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April 25, 2004ObituariesGLORIA M. CHAPMAN, 74, of Bellaire, died on Saturday, April 24, 2004, at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City.The family will receive friends on Monday, April 26, 2004, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m., at the Bellaire Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 27, 2004, also at the funeral home. JOHN R. FIELD, 59, of Manistee, died on Friday, April 23, 2004, at his home, after an extended battle with cancer. The family will receive friends on Sunday, April 25, 2004, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m., at the Johnson Funeral Home in Manistee. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, April 26, 2004, also at the funeral home. The Johnson Funeral Home in Manistee is in charge of arrangements. Services for R. MARTIN GILLESPIE, who died on Thursday, April 22, 2004, will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, April 26, 2004, at Faith Reformed Church in Traverse City. Visitation will take place today, April 25, 2004, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m., at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home in Traverse City. TRAVERSE CITY - Neal Charles Burchfield, 75, of Traverse City, passed away on Wednesday, April 7, 2004, at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City, surrounded by his loving family. Born on June 5, 1928, in Pontiac, Mich., Neal was the youngest son of Harold and Pauline (Powell) Burchfield. Throughout his teenage years, Neal helped work in his family's Burchfield Pharmacy in Detroit. In 1946, Neal graduated from Northwestern High School in Detroit. He then went on to earn a degree in Business Administration from Wayne State University. In 1952, Neal met his dear future wife of 49 years, Jessie (Roddy) Burchfield. In the years to follow, Neal worked for Peterson Window Corp., then West Virginia Pulp and Paper Co.; he was based in Detroit. In 1963, he established a remodeling construction company, Burchfield Builders, completing projects throughout Southeastern Lower Michigan. During this period, Neal, Jessie, and their children lived in Livonia, Mich., for twenty years. The family vacationed in northern Michigan between the 50s and early 70s, and like so many, they fell in love with the beautiful region. They moved to the Traverse City area in 1977; Neal and Jessie owned and operated Elk Rapids Hardware for eleven years. Neal also worked in home remodeling and real estate sales in the Traverse City area. Neal loved spending time with his family and friends. He played an active role in raising his children and devoted time to them for activities such as camping, skiing, Boy Scout trips, and he was also his sons' Little League baseball coach. Some of his favorite activities also included sailing, golfing, and playing computer games. It brought Neal much joy to sing in church choirs and the Barbershop Cherry Capital Chorus. He was a member of the Livonia Kiwanis Club and the Elk Rapids Rotary Club. While in Livonia, Neal taught sailing to children and teenagers through American Youth Hostels programs. During recent years in Traverse City, he was a member of the Maritime Heritage Alliance and enjoyed group sailing trips around northern Michigan. Toward his later years, Neal also appreciated the simpler things in life, such as watching sunrises and sunsets. He also enjoyed visits to the Traverse City Marina. Neal battled Parkinson's Disease for the past nine years, and Lymphedema for the past five years. Through it all, he kept a positive attitude and maintained a terrific sense of humor. He is survived by his wife, Jessie; five children, Jean of Big Rapids, Harold of Cambridge, Mass., Wayne of Tampa, Fla., Paul of Traverse City, and Lisa of Traverse City; six grandchildren; his sister, Carolyn Groh of Livonia; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. His parents, Harold and Pauline Burchfield, and his brother, Warren, preceded him in death. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 15, 2004, at East Bay Calvary Church, 2225 Hammond Road East, Traverse City. Visitation with the family will begin one hour prior to the service. Dr. Kendale D. Dennis will officiate. Burial will be in Carson City Cemetery in Carson City, Mich. Should you wish to give a gift in Neal's memory, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Grand Traverse Area Parkinson's Support Group, 10049 East Grandview Court, Traverse City, MI 49684. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Traverse City Chapel of Covell Funeral Homes.
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