Obituaries
Edward Merle “Buck” Kinnee Jr.
Edward Merle “Buck” Kinnee Jr., 76, of Williamsburg, Michigan, died Sunday, November 12, 2023. He was born on February 1, 1947 in Traverse City, Michigan, the son of Edward Merle Sr. and Gloria Marie (Richards) Kinnee.
He started his elementary education at the Historic Black School House on Hammond Road and attended Traverse City High School. He was a millwright for 26 years at Super Tool until they closed. Edward then became a delivery truck driver at Wolohan Lumber until 2002. Edward enjoyed bowling, fishing and hunting. A talented woodworker, he loved to build furniture and gifts for family. He coached Little League in Elk Rapids even before he had children and then in Williamsburg for his own kids. Later in life he became addicted to golf, where he played several times a week in a league at Timber Wolf Golf Club, Kalkaska. He had a hilarious sense of humor and was known for giving funny nicknames to friends and family. His great passion was spending time with family and friends around his epic bonfires. Edward is survived by his wife, Sandra (Vander Meulen) Kinnee; they were married on February 28, 1970; children, Melisa McKolay, Edward “Butch” (Darci) Kinnee III and Michael (Heather) Kinnee; grandchildren, Ethan, William, Carter, Brooklyn, Reilly and Chance; and sisters, Sharon Kinnee, Donna Kinnee and Judy (John) Abernethy. He is preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Gloria Kinnee; brother, David Kinnee, and sister, Betty Olvitt. Contributions may be made to the Heart Care Program and Services or the Weber Heart Center at Munson Medical Center. A Celebration of Life will be announced by the family in the spring of 2024. Please visit www.lifestorytc.com to share your thoughts and more. Dale Edward Wagner
On November 14, 2023, Dale Edward Wagner, of Kewadin, Michigan, went to be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ with his family by his side. Dale was born to Edward and Pauline (Haberstock) Wagner on November 23, 1935 and raised in Marinette Wisconsin. He was the third child preceded by sisters, June and Darlene. Dale was an active member at the First Presbyterian Church in Elk Rapids. He retired from Mobil Oil Corporation and moved to Michigan where he enjoyed fishing, hunting and gardening.
Dale is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Diane Wagner; sons, Kevin Wagner (Dorothy), Christopher Wagner (Lisa); and daughter, Heidi Strang (William); grandchildren, Ashley Contreras (Richard), Victoria Wagner, Andrew Wagner, Amelia Wetzel (Phil); and great-grandchildren, Kaia and Isla Contreras and Killian, Mackenzie and Rhys Wetzel. Services will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to either of the following: Hospice of Michigan, https://www.hom.org/donate/ or Samaritas Senior Living, 4354 Mt Hope Rd, Williamsburg, MI 49690. |
Gary Wayne “Hillbilly” McDaniel
Gary Wayne “Hillbilly” McDaniel, of Elk Rapids, Michigan, passed away on November 18, 2023, at the age of 81. He was born on July 12, 1942, in Ste. Genevieve, Missouri. Gary served in the Army and was stationed at Ft. Leonard Wood during his military service. Gary was a proud graduate of Ste. Genevieve High School, class of 1960. His connection to his hometown was evident throughout his life.
Gary worked for Ford Motor Company when he initially moved to Michigan and was co-owner of Elk Rapids Tire and Auto; he was self-employed as a mechanic for most of his life. Gary was known for his willingness to help others and loved the challenge of fixing anything that wasn’t working; getting his hands dirty made him happy. In his free time, Gary was an active member of his community. He coached Little League for years and loved attending school sports events long after his children were grown. For 51 years, he was a dedicated lifelong Lions Club member, contributing to various community projects. Gary served as president, was recognized as Lion of the Year, and was awarded the prestigious Melvin Jones Award. Additionally, he was a proud lifetime member of the AMVETS Post #114. Gary loved life, family, and friends. His wife, children, and granddaughters were his pride and joy. Gary will be deeply missed by his loved ones. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Linda (Lamoreaux); his son, Carl Dechow of Williamsburg, Michigan; his daughter, Cheryl (David) Brattley of Fleetwood, Pennsylvania; his granddaughters, Allison and Megan; his sister, Donna (Tom) Corson of Deltona, Florida; his brother Terry (Regina) McDaniel of Ste. Genevieve, Missouri, and many nieces and nephews who shared special memories with him. Gary was preceded in death by his mother, Clorabelle (Wilburn) McDaniel; his father, Otto Estess McDaniel; and his brothers, Stanley Jewell McDaniel and Ronald Estess McDaniel. Our community has lost a remarkable individual who will be remembered for his commitment to his family and community. Gary’s memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. Gary had a close bond with his sister, Donna, and they shared their passion for life and quick wit. Gary’s love for his sister inspired his dedication to Lion’s International and his commitment to serving the blind and visually impaired. In Gary’s honor, donations can be made to Leader Dogs for the Blind. https://www.leaderdog.org/donate/ A Celebration of Life Service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, November 25, 2023, at Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Covell-Elk Rapids Chapel, 312 Pine Street, Elk Rapids, Michigan 49629. The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until time of service. Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Covell-Elk Rapids Chapel, is in charge of arrangements. |