjoyed intricate woodworking and...

Dennis William Kusina, 72, of Charlevoix, passed away peacefully on July 18, 2021 at Mallard Cove Assisted Living in Petoskey with his loving family at his side. He was born on March 1, 1949, in Hamtramck, MI, the son of William and Bernice (Kaczanowski) Kusina. Dennis was a long-time resident of Charlevoix. He owned and operated his family's car dealership, Kusina Motors, for many years in downtown Charlevoix which he eventually sold. He then sold insurance through Farm Bureau. Dennis was very active in the City of Charlevoix; he was on the parish council at St. Mary's Catholic Church, an ambassador for the Charlevoix Chamber of Commerce, a City Councilman, a board member for Keep...

Edward Palmer, age 75, of Beaver Island, MI, died at his home under the tender care of his family on July 17, 2021. Edward was born on Beaver Island on June 14, 1946 to Clarence and Lorraine (Boyle) Palmer. He spent all of his life living on the island with the exception of his time in the Vietnam war and while sailing on the Ludington car ferries. From a very young age it was evident that Edward had a natural ability to play music and sing. Over the years, he used his musical gifts to heal, entertain and celebrate many generations of Islanders. And in his later years, he enjoyed playing music for the elderly at assisted living facilities all over Northern Michigan. While he played...

Edward Palmer, age 75, of Beaver Island, MI, died at his home under the tender care of his family on July 17, 2021. Edward was born on Beaver Island on June 14, 1946 to Clarence and Lorraine (Boyle) Palmer. He spent all of his life living on the island with the exception of his time in the Vietnam war and while sailing on the Ludington car ferries. From a very young age it was evident that Edward had a natural ability to play music and sing. Over the years, he used his musical gifts to heal, entertain and celebrate many generations of Islanders. And in his later years, he enjoyed playing music for the elderly at assisted living facilities all over Northern Michigan. While he played...

Shirley Mae (Krulik) Elzinga, age 88 of Charlevoix passed away on Saturday, July 10, 2021 in Petoskey, after a brief illness. Shirley was born on November 17, 1932 in Charlevoix to Kenneth and Nellie Mae (Ward) Kruik and she lived all of her life in Charlevoix. She was married on September 26, 1952 to Harrison A. Elzinga. Shirley was preceded in death by her sisters Wilma (Krulik) Stewart and Joyce (Krulik) Burke. Shirley loved her family, especially her grandsons. She was a proud homemaker and enjoyed fishing, crafts, sewing, crocheting, bingo and visiting the casino. Shirley is survived by her beloved husband, Harrison and daughters Carla (Nathan) Hopkins of Hamilton Square, New...

Nomis Jeane Mol, 91, of Charlevoix, passed away peacefully on July 7, 2021 at Medilodge of Traverse City. She was born on May 28, 1930 in Reed City, MI, the daughter of Clarence and Esther (Holmes) Ringler. On September 17, 1950, Nomis married Jack Mol in Reed City. Shortly thereafter they returned to Charlevoix to raise their family. Nomis worked at First State Bank - now Charlevoix State Bank - for many years before she retired. She was a member of the First Congregational Church of Charlevoix, and a long-time member for the Garden Club of Charlevoix. She also enjoyed gardening at home as well as tending to her hobby farm, making sure to keep it mowed and cleaned up in the spring. ...

Samuel Fred Hardy 5-20-1953 to 7-5-2021 ... My beloved Sammy passed away peacefully. He was born in Phoenix where he enjoyed his young years, then moved to Colorado Springs where attended and played football for Cheyenne Mountain HS. Sam studied geology in college which led to many rockhounding expeditions. Sam worked for himself landscaping, firewood, farm managing and even a fly-fishing guide. He loved golfing, fishing, camping, Charlevoix, and me. He was a great stepdad and loving grandpa. Sam was my rock and will be missed by the many hearts he touched; most of all, mine. I take comfort he is with his Mom and Dad now. Rest well my love...your wife Kym. In lieu of flowers please...

Edith L. Dale, 92 of Charlevoix, passed away on July 4, 2021. Edith was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, July 21, 1929 to Alois and Margaret Spring. She graduated from Ann Arbor High School and from Cleary College. Edith moved with her husband, the late Malcolm W. Dale, to the Charlevoix area in 1969, where she had established her accounting business, the Edith Dale Company. She was a member of the Bethany Lutheran Church, the Charlevoix flying Club, and the Charlevoix Zonta Club. As a retiree, she volunteered her time to the Charlevoix Hospital and to the Red Cross. Edith is survived by her brother, Norman Spring, of Grand Haven, Michigan; and her two daughters, Sheryl Storm of Huntsville,...

Edith L. Dale, 92 of Charlevoix, passed away on July 4, 2021. Edith was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, July 21, 1929 to Alois and Margaret Spring. She graduated from Ann Arbor High School and from Cleary College. Edith moved with her husband, the late Malcolm W. Dale, to the Charlevoix area in 1969, where she had established her accounting business, the Edith Dale Company. She was a member of the Bethany Lutheran Church, the Charlevoix flying Club, and the Charlevoix Zonta Club. As a retiree, she volunteered her time to the Charlevoix Hospital and to the Red Cross. Edith is survived by her brother, Norman Spring, of Grand Haven, Michigan; and her two daughters, Sheryl Storm of...

Edith L. Dale, 92 of Charlevoix, passed away on July 4, 2021. Edith was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, July 21, 1929 to Alois and Margaret Spring. She graduated from Ann Arbor High School and from Cleary College. Edith moved with her husband, the late Malcolm W. Dale, to the Charlevoix area in 1969, where she had established her accounting business, the Edith Dale Company. She was a member of the Bethany Lutheran Church, the Charlevoix flying Club, and the Charlevoix Zonta Club. As a retiree, she volunteered her time to the Charlevoix Hospital and to the Red Cross. Edith is survived by her brother, Norman Spring, of Grand Haven, Michigan; and her two daughters, Sheryl Storm of...

Jacqueline Fernande (Marcotte) (Robitaille) Klooster passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on June 23, 2021. She was born February 14, 1933 to Roland and Lucienne (Carrier) Marcotte in Berlin, New Hampshire and grew up in Lewiston, Maine. She married Carrol Robitaille of Lewiston Maine in March 31, 1951 who preceded her in death on June 12, 1955. The union of this marriage was blessed with three children, Diane, Paul, and Butch. After Carrol (Jake) passing, she met Henry (Hank) Klooster who was in the Navy stationed in Bath, Maine and married him on August 21, 1957. They moved to the Village of Norwood, Michigan where they added to their family, Debby and Pat. Jackie maintained a...

Jean Ann Habel, 71, of Charlevoix, passed away on Monday, June 21, 2021 at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City. She was born on December 5, 1949 in Charlevoix, MI, the daughter of Robert and Betty (Erber) Straw. Jean was a devoted wife and mother to her family. She enjoyed raising animals on the farm, particularly horses and chickens. Once her children were grown, she still took care of everyone in her family, all while working full time at Harbor Industries. She also liked to take trips to Traverse City to buy the necessities for her loved ones. Jean will be remembered as a very loving and generous woman. On November 9, 1968, Jean married the love of her life, Bill Habel Jr., who...

Jean Ann Habel, 71, of Charlevoix, passed away on Monday, June 21, 2021 at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City. She was born on December 5, 1949 in Charlevoix, MI, the daughter of Robert and Betty (Erber) Straw. Jean was a devoted wife and mother to her family. She enjoyed raising animals on the farm, particularly horses and chickens. Once her children were grown, she still took care of everyone in her family, all while working full time at Harbor Industries. She also liked to take trips to Traverse City to buy the necessities for her loved ones. Jean will be remembered as a very loving and generous woman. On November 9, 1968, Jean married the love of her life, Bill Habel Jr., who...

Norman Wise passed away unexpectedly 6/19/21. Visitation 6/22/21 4:00-6:00 at Winchester Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Funeral Service 6/23/21 1:00 p.m. also at funeral home.

Norman Wise passed away unexpectedly 6/19/21. Visitation 6/22/21 4:00-6:00 at Winchester Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Funeral Service 6/23/21 1:00 p.m. also at funeral home.

Donna Marie Stilson, 76, of Charlevoix, passed away peacefully on June 18, 2021 with her family at her side. She was born on December 22, 1944 in Richmond, VA, the daughter of Joseph and Esther (Schafer) Jacobs. Donna worked in human resources for over 40 years for multiple companies Eaton Foundry, Fayette Tubular Products, Excel Industries, and finally retiring from DURA Automotive June 2010. She was passionate about cooking, skilled baker, extremely talented cake decorator, calligraphist, and oil paint artist. Donna restored and remodeled numerous homes over the years in Vassar and Charlevoix. On June 22, 1963, Donna married the love of her life, Vic Stilson, who survives; also...

Natalie Joan Hansen, 85, of Bellaire made her reservation in Heaven on June 17, 2021. Natalie was born to Leonard and Leora (Robinson) Bailey at their home near Clam Lake on August 10, 1935. She married her sweetheart, Bob Hansen, on December 19, 1952. Bob and Nat raised their family in Mancelona, and later moved to their forever home on Clam Lake. They enjoyed 40 years of marriage before he preceded her in death in 1993. Her parents also preceded her in death, as did her sister, Maxine, and her beloved cat, Toby. Natalie was beautiful inside and out. She had a big and generous heart and was as kind and caring as anyone you could ever hope to meet. She instilled those qualities in...

Claribel Mason, 96, of East Jordan, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, June 13, 2021. She was born on March 4, 1925 in Gaylord, MI, the daughter of Dan and Grace (Gemmill) McAllister. Claribel met the love of her life, and shortly thereafter she married Francis Mason on July 18, 1944. They raised their family together in Grand Haven for 37 years before moving permanently to Northern Michigan in September of 1981 when Francis retired from the Howard Miller Clock Company. Claribel was a devoted wife and mother to her family. She served the Lord each and every day with a faith that never wavered - many people knew her as a prayer warrior. She was an ordained Pentecostal...

Terry Wayne Blissett passed away peacefully on Thursday June 10, 2021 at Munson Healthcare Charlevoix Hospital. Terry was born in Charlevoix, Michigan on July 4th, 1950. He was the son of William and Betty (Barkley) Blissett. A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 16th, 2021 at St. Mary Church in Charlevoix. Terry's family will accept friends and visitors from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 15th, also at the church. Terry graduated from Charlevoix High School in 1968 and graduated summa cum laude from Lake Superior State University with a bachelor's degree in finance and economics. Terry started dating the love of his life, Arlene Supernaw, in high...

Jacob Edwin Penfold, 76 of Banks Township, passed away on June 4, 2021 at his home. He was born on May 27, 1945 in Charlevoix, the son of Darwin and Wilma (Veenstra) Penfold. Jacob is described by his family as a selfless, generous, steadfast, strong and intelligent man. Following high school, he volunteered to serve in the U.S.M.C. to fight in Vietnam. During battle he was wounded in action and received the Purple Heart. In 1967 he was honorably discharged as a CPL/E4. He then went on to a lumber grading school and began working saw mills along with his father. Eventually they opened the Penfold Land and Lumber Supply in Atwood which became Penfold's Ace Hardware...

Agatha "Gay" Beryl Matchett, age 96, passed away peacefully at her home on Matchett Road on Thursday morning, May 27th, 2021, shortly after learning about the birth of her 20th great-grandchild! Agatha was born on July 31, 1924, at the old Charlevoix Hospital, the daughter of the late Ralph and Nellie (Moore) Ranney and the youngest of 5 siblings. She grew up on the Ranney Farm on Ranney Road near East Jordan and attended the Ranney School (K-8). She attended East Jordan High School (walking 2 miles to the bus stop), graduating in 1942, and then attended the Grand Rapids School of Cosmetology. On January 15, 1944, Agatha married Sanford "Sandy" Wheeler Matchett at her parent's home in...