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August 25, 2002ObituariesTRAVERSE CITY - James "Jim" McGuigan, 68, of Traverse City and formerly of Livonia peacefully passed away at Munson Medical Center on Monday, Aug. 19, 2002.He was born in Detroit on Nov. 5, 1933, the son of Samuel and Pearl (Camp) McGuigan. Jim married Pauline T. Fischer, his loving wife of 45 years, on Oct. 26, 1957, in Detroit. Jim was an operating engineer for 35 years and belonged to AFL-CIO local No. 324. He was a "strong" Democrat and "proud" union member. He and his wife Pauline made their home in Livonia for 29 years. He loved Livonia, but his last nine years in Traverse City were his happiest ever. He made a lot of new friends here, and said he felt blessed. He was a very lucky man. Over the years he won three new automobiles, a trip to Florida, and was on the Michigan Lottery's Road to Riches five times, but he never got the "Big One!" He also won Boyd's cast wheels and rims and a $1,100 Trek mountain bike. Jim's dream was to own a pontoon boat. This summer he made that dream come true and bought his pontoon boat which he named "Lucky Lady." His philosophy to winning was "persistence, patience and postage." Along with being a very lucky man, Jim was also a very generous man and even in death he donated to the Gift of Life Program. Jim is survived by his wife Pauline. He and his wife were never blessed with children of their own, but were fortunate to have many nieces and nephews that they cherished. He is also survived by his sister, Shirley Jean (Sid) Jackson of Encinatis, Calif. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 27, at Christ the King Catholic Church, with Fr. Garth L. Hilmer celebrant. Another Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 29, at St. Genevieve Catholic Church, 28933 Jamison Road in Livonia, with Father Howard Vogan as celebrant. Arrangements were entrusted to the Traverse City Chapel of Covell Funeral Homes. BELLAIRE - Louis E. Ritt, 82, of Bellaire passed away peacefully in his sleep after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease on Friday, Aug. 23, at Fullers Adult Care Home in East Jordan. He was born Dec. 4, 1919, in Kearney Township, the son of Elno and Edith (Bingham) Ritt. He was a former captain in the U.S. Air Force serving in both World War II and the Korean War. He was highly decorated, and earned honors including the Purple Heart and the Victory and POW medals. He was one of two surviving members of his squadron after their plane was shot down during a mission over Germany, where he was a prisoner of war for 21 months, released in 1943. In 1955, he worked for the University of Michigan as their chief test pilot for government research. In 1959, he returned to Bellaire and reactivated the Antrim County Airport. Lou's standards of commitment to the airport and the community led to the influx of business and industry in Antrim County, including the development of Shanty Creek Resort. Antrim County's tax base increased primarily as a result of the Antrim County Airport and the unselfish dedication of Lou Ritt. Lou was the Antrim County Airport manager and FBO until his retirement in 1986. He was also a former 33rd degree Mason. Lou was constantly encouraging and helping people along the way, which was done quietly and often anonymously, good deeds which, by their nature, attest to his character. Lou loved to entertain and socialize and was a regular patron of infamous area establishments, especially Brownwood. On Dec. 31, 1985, at his Kearney Township home, he married Cheryl Seeley, who survives. Also surviving is a son, Lawson, L. Ritt of Central Lake; two sisters, Lola Morgan of Dyer, Ind. and Audrey Welch of Bellaire and Saginaw; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and great-great-nieces and -nephews. Preceding him in death were his parents, several brothers and his first wife, Dianne Ritt. The family will receive friends on Monday, Aug. 26, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at the Central Lake Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, Aug. 27, at 11 a.m. at the funeral home, with the Rev. Daniel C. Clark officiating. Interment will follow with military honors at Flewelling Cemetery in Kearney Township. Memorial contributions may be made to the Northwest Michigan Hospice or to the Antrim County Commission on Aging Respite Program. EAST LELAND - Robert D. Spinniken, 78, a lifelong resident of East Leland, went to be with his Lord on Friday, Aug. 23. He was born in East Leland on Aug. 7, 1924, the son of Albert W. and Emma (Kahrs) Spinniken. On Sept. 14, 1946, he married the former Carol Cate in Leland. Robert was a self-employed fruit farmer. A lifelong member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Leland, he served in many capacities, most recently as an elder. He was a life member of the Michigan State Horticultural Society and was instrumental in establishing the Northwest Michigan Horticultural Research Station in Leelanau County. A longtime leader of the 4-H ski club, Robert spent 17 years as a National Ski Patrol member. He served on the Leland Township board for 27 years and was active on the Cherry Growers board. He is survived by his wife, Carol of East Leland; daughters Anne Hill of Maple City and Jan (Kelly) Gessele of Carbondale, Colo.; sons Don (Kathy) Spinniken and Alan (Nancy) Spinniken, both of East Leland; 11 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; two sisters, Mary Ellen Krupka of Northport and Ruth Evens of West Bloomfield; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, David. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 26, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Leland, with Rev. Larry Matro officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the church. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Traverse City Chapel of Covell Funeral Homes. WAYNE OTTO, 63, of Traverse City, died the morning of Saturday, Aug. 24, 2002,at Munson Medical Center. Visitation will be held Tuesday, Aug. 27, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at the Traverse City Chapel of Covell Funeral Homes. The funeral service will be held Wednesday, Aug. 28, at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. A complete obituary will appear in Monday's edition of the Traverse City Record-Eagle. WILLIAMSBURG - Mary Esther Butts, 87, of Williamsburg, formerly of Chesaning, died Wednesday, July 31. She was born in Owosso on May 3, 1915, the daughter of David and Katharine (Stugart) Dreuth. On June 22, 1941, she married James Dale Butts in Owosso. Mary worked for the Universal Electric Company in Owosso, retiring in 1977. She was a member of the Elk Rapids Methodist Church. She is survived by her husband, James Butts; sisters, Ruth Sieb of Owosso and Joan Tanner of Flint. She was preceded in death by her parents, five brothers and two sisters. A Service of Remembrance will be held at at the Elk Rapids Methodist Church at noon on Saturday, Aug. 31, with the Rev. Tom Pier-Fitzgerald officiating. Memorial contributions may be given to the charity of one's choice. |
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