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James P. Patterson 4/12/2002
Funeral services were held Tuesday at Faith Reformed Church for Leelanau County resident James P. “Jim” Patterson, who died April 12. He was 44.
Mr. Patterson, known to his associates as Lord Veillance, was born in Traverse City on May 29, 1957, the son of Arlie O. “Pete” and Nancy L. (Craig) Patterson. On Nov. 12, 1983, in Virginia Beach, Va., he married the former J. Sheryl Thomas, who survives.
Mr. Patterson served 18 years in the Navy as a hull technician and nuclear inspector. He served in the Persian Gulf War, and after retirement served in the Navy Reserves.
Most recently he was employed as a surveillance operator for Leelanau Sands Casino. He attended Bay Pointe Community Church, and enjoyed golfing, fishing, carpentry, watching movies and reading. He was a Boy Scout leader from 1995-99.
Also surviving are his children, Kira N. Patterson and Cody J. Patterson, both at home; his parents, of Traverse City; sisters Kathleen “Kathy” Patterson of Michigan Technological University. He was employed for six years by Amoco Oil Company in Houston, and then for Graphic Chart and Map Company, Inc., of Hastings on the Hudson, Georgia) Solem of Williamston; a brother, Lawrence Kolarik of Suttons Bay; 16 grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by a son, Maurice Solem in 1991; a brother, Martin Kolarik; a sister, Anna Houdek; and three grandchildren.
Interment was in Oakwood Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, or a charity of one’s choice.
Eda Christine Olsen 3/21/2002
Funeral services were held at First Lutheran Church of Suttons Bay for Midland resident Eda Christine Olsen, who died March 21 at Tendercare of Clare. She was 91.
Mrs. Olsen was born on Sept. 14, 1910, in Northport, the daughter of Frederick and Ellen (Einas) Anderson. On Nov. 9, 1940, in Michigan. It was there that he met his wife of 51 years, Marjorie Clare Hewson, who survives.
Also surviving are six children, Kyle (Win) Hewson Smith Irwin and Clay (Leslie Black) Hewson Smith, both of Grand Rapids, Merrill (Oakleigh) Hewson Thorne of Lake Forest, Ill., Peter (Cathy) A.H. Smith of Yardley, Penn., Ross (Meghan McMahon) Hewson Smith of Madison, Conn. and Murray (Kit Boss) Hewson Smith of Santa Monica, Indianapolis on June 30, 1950, he married the former Mildred Bone, who survives.
After growing up on the family farm with brothers Everett and Verl, Mr. Simpson graduated from the University of Indiana University. Mr. Simpson served in the Air Force during World War II. He returned to establish a successful career in real estate and land development in Indianapolis Apartment Association. The Simpson family moved to northern Ohio, she married Earle N. Clarke, who preceded her in death on Jan. 21, 2000.
Mrs. Clarke possessed a strong faith in God and loved her husband, family and friends.
Surviving are four sons, Gerald (Esther McKerrow) Clarke of Lake Leelanau, and Wayne (Marion Davison) Clarke of Traverse City, Randal (Carol Crowley) Clarke and Dan (Nancy Groesser) Clarke, all of Traverse City; three daughters, Leah (George) White Field and Gladah (Larry) Keeney, both of Traverse City, and Judith (Ivan) Kevelin of Redford; 21 children; and 34 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by three brothers, Ralph, Harold and Arthur Souder; and two sisters, Mabel Souder Ellison and Mary Miller.
Friends may call Friday from 3-9 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens. Memorials may be directed to Grand Traverse Area Hospice.
Donovan McMachen 1/23/2002
A graveside service will be held this summer at Omena Cemetery for Donovan Egeler McMachen, who died Jan. 23 at his Las Vegas home. He was 92.
Mr. McMachen was born on Nov. 17, 1909, in Northport, the son of A.W. “Deb” and Ida (Egeler) McMachen. On Aug. 22, 1936, at Omena Presbyterian Church, he married Carrie Adelle Craker, who survives. They were the first white couple married in the church.
Mr. McMachen was a construction superintendent locally for Comstock and Koenig Construction, and in the West for DelWeb Co. before retiring at 78. He will be sorely missed and fondly remembered as the pillar of his family.
Also surviving are his children, Beverly (John) Kirka of Los Osos, Calif., Darrell (Dessie) McMachen of Las Vegas, John McMachen of Palm Desert, Calif.; a brother, Henry (Phyllis) McMachen of Paw Paw; 24 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by four brothers and one sister.
Cremation has taken place. Memorials may be directed to Omena Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 45, Omena 49674.
Sidney Blum 1/23/2002
Maple City summer resident Dr. Sidney Blum died Jan. 23 in Dallas. He was 79.
Dr. Blum was a teacher, principal and science specialist prior to appointment as supervisor for science education for the Prince Georges County (Maryland) school system. He retired in 1983. A gentle man, his life was marked by a devotion to science, and he loved music.
Surviving are his wife of 54 years, Esther Blum; children Dr. Joanne Blum (Dechow) of Dallas and Maple City, Dr. Eric Blum of Akron, Texas, 75246; or the Planned Parenthood Federation of America, 810 7th Ave., New York, NY, 10019.
