Traverse City, Michigan
TRAVERSE CITY — Leon Tyrus Kelderhouse was born April 1, 1926, in Maple City, Mich. He was the son of Roland and Agnes (Bartunek) Kelderhouse from the Port Oneida area. He spent the majority of his youth in Leelanau County.
When he turned 18, he began working on the Great Lakes. He sailed for 10 years, advancing to the rank of 2nd Mate with a 1st Class Pilots License, becoming an officer in the U.S. Merchant Marines. During winter layoffs as a seaman, he learned the craft of carpentry. Since that time, he built numerous local homes and office buildings.
In the fall of 1955, Leon met Mary Louise Plamondon, whom he married in the spring of 1956 at St. Mary's church in Lake Leelanau. Over the course of their 53 years together, they had six children.
Lee worked tirelessly to provide opportunities for his children and instill a strong belief system. His hobbies included hunting, fishing, wine-making, story-telling, cooking for family, woodworking, going to garage sales and genealogy. He shared all of these with those he loved. He especially enjoyed spending his free time in passionate discussions with family and friends.
He is survived by his sister, Ruth Lambkin and her three children; and his children, James (Liz), Douglas (Sally), Ronald (Elvie), Neal (Lisa), Linda Oosse (Steve) and Wayne (Becky). His grandchildren are Heather, Kim, Collin, Jared, Katie, Jacob, Levi and Sean. He will be greatly missed by all.
Visitation will be today, July 19, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m., at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. Funeral services will be Monday, July 20, at 11 a.m., with visitation one hour prior, also at the funeral home. Deacon Rene Hoenscheid will officiate. Burial will be at Cleveland Twp. Cemetery.
Memorial donations can be directed to Father Fred Foundation or Special Olympics Michigan - Area 4.
Kindly share memories with the family on Lee's online guest book at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.
The family is being served by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, Traverse City.
This obituary was originally published in the Record-Eagle.
Mary Lou and family.We are very sorry to hear about Leon. We were out of town when he passed and during his funeral. He often visited us at the dealership and became a good friend. We enjoyed his stories about family, building business and merchant marine days. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Otto & Kathy Belovich
otto & kathy belovich
July 26, 2009 | Traverse City, MI
Mary Lou and Family: Sending you my sincere sympathy and prayers to get you through this difficult time. May you find comfort in knowing Leon is at peace now. I just happened to see Leon's name as I was looking for my father-in-law's online guest book. In the years that I worked with you at Munson, I didn't know your maiden name was Plamondon. My mother's maiden name is Rose Plamondon and she is also from Leelanau County. Please take care of yourself and I hope that your pain will soon be...
Vickie Emerson
July 24, 2009 | Williamsburg, MI
Mary Lou, Wayne, Neal and Family, my deepest sympathy in Uncle Leon’s Passing. The times we shared have made a large impression on my life. I looked forward to seeing him during Port Oneida Days. His passion for the Kelderhouse Family Name with our long Prussian History, and the stories of our family’s Schooners Traveling the Great Lakes from the Oneida Region of New York. Along with the vast history our ancestors have compiled over the past 150 years in this region. His contribution to our...
Dennis Kelderhouse
July 22, 2009 | Traverse City, MI
Mary lou, So sorry, and so surprised to read of Leon's death. We never realized he was a seaman ! We only knew of him as a carpenter, and marveled at all he did. He was a fine hardworking man. How time flies. It seems we were neighbors only yesterday - with all those kids... Walt (Phil) and Susan Feiger
Susan Feiger
July 21, 2009 | Traverse City, MI
I have many fond memories of growing up on Sylvia Street and Leon and Mary Lou are a part of those memories. I remember that on their wedding day, they brought friends over to see their new home and it was exciting for me to see them all dressed up in their wedding attire. I remember babysitting for the older boys, the addition to the house and finally the moving to a bigger home. Mary Lou was my sponsor when I was Confirmed and I still have the bracelet she gave me as a gift. All...
Midge Elbode Werner
July 20, 2009 | Suttons Bay, MI
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Uncle Lee will be truly missed, he had a very gentle caring spirit about him, who enjoyed his grand children 100%, and always put his family first.
I will think of him every time I am in the Port Oneida area, walking the shoreline, which is all summer :)
Shannon Routzahn
July 20, 2009 | Cedar, MI
mary lou and family. so sorry to hear about the passing of leon, to me he was a very nice person, always smiling and a cheerful person. he will be missed. betty risden wellston,mich
July 19, 2009
Linda and Family, Wanting to let you know you are in our thoughts and prayers. We are here if there is anything we can do.
God Bless,
Chris,Kim,Taylor & Brandon Town
July 19, 2009
Sorry to hear about Leon, what a lovely person. Our family will be one person short at the Bartunek Family renuions
Bev Smith
July 19, 2009 | South Haven, MI
