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Esther Nelson
2/16/2002
Gills Pier native Esther Nelson died Feb. 16 in Pampano, Fla.-her 98th birthday.
Mrs. Nelson was born on Feb. 16, 1904, in Gills Pier, the daughter of Jenny and Knute Nelson.
She was preceded in death by a sister, Ruth. Survivors include two nephews, Gerald Nelson of Michigan University, he served in the Army Air Force during World War II. Mr. Garthe was a math and science teacher for 30 years, teaching in Empire, Honor, Glen Arbor and Glen Lake. He was affectionately known by his students as "Mr. G."
Mr. Garthe enjoyed hunting, fishing and playing golf and was an avid bird watcher. He and his wife traveled extensively. He served as a trustee on the Glen Arbor Township Board and as a volunteer on the Glen Arbor Fire and Rescue Squad.
Also surviving are his children, Gail (Blaine) Bonnell of Scottville, Jeannine (Joe) Wambold of Gaylord, Robert James Garthe Jr. of Empire and Robin (Richard) Cape of Beulah; a sister, Marilyn Klinefelter of Suttons Bay; and four grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Carlton, Stanley, Ray and Arnold; and his sisters, Laurel and Dorothy.
Interment was in Maple Grove Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the Glen Arbor Fire and Rescue Squad.
Marie A. Kelley
2/14/2002
A funeral Mass was celebrated Monday at Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic Church for Kalamazoo resident Marie A. Kelley, who died Feb. 14 in Plainwell. She was 98.
Mrs. Kelley was born on Oct. 20, 1903, in London, Ont., the daughter of John and Mary (Masterson) Foley. In August, 1929, in Detroit, she married Edmond W. Kelley, who preceded her in death in 1966.
Mrs. Kelley graduated from St. Joseph Hospital School of Nursing in London. She worked as a registered nurse and advanced to head nurse for the American Red Cross Blood Bank Program in Detroit.
Surviving are her daughter, Mary Johnson of Kalamazoo; six grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.
Interment was in Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Detroit. Memorials may be directed to Mass intentions.
Ellen R. Bronson
2/12/2002
Funeral services were held Friday for Empire resident Ellen R. Bronson, who died Feb. 12 at Maple Valley Nursing Home. She was 82.
Mrs. Bronson was born on May 31, 1919, in Leelanau County, the daughter of George and Lottie (Payne) Zeigler.
Mrs. Bronson was formerly employed at Dunn's Resort in Glen Lake, and retired as a cook for Glen Lake Community Schools after many years. She also attended Empire United Methodist Church.
Surviving are her son, Percy R. (Navada) Bronson of Camden, S.C.; five grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Percy R. Bronson; a daughter, Mary Bronson; and a son, George Bronson.
Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery in the spring. Memorials may be directed to the Empire Area Museum, or to Old Settlers Picnic Association.
Rose Alberta Dechow
2/9/2002
A funeral Mass is being planned in April for Lake Leelanau resident Rose Alberta Dechow, who died Feb. 9 at St. Vincent's Hospice in Indiana in 1937, he married the former Amelia Becker, who survives.
Mr. Jeffery served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was a retired refrigeration technician.
Also surviving are his daughters, Judith Dianna Livingston and Nancy Joy Knister; a son, Kenneth Ronald Jeffery; 10 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren.
Memorials may be directed to the Salvation Army or the Cherryland Humane Society.
Orpha Garnet Brow
11/2/1999
Services were held Saturday at Martinson Funeral Home for Lake Leelanau resident Orpha Garnet Brow, who died Tuesday at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City. She was 84.
Mrs. Brow was born in Bingham Township on April 30, 1915, the daughter of David and Estella (Heinforth) Priest. On June 14, 1933, in Lake Leelanau, she married Albion E. Brow, who survives.
Orpha enjoyed reading, embroidering and playing cards. She will be fondly remembered for her baking and cooking skills.
Also surviving are a daughter, Phyllis Dunklow of Lake Leelanau; a sister, Iris Brugh of Traverse City; two grandchildren; and one stepgrandson. She was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Marvin Dunklow; five brothers, Earl, Raymond, Alfred, Orville and Bud; and a sister, Fern Behm.
Burial was in Keswick Maple Grove Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to Suttons Bay Congregational Church.
