Obituaries

Matthew Donald Shoemaker, 58, passed away peacefully at home on May 6, 2026, surrounded by love, family, and good music after a courageous battle with cancer.

Matthew was born on June 5, 1967. He lived life fully and unapologetically, with a deep love for music, movies, hockey and MMA. Whether he was listening to...

Debra Ann Buchler, 70, of Traverse City, reunited with her loved ones in the Kingdom of Heaven on May 9, 2026.
Debra was born on May 28, 1955, in Alma, Michigan to Marion Fockler and Dorothy (Krapohl) Devereaux. She was raised with simple family values alongside her brothers, Jim and John, whom she loved dearly.
On...

Jeffrey William Minervini, age 61, of Traverse City, Michigan, made his final Irish goodbye on May 3, 2026. He was given a 12-month cancer prognosis, and rather than seeking treatment that might extend his life a few months, he spent his last year focused on quality time and checking items off an extensive bucket...

Lois Virginia Ludlow (née Aders), 96, passed away peacefully on May 1, 2026, in
Traverse City surrounded by the love of a family she spent a lifetime nurturing. Born on
August 25, 1929, in Montezuma Indiana, Lois lived a life as rich and varied as the many
places she called home — from Bermuda to Virginia,...

Henry Lee Bartz, 89, of Grawn, died Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at French Manor South, in Traverse City, where he was beloved by the staff who affectionately called him "Grandpa."
Henry was born and raised on the family farm in Monroe Center on August 30, 1936, to Thomas and Wilma (Taylor) Bartz. As a young man, he...

Elizabeth "Skeeter" Anderson of Traverse City, Michigan, passed away peacefully on January 18, 2026, at the age of 84. Liz was born in Traverse City, Michigan, on March 8, 1941, to parents Edward Lardie and Irma Bosma.

Liz grew up on Old Mission Peninsula, which she loved and often shared stories about—its people...

Judy Day passed away on May 3 at the age of 90 (though she did not believe she was "that old"). Judy was born on 4/15/36, in Kalamazoo, MI to the late Gil and Louise Hays.
In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her brother/hero Bill, her husband (the love of her life), Charles Day, her daughter, Darci,...

David George Knowles, 73, passed away on May 2, 2026, at his home in Traverse City, Michigan, surrounded by family.
David was born on September 9, 1952, in Traverse City to Harry "Porter" Knowles and Margaret Louise Knowles. Though Traverse City was where his story began, it was far from the only place he called...

Kelly Lynn Rice, age 51, of Traverse City MI, after a long, courageous battle with cancer, went home to Jesus, peacefully in the early hours of April 30, 2026. She was born January 22, 1975, in Cadillac Michigan.

Kelly grew up in Cadillac. She loved her friends, her animals, and showing her horse, Lady Three Decker...

Jody Vaughn Byland, 78, passed away peacefully with family present on April 26, 2026.
Born on April 6, 1948, Jody devoted his life to education and his family. A compassionate elementary principal at Fremont Public Schools for 37 years, he shared his love of learning with countless students. Upon leaving school...

Melvern Earl Windnagle, 91, of Traverse City, formerly of Grawn, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, March 21, 2026. He was born December 24, 1934, in Detroit, the son of Melvern and Ida (Lorenz) Windnagle.

Earl Windnagle was a devoted husband and father who led a life marked by dedication and hard work. He...

Miriam Nancy Taschner Bach, 80, of Traverse City, passed away April 28, 2026. She is now at rest after a long battle with chronic illness.

Miriam was a kind and gentle soul. She loved peace and quiet. She had a deep love for nature in all its forms: going for walks and bike rides, gardening, raising chickens, and...