1929-2007

Services were held Wednesday, Sept. 5, at Bethany Lutheran Church in Northport, for Mary Ellen Krupka of Traverse City who died Aug. 3. at Culver Meadows. She was 78.

She was born in East Leland on July 23, 1929, the daughter of Albert William Spinniken and Emma Marie Kahrs. On Dec. 22, 1956, in Traverse City, she married David John Krupka, who preceded her in death in 1983.

She was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church in Northport. She taught school in Northport and Traverse City. She was also the Leelanau County 4-H director and retired as activities director for the Leelanau Memorial Hospital in Northport. She was an avid bird watcher.

She is survived by a son, Edward Krupka of Northport; a daughter, Helen (Paul) Phelps of Pickford; two sisters, Ruth W. Evens and Carol Spinniken; and three grandchildren.

She was predeceased by two brothers, David A. Spinniken and Robert Spinniken.

Burial will be in the East Leland Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association, 1040 Walnut St., Traverse City, MI 49686.