Joseph F. Kolder
January 9, 1934 — July 21, 2024
Our beloved husband and father, Joseph F. Kolder, went home to be with his Lord on July 21, 2024. Joe was born and raised in Flint, MI. He and his late sister, Joan, often shared memories of growing up and celebrating their Czech heritage with their many cousins. He graduated from Flint Northern High School and General Motors Institute (Kettering University) where he studied mechanical engineering.
Joe and his wife, Sandi, were married for 57 years and they had two daughters that he loved dearly. He adored his two grandchildren and cherished spending time with his amazing family. Together they enjoyed traveling, downhill skiing, bowling, completing puzzles, playing tennis and golf.
He worked at GM’s Buick division as a mechanical engineer for five years and then took a job with The Austin Company in Detroit where he became head of the mechanical engineering department. He was an active participant in the Austin Company’s bowling and golf leagues. He left the Austin Company to join another firm to help with chemical engineering work before being asked to return to The Austin Company to be the mechanical representative on a two-year study upgrading all the naval jet installations throughout the United States. Upon completion of this project, he and his family relocated to Cleveland, Ohio, where he worked in Austin’s corporate office until he retired in 1997. He briefly came out of retirement to complete some specialized work for Albert Kahn, an engineering firm in Detroit. After his retirement he returned to work for Albert Kahn, an engineering firm in Detroit, to do some specialized work. His engineering career took him around the United States and to Canada and Europe.
After he retired, he and Sandi, moved to Curtis where he enjoyed working outdoors, volunteering at the Seney Natural History Association (currently called Friends of Seney National Wildlife Refuge) and serving as the secretary of their board of directors. He also served on the board of directors and was head of the construction crew for Schoolcraft County’s Habitat for Humanity. In addition, he was a member of the American Legion Post 290 in Engadine and served as chair of the Curtis Planning Commission. Joe served on various committees at the First United Methodist Church in Manistique and is credited for designing the front entrance of the church.
Joe was an amazing husband, father, and grandfather. He will be sorely missed.
Joe is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Agnes (Sukany) Kolder, daughter Tammi Jean Kolder, sister Joan Kolder, father-in-law G.H. Tidswell and mother-in-law Helen Tidswell. He is survived by his wife, Rev. Sandra J. Kolder, daughters, Kim Kolder and Karen (Vaughn) Kauffman, granddaughters Jordin and Sydney Kauffman, and brother-in-law William Tidswell.
Arrangements are being provided by Bowerman Funeral Home in Munising. Visitation will be held at Bowerman’s located at 302 E. Superior Street in Munising on Thursday July 25, 2024, from 5:00-7:00 p.m.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at the First United Methodist Church in Manistique (190 N. Cedar Street) on Friday July 26, 2024, at 1:00 p.m., with visitation prior to the service from 11:00-1:00. A luncheon will be provided following the service. Private graveside service will be at Woodlawn Cemetery in Curtis.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent to First United Methodist Church in Manistique or Habitat for Humanity of Schoolcraft County or the charity of your choice.
His obituary and tribute wall may be found at bowermanfuneralhome.net
Richard W. Kittel
May 27, 1940 – July 17, 2024
Longtime Trout Lake resident, Richard William Kittel, 84, died Wednesday morning July 17, 2024 at the Ball Hospice House in Sault Ste. Marie.
Born May 27, 1940 in Muskegon, son of the late Richard “Pa” and Mildred “Ma” (McCleery) Kittel, Richard attended Tahquamenon Area Schools. On January 11, 1962, Richard enlisted in the United States Army serving during the Vietnam War until his honorable discharge on December 23, 1964, attaining the rank of Specialist Fourth Class.
Following his discharge, Richard graduated from Rudyard High School. While residing in Trout Lake, he was employed as a heavy equipment operator for Mead Corporation for several years until his retirement.
Richard was a member of the American Legion Post #80 in Trout Lake and enjoyed farming, gardening, welding and spending time with his family and grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, Richard is preceded in death by his wife, Beverly, on October 8, 1989; grandson-in-law Scott; brothers-in-law Arthur Haskill and Walter McMillan, sister-in-law Marion Browning; aunt Jane (Dwight) Faulk; nephew Richard Haskill.
Survivors include his loving daughters Sonya (Pete) Schwesinger of Trout Lake, Crystal (Cory) Ewald of Kincheloe and Merinda (Jeff Gregg) Kittel of Ontonagon; grandchildren Charles (Elizabeth), Rebecca, Kylie, Kristina (Erik), James, Keira and M; siblings Barbara (Richard) King of Newberry and Jane Haskill of Newaygo; several nieces and nephews.
A gathering of family and friends will take place Thursday July 25, 2024 from 12:00 noon until 1:00 pm at the Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry. Funeral services celebrating the life of Richard will follow at 1:00 pm at the funeral home with Pastor Melinda VanderSys officiating. Interment with military honors conducted by the United States Army Honor Guard and the American Legion Post #74 will follow at the Forest Home Cemetery.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com. Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
