Obituary
Mary Lena Atkinson
Mary Lena Atkinson, 101, entered into the presence of the Lord on October 25, 2025, surrounded by her loving sons.
Born to Raymond and Maude Mackmin in Ferndale, Michigan, Mary was the oldest of four siblings. Mary and her husband of 63 years, Gerald Atkinson, raised five children in Plymouth, Michigan before moving to their beloved Torch Lake residence after retirement. Mary was a devoted mother to her five children and enjoyed being a stay-at-home mother to provide a loving faith-based home. Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Gerald Atkinson, and three daughters, Cheryl Ross, Brenda Pappalardo and Bonnie Dulock. She is survived by her sons, Robert (Liz) Atkinson and Barry Atkinson, both of Kewadin, Michigan; eight grandchildren and four great grandchildren. The family wishes to thank the staff at Hospice of Michigan and Cornerstone Caregivers for the compassion and care they provided. A graveside service was held on November 1, 2025, with Pastor Tim Manzer officiating. Mary is now at peace in the arms of her Savior. Memorial contributions can be made to New Hope Church in Acme, Michigan. Death NoticeMichael Robert BakerMichael Robert Baker, age 77, of Traverse City, Michigan, passed away October 27, 2025, after a short illness.
Mike was predeceased by his wife, Jacqueline Poole Baker, and his parents, Robert and Bethel Baker. Known for his quick wit, kindness, and passion for golf, Mike will be greatly missed by his sister, Maureen O’Donnell (Jim Simpson), nieces, nephews, cousins and golf buddies at Traverse Hills. Alzheimer’s donations welcomed. |
Michael Bruce Connell
Michael Bruce Connell, of Rapid City, Michigan, lost his battle with lung disease, passing away October 20, 2025, at Munson Medical Center. He was 70 years old.
Born June 1, 1955, in Windsor, Ontario, Mike was the youngest child of James and Ruth (Phillips) Connell and had “a wonderful childhood,” especially the summers spent at his Grandpa and Grandma Phillip’s cottage on Balsam Lake in Coboconk. Ontario. Mike enjoyed playing hockey and curling and had been a member of both the Traverse City and Lewiston curling clubs. He was also a member of the senior golf league at Timber Wolf Golf Course. A man of many talents, over the years Mike worked as a groundskeeper, landscaper, in construction, as a general contractor, and lastly, as the owner of the Pooch Palace dog kennel in Rapid City. An unbelievably kind and selfless man, Mike was always willing to help others. In August 2013, Mike met the love of his life, Mary King, at “The Forks Landing” of the Boardman River while hosting a kayaking trip with the Traverse Area Paddle Club. They began dating that September and soon discovered they were kindred spirits bonding over their love of the outdoors, their shared sarcastic sense of humor and lots of laughter. They enjoyed kayaking, hiking and did day-hikes on numerous trails across the United States and Canada over the past 12 years and had just returned from a month’s long journey through Ontario, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Maine. This trip began with a family reunion in Coboconk that Mike started organizing a couple of years ago. He was so happy that he was able to make it there despite his health problems. Preceded in death by his parents, aunts, uncles and beloved dog Max, Mike is survived by his brother David Connell and sister Carol (Gary) Eugenio, nieces, nephews, numerous cousins and friends. He also leaves Mary, her children and grandchildren. His strength and determination throughout his illness was inspirational. He will be missed greatly. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Salvation Army, the Ronald McDonald House or St. Jude Children’s Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. A Celebration of Life will take place in May 2026. Arrangements are in the care of the Bellaire Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Please sign his online guestbook www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com. |