Harold L. Lautner

Harold L. Lautner
Died February 18, 2025
CEDAR – Harold Lewis Lautner, passed away peacefully at home with family by his side on February 18, 2025. Harold was born January 22, 1932, in Traverse City, the son of Alvin and Arlene (Boher) Lautner.
On February 11, 1956, he married his sweetheart Frances Schetteck at the Immaculate Conception Church in Traverse City. Frances passed away October 12, 2023, after nearly 68 years of marriage.
Harold had an interest in the tool & die industry. He owned and operated Cherry Bend Tool & Die for over 50 years, which is still an operation till this day. He contributed by making dies for the automotive, clock, street and government. He had employed over 20 employees.
Harold was a hard-working man, who was always on the go. If he wasn't working, he was looking for a good deal on a car, while buying and selling a car/boat/motorhome. He always said he should've owned his own dealership. Harold had another passion for building homes. He built over 20+ beautiful homes in Northern Michigan.
Harold had settled on his family's property in Solon Township. He retired and enjoyed life with his wife traveling, socializing, polka dancing and playing cards. For many years Harold and Frances enjoyed snowmobiling around Leelanau County. Where they became lifelong members of the Cedar Hilltoppers Club. He also enjoyed deep sea fishing near Matlacha Island, Florida. Where he eventually built a home.
Those left to cherish Harold's memories are his two daughters, Pam Williams (Todd Wagner) and Karen Boone (Tom Thatcher) alongside with his two special granddaughters Kelsey and Erica Williams, and a sister-in-law, Sue Fritz.
He is proceeded to death by his loving wife, Frances, beloved son, Ricky, parents, and siblings, Larry and Ronald Lautner and Maxine Nielsen.
The family of Harold Lautner would like to thank you all for your expressions of kindness, sympathy, and prayers. We would also like to thank those that were there in time of need.
In our sadness, we find comfort in knowing that he is reunited with loved ones who have gone before him.
A mass of catholic burial will be celebrated at 1:30 PM on Friday, March 7th at Saint Rita's Catholic Church in Maple city with the family greeting friends at 12:30 PM. Father Ken Stachnik will serve as a celebrant. Burial will take place in the spring at Saint Rita's Joseph Cemetery in Maple City.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Saint Rita's Catholic Church PO Box 75 Maple City, MI 49664 and/or Cedar Hilltoppers Snowmobile Club 7949 S Schomberg Rd, Cedar, MI 49621.
Please share memories and condolences with the family at www.martinson.info.
Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Leelanau.