Nordman-Christian Funeral Home

James (Jim) Ellwood Bonter, 79, of Gaylord, passed away on August 31, 2022. Jim was born in Petoskey on August 12, 1943, the son of Lydia (Brown) and Louis Bonter. He spent his early years in Harbor Springs and graduated from Mackinaw City High School in 1961. Jim served in the United States Air Force for four years as a "flying electrician" and was stationed at what is now Joint Base McChord in Tacoma, WA. Following his service, Jim joined the Tacoma Police Department for the City of Tacoma, WA. He worked first in the jail and then as a patrol and motorcycle officer. Jim especially loved his time as the officer who rode Beulah the Talking Motorcycle. His favorite years were spent as a...

James (Jim) Ellwood Bonter, 79, of Gaylord, passed away on August 31, 2022. Jim was born in Petoskey on August 12, 1943, the son of Lydia (Brown) and Louis Bonter. He spent his early years in Harbor Springs and graduated from Mackinaw City High School in 1961. Jim served in the United States Air Force for four years as a "flying electrician" and was stationed at what is now Joint Base McChord in Tacoma, WA. Following his service, Jim joined the Tacoma Police Department for the City of Tacoma, WA. He worked first in the jail and then as a patrol and motorcycle officer. Jim especially loved his time as the officer who rode Beulah the Talking Motorcycle. His favorite years were spent as a...

Katie Darrow of Mackinaw City, 79, passed away on June 11th, 2022 surrounded by her family at the Hospice House of Cheboygan. Katie was born on January 10th, 1943 in Detroit, Michigan and was raised by her parents, Max and Irene Hoolihan in Lake Orion. Moving to Mackinaw City for a summer job at Downing's Restaurant, while in college at Western Michigan University, she then met her husband, Perry. The two of them married in 1964 and had two children, Darby and Cindy. Katie spent 26 years with the Mackinac State Historic Parks where she was the first craft demonstrator at Colonial Michilimackinac, held several roles within the Fort Visitor's Center, and served as the group tour and special...

Frank P. Kral, 89, of Cheboygan, Michigan and formerly of Petersburg, Michigan, died peacefully at his home Sunday, March 27, 2022. Frank was born on September 28, 1932 in Toledo, Ohio. After graduating from Toledo Macomber High School in 1950, Frank served honorably in the U.S. Navy from 1951 to 1955. Frank attended the University of Toledo from 1955-57, and in 2018, at age 86, Frank received his Associates degree. He began an illustrious career in April 1957 at Teledyne CAE in Toledo, where he was a senior test engineer for over 35 years. After retiring, Frank built a home on Twin Lakes in Northern Michigan, where he was an avid outdoorsman and a master angler. He loved nature and...

Dean Robert Heaston passed away February 12, 2022 .Born October 30, 1943 in Beloit, Wisconsin to Gaylord E. Heaston & Elizabeth Barbra (Burrow) Heaston. Dean was the second twin along with older brother Dale Raymond Heaston. Raised in Beloit, graduating from Beloit Memorial High School class of 1961. In high school he belonged to the ROTC program and was a member of McNeil Marching drill team and Rifle team. After high school Dean attended Stout State Collage for one year. Then Dean was accepted to the Landis/Gardner Machinist Apprentice Program in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania. In Waynesboro he met his future wife Nancy Louise Brien. Dean joined the 357th Transportation Army Reserve Unit in...

Shirley Ann Barrette, formerly of Cheboygan, passed away on December 22, 2021 in Traverse City at the age of 92. Shirley was born in Cheboygan on August 22, 1929 to Bert and Olive (Barr) Proctor. On May 26, 1951 she married Clarence Howard Barrette in Cheboygan. Mom grew up in Cheboygan, where she attended and graduated from Cheboygan High School. She worked for Michigan Bell Telephone Company for 20 years, for the Draft Board until it closed and then was a Census Taker. Mom loved her family, all children, lots of hugs, her flower gardens and friends. She is now taking a walk with dad and Fred. Shirley is survived by her daughter, Marcia (Dennis) Rushton of Traverse City. Her...

Justina Blair of Levering, MI born August 5, 1928, passed away November 18, 2021. A full obituary can be found at www.stonefuneralhomeinc.com.

Rosalie Marie Spencer, 48, of Indian River, passed peacefully from this earth on Wednesday, November 10, 2021. She was born in Cheboygan, Michigan on April 3, 1973, to Nelson and Rosalie LaPointe. Rosalie attended Mackinaw City Public Schools and graduated in 1991. After graduation, she attended Petoskey Beauty Academy and worked as a cosmetologist for a few years before going onto earn a nursing degree. Rosalie married Eddie "Christopher" Spencer, the love of her life in 1996. Together they have three children, Erik, Krista, and Edna. Rosalie lived life and had a great sense of humor, always seeing the funny side of things. Her family was her top priority in life, along with church and...

Ronald Joseph Gwilt, 74, of Mackinaw City, MI passed away unexpectedly at his home on October 27, 2021. He was born to Mearl and Sara (Wehner) Gwilt on December 29, 1946 at his home in Mackinaw City where he was raised until attending Central Michigan University for a short time before enlisting in the U.S Army, including time in Saigon during the Tet Offensive. After completing his service to our country, he continued his studies at Central, where he graduated with a Bachelor's Degree and later earned a Master's Degree. Ron married Linda K Vanderlip on September 23, 1967 in Mackinaw City. He taught business at Midland Public Schools beginning in 1972 with the majority of his time at...

Graham Chandler Edwards Sr., age 84, loving husband of 59 years to Sandra Schmidt Edwards unexpectedly passed in his sleep on October 19th. He was born October 5th, 1937 in Grosse Pointe, MI. to Harold and Clara Edwards. He is survived by his wife, his two sons Graham (Jill) Edwards and Grier (Susie) Edwards and two grandchildren Grace Edwards and Grier Edwards, Jr. Professionally, he enjoyed negotiating and communicating with business associates. Personally, he enjoyed gardening, being outdoors and spending time with his family and friends at Black Lake. The family will be hosting a celebration of life on November 20th, 11:00AM at St. John Lutheran Church, Rochester, MI. Memorials to...

Susan Grace Lyons, 81, passed away on Thursday June 10th while taking a "water walk" in her beloved Mullet lake. Susan was born on May 8th, 1940, in Lansing, Michigan to Barrett and Janet Lyons. She graduated from Lansing High school and attended Hillsdale College where she earned a degree in Education. After her second child (Ginger) was born with multiple impairments, she dedicated her career to those with special needs obtaining three Master's degrees in Special Education, Visual and Hearing Impairment. She then worked as a visual consultant for TBA and CHAREM intermediate school districts. She married James David Miller and had four children Lance, Ginger, Brooks, and Kyle. Later...

Roger Wallace Noel, 73, of Brutus, passed away on Sunday, March 7, 2021 at his home surrounded by his family. Roger was born on September 21, 1947, the son of Thurman and Norah (Furgeson) Noel. Roger spent his childhood growing up in Levering. He was drafted into the United States Army in 1966 and served as a paratrooper in the 101st Airborne Division for two years. He married Suzann Archer on April 20, 1974 and blessed him with 46 years. Roger worked for over 30 years as a driver for UPS, retiring in January of 2011. He loved bird hunting, deer hunting, and fishing. He is survived by his wife, Suzann, his three children, Wendy (David) Collum, Christian (Jim) O'Donnell, and Joyel (Bill)...

Roger Wallace Noel, 73, of Brutus, passed away on Sunday, March 7, 2021 at his home surrounded by his family. Roger was born on September 21, 1947, the son of Thurman and Norah (Furgeson) Noel. Roger spent his childhood growing up in Levering. He was drafted into the United States Army in 1966 and served as a paratrooper in the 101st Airborne Division for two years. He married Suzann Archer on April 20, 1974 and blessed him with 46 years. Roger worked for over 30 years as a driver for UPS, retiring in January of 2011. He loved bird hunting, deer hunting, and fishing. He is survived by his wife, Suzann, his three children, Wendy (David) Collum, Christian (Jim) O'Donnell, and Joyel (Bill)...

Lorna McMahon, loved teacher, died March 5, 2021. Lorna passed away peacefully on March 5, 2021 at the McLaren Hospice House in Cheboygan. Born on November 25, 1951 in Iron Mountain, Michigan to Jeanne (Fugere) and Francis McMahon, Lorna entered the world which held such natural and beautiful wonders for her every day. Quiet, shy, and giving by nature, she found joy just by being. She graduated from Pellston High School in 1969, NCMC in 1971, and LSSC in 1973. She taught middle/high school English at Pellston and Mackinaw City. Every student and coworker enriched her life. Many students (later of course) thanked her for the foundation she helped them build. "I felt safe in your classroom"...

Frederick D. Zapfe, age 84, of Cheboygan passed away Thursday, February 18, 2021 at Castle Rock Retirement Center in St. Ignace. He was born January 25, 1937 in Flint, the son of Owen and Emma (Thiel) Zapfe. On February 24, 1968 in Cheboygan, Fred married Rochelle Cousins who survives. Fred had served with the Michigan National Guard for several years and was stationed in Germany. He worked for Michigan Bell Telephone Company retiring in 1993. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, boating and loved living on the Cheboygan River. Besides his wife Rochelle, Fred is survived by his three children, Missy (Paul) Koszegi, Michael Zapfe and Melanie (Chris) Hansen, grandchildren, Victoria, Andrew, Jacob...

JANE "BJ" MAGERS FEB. 10, 1943 - JAN. 27, 2021 Jane, commonly known as "BJ", was born in Buffton, Indiana. She was the daughter of Dorothy and John (Bill) Magers. Following college at Ball State University, she spent most of her life in Mackinaw City. Her career of 58 years started in 1963 at the Pancake Chef where she rose from waitress to General Manager for some 45 years. Through the years she supervised over 2000 people, many of whom will remember her help with issues in their personal lives. Additionally, she was like a member of the family of the company's owners and will be greatly missed by all who knew her, which will include her many staff members. BJ was always involved in...

Elizabeth Ann "Betty" Strieby (Fabian) of Mackinaw City, formerly of Luther, Michigan, passed away on January 19, 2021 in Mackinaw City. There will be a graveside service at the North Park Cemetery in Luther, Michigan on Monday, May 17 at 11am.

Elizabeth (Betty) Strieby, of Mackinaw City and formerly of Luther, died Tuesday, January 19, 2021, surrounded by her children. She was 94. Betty was born on December 10, 1926 in Chicago to Carl and Elizabeth (Spevacek) Fabian of Downers Grove, Illinois. She graduated from Downers Grove High School in 1945. Betty married Herbert Strieby Jr. on January 24, 1948 in Downers Grove and they lived in Westmont, Illinois prior to moving to Luther in 1958. Betty was a former member of the Church of Christ in Luther, where she held the office of treasurer. She was an active member of the Church of the Straits in Mackinaw City since 2014 and was always ready to volunteer whenever and wherever needed....

Marianne Scanlon Murray, 88, passed away peacefully in her sleep on January 2, 2021. She was born October 24, 1932 in Wilkes-Barre, PA to Sylvester and Marian (Price) Scanlon. She married the love of her life, Hugh A. Murray, on February 14, 1975. Marianne spent much of her time working in the auto industry. After retiring in 1989, she and Hugh moved to Mackinaw City where they completely renovated and restored their historic home "Window on the Water." They were members of many volunteer organizations including Great Lakes Lighthouse Keepers Association, the Mackinaw Area Public Library, the Mackinaw Area Historical Society, the Paradise Lake Association, the Mackinaw City Chamber of...

George Vernon Hayes, 84, passed away on Friday, November 20, 2020 at Medilodge of Cheboygan. He was born on April 21, 1936, the son of Morgan and Verona Hayes in Carp Lake, Michigan. George spent most of his life working as a well driller with his father and Uncle Richard (Dick) Hayes. In his later years he worked for several Mackinaw City restaurants, moving there from Carp Lake. George's hobbies include collecting books and Corvettes (he owned several in his early years), and he was fascinated with automobiles, railroads, and historic airplanes. He was also quite knowledgeable about Carp Lake history. He is survived by his aunt, Ann Hayes of Carp Lake and Indianapolis, an uncle, Dr....

John R. Cowell, Sr., aka Papa Owl, age 84, of Carp Lake passed away Monday, November 2, 2020 at his home surrounded by his family. He was born November 7, 1935 in Pickford, the son of Fuller and Martha (Johnson) Cowell. On December 14, 1957 at the Church of the Straits in Mackinaw City, John married Ardis Russell who preceded him in death in October of 1999. John had worked for the State of Michigan on Mackinac Island as a Blacksmith and maintenance mechanic for several years before he transferred to Fort Michilimackinac where he retired in 1995 after 25 years of service. He was an avid horseman, a full-time farrier and a 20 year member of the Carp Lake Fire Department. Survivors include...