Matthew L. Posner

Matthew L. Posner
Died March 20, 2025
Matthew Leland Posner, 77, passed away suddenly on March 20, 2025, following many years of progressing dementia. He led a full and meaningful life of peace, love, and community. Born in Detroit, Michigan on May 5, 1947, Matthew was the youngest of four children of Dr. Irving Posner, a pediatrician, and Helen (Podolsky) Posner, a Detroit school social worker. A mere few weeks after Matthew's birth marked an important milestone for the Posner Family, as 1947 was the year the family purchased land on Grand Traverse Bay, near the tip of Leelanau County.
Matthew was known for his warm and generous spirit, his wit and sharp intellect, his playful humor, and his unwavering dedication to social justice. He graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in zoology. He and his lifelong friend Josh Pokempner later traveled the bluegrass music festival circuit, selling "Get High on Bluegrass" bumper stickers. From 1971 to 1976, he and other friends operated Indian Summer, one of the first natural food restaurants, in Ann Arbor. After earning his J.D. from Wayne State University Law School in 1981, he began a respected legal career with his wife and law partner, Marian Kromkowski. They married on July 13, 1980, in South Bend, IN. His legal work focused on criminal defense and appellate law, and he practiced with integrity and compassion for over four decades.
Beyond his legal work, Matthew was an engaged contributor to civic and cultural life. He was a passionate supporter of the arts and humanities, especially through his involvement in the Friends of Fine Arts and Great Books programs in Suttons Bay. He was a board member of the Northwestern Branch of the ACLU of Michigan, a member of the League of Women Voters, as well as an active parent and advocate for the Leelanau Montessori Public School. Matthew was always a peace activist. He "marshalled" many demonstrations in Traverse City and was active in MidEast: JustPeace. Matthew was an early performing member of the Leelanau Players theater group. In more recent years, he sang in the Village Voices choir. Matthew also had a deep love for nature and was a steward with the Leelanau Conservancy. He contributed to the marking of the trails at the Leelanau State Park in Northport as a CETA worker in the 1970s.
A proud cultural Jew, Matthew was devoted to preserving and sharing Jewish culture, especially its stories, values, and traditions. For years, he brought Jewish holidays alive for children and families in the broader community-visiting the local Montessori School to tell the stories of Hanukkah and play his clarinet. With humor, wisdom, and empathy, he presented ancient traditions through joyful, accessible storytelling for young audiences.
Matthew loved his family and was a wonderful father to his three daughters, Esther, Claire, and Ellen. He would often say with sincerity in his voice and warmth in his eyes, "We have a loving family." He enjoyed growing organic vegetables and harvesting raspberries from the garden. Matthew was devoted to the many pets his family had over the years, and he made sure the chickens, ducks, and goats were taken care of no matter the weather. He cherished time spent together with family and friends at the Posner cottage, where generations of community continue to gather.
Even after he started experiencing symptoms of dementia, he still continued to tell his favorite stories of seeing the Beatles twice, the history of Vernors pop, and the sad tale of Roy Orbison (along with a rendition of the song "Crying"). His love for taking scenic drives through Leelanau County and watching the sunset over Lake Michigan followed by the full moon rise over Grand Traverse Bay never faded. He could be counted on to sing "Unchained Melody" to his wife with sincerity and love. Always a joker, he often introduced himself as Jimi Hendrix with a mischievous twinkle in his eye. His sly humor led him to asking people on the street, "Where is Lake Michigan?", which would end in laughs and Matthew sharing a story or two about the county. Last but not least, Matthew was an insatiable cookie connoisseur, hailing oatmeal raisin as his favorite.
Matthew is preceded in passing by his parents, brother M. Jon Posner, and brother-in-law Arthur Samberg. He is survived by his wife, Judge Marian Kromkowski of Suttons Bay; daughters, Esther Posner of Coburg, Germany, Claire Posner-Greco (and husband Stephen Greco) of New York, NY, and Ellen Posner of Eugene, OR; granddaughters, Marian, Catherine, and Lidia; siblings, David Posner and Rebecca Samberg; sister-in-law Roberta Henrion; and many nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends.
He will be deeply missed-and forever remembered-for the stories he told, the lives he touched, and the ideals by which he lived. The family is especially grateful to the staff at the Northport Highlands Memory Care Unit for their loving care of him for the past eight months. A celebration of life will be held in the summer of 2025. His family welcomes stories of Matthew's life on the following website: https://www.facebook.com/MartinsonFuneralHome
Contributions in his name may be made to the Leelanau Christian Neighbors PO Box 196 Lake Leelanau, MI 49653 or the Leelanau Conservancy PO Box 1007 Leland, MI 49654.
Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Leelanau.