Vern Baxter

1934 ~ 2024

Maple City – Vern Baxter, 89 of Maple City passed away peacefully on April 10, 2024 with his family by his side.

Vern was born on September 9, 1934 in Muskegon to the late William C. and Irene C (Buckler) Baxter. He grew up in Leland as his grandfather and three uncles were one of the original fishing families there. He spent most of his youth in Fishtown along the river and shores of Lake Michigan.

When he was 12, his family moved to Paw Paw Michigan after WWII. Here Vern excelled as an athlete. He earned 13 varsity letters in Football, Basketball, Track and Baseball. In 1952-1953 he was named the Athlete of the Year. In 2008 he was inducted into the Paw Paw high school hall of fame.

Vern served our country honorably as a member of the United States Navy. Following his time in the service, he attended Western Michigan University.

In 1964 he moved back to Leelanau County and worked with his uncle Art Borsch in construction. Later on he took over the business which was known for many years as Baxter Builders. He and Jill also owned and operated Traverse Lake Resort and Michigan Traders (now Market 22). In his younger years he loved snowmobiling, horseback riding, fishing and hunting. He loved introducing Michelle to horses and snowmobiling and spent many years deer hunting with Bill in the UP. His biggest love was any time spent in the Upper Peninsula especially at his property in Sidnaw. In his later years Golf was his passion, spending many hours on the course with his grandson Josh, his wife and their tight knit group of friends. On June 25, 1971 he married Jill Dechow at St. Pauls Lutheran Church in Good Harbor.

Vern was an honest, loving, dedicated man who will be greatly missed by his wife of 53 years, Jill; their children Michelle ( Jeff ) Stachnik and William (Traci) Baxter; grandchildren Jillian Glass of Portland, OR and Joshua Glass of Cedar, sister in-law Jan Watson, brother in-law Joe Dechow; many nieces and nephews and his grand dogs Lucy, Rip, Ellie and Ranger.

Vern was preceded in death by his parents, brother William, sister in-law Elizabeth (Beth) and grandson Jacob Glass.

The memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 20, 2024 at 11:00 am at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Suttons Bay with a luncheon immediately following.

Interment at Cleveland Township Cemetery will take place at a later date.

Memorial contributions in his name may be directed to Immanuel Lutheran Church.

Please visit www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com to share your memories and condolences with his family.