Obituaries

Terry Lee Sallee

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Terry Lee Sallee, of Rapid City, Michigan, died on November 21, 2020 at the age of 70 in the presence of his beloved wife, Toni Sallee. 

Terry was born in Dayton, Ohio, the son of the late Burl Thomas Sallee. He was one of four siblings, including Donna Russell of Charlevoix, Michigan; Judy Muma (Pat) of East Jordan, Michigan; and the late Jim Downey (Charlotte) of East Jordan, Michigan. He graduated from Ellsworth Community Schools in 1968 and directly thereafter joined the US Navy serving in the Vietnam War. He worked for 25 years with Gordon Food Service as a truck driver and later as a supervisor.  

After retirement Terry enjoyed the bantering of good-natured friends working at the Chief Golf Course in Bellaire, Michigan. He was a loyal, fun-loving, and generous man with a gregarious laugh that lit up the room. His love for his wife, children, grandchildren, siblings, nieces, and nephews was undeniable. When it wasn’t golf season, he was yelling at the TV when the Detroit Lions were playing, planning for hunting season with his son, and spending time with his grandchildren. His two dogs, Ollie and Beavis, were never far from his side.  

Terry is survived by his wife, Toni; and five children, Christopher Sallee (Bridgette) of Rapid City, Michigan; Dan Sallee (Jenna) of Broomfield, Colorado; Terry Sallee (Melissa) of Pensacola, Florida; Tom Westerlin (Sherine), and Traci Zainea. He is also survived by his sisters and their families and eight grandchildren, Henry (H-Bomb), Madeline (Maddie), Charlotte (Charlie), Nayla, Lyric, Terry (Buddy), Simon and Amelia. 
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Services and burial will be held in spring 2021. Arrangements have been entrusted to Kalkaska Funeral Home and Cremation Services. 

Richard (Dick) Stempien

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Richard (Dick) Stempien, age 86, formerly of Elk Rapids, passed away at his home in the loving care of his family on Friday, November 27, 2020. 

Richard was born on June 21, 1934, in Detroit, Michigan, to the late Adam and Lillian Stempien. Richard, born and raised in Detroit, went on to attend the Roosevelt Military Academy in Aledo, Illinois. After military school, Richard served in the United States Army toward the end of the Korean War where he was stationed in Japan. He was honorably discharged in June of 1955. 

Following his time in the military, Richard went to work for Ford Motor Company in the engineering sector of the company located in Dearborn, Michigan. Richard met the love of his life, his wife, Patricia (Beaty) in Detroit and the two were married in December of 1957. They have four children: Michael, Patricia, James, and Kelly. 

Together, Richard and Pat enjoyed conducting estate sales with their company, Certco Estate Sales. Antiquing was one of Richard and Pat’s great passions in life. They were prior co-owners of an antique mall located in Elk Rapids. During his lifetime, Dick served the public as a Westland City Councilman and a member of the planning commission. He was also a commander in the VFW. Dick was an avid tennis player, loved going to the casino and playing cards, especially poker, with his buddies. Richard and Pat had 24 active retirement years together, dividing their time between Michigan and Arizona where they have a wonderful fun group of friends. Between Michigan summers and Arizona winters, they had the best of both worlds. 

Richard is survived by his wife of 63 years, Pat; his four children, Michael (Ren) Stempien, Patricia (Larry) Johnson, James (Janice) Stempien, Kelly Hopkins; along with his grandchildren: Jack, Valerie, Caroline, Melanie, Maria, Mason, Nikki, Jaylin, Ryan, Dana, Max, Drew, Jen and Zack; and many great grandchildren to whom he was their loving GP. He is also survived by his brother, Leonard (Debbie) Stempien.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Adam and Lillian; his sister, Susie; his brother, Don; and beloved grandson Jake.

A celebration of Richard’s life will take place at a later date. Please share a memory with Richards family by visiting his tribute page at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com. The Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services is serving the family.