Philip J Pelky

Phil was born on August 23, 1918 in Empire, the son of Lugay and Ellen (Drow) Pelky. He was a flight instructor for the United States Navy during WWII and later operated Grand Traverse Air Service delivering the US Mail and shuttling people on various trips. His love of flying offered an opportunity to manage airports in his early years, but eventually he put his mechanical and engineering skills to good use by becoming a die maker. In 1943, he was wed to Kathryn (Bivins) Turnblom, and raised five children. In 1984, he sold his half of Pinecrest Engineering so he could enjoy retirement. He was a wonderful family man who enjoyed gardening, woodworking, spending time outdoors, making fruit jams, and was a Master wood turner. He was very humble and would always greet people with a smile.

Several years after his wife passed away, Phil formed a special friendship with Eloise Lund. They spent the last 15 years having fun no matter what they did; traveling, playing Rummikub, riding his ATV through his wooded trails, and countless other adventures. Phil was a member of St. Philip Neri Catholic Church. He was a former Eucharistic Minister and had also served on the parish finance committee.

Phil is survived by his children, Sandra (Gary) John, Janis Glassner, and Don Pelky all of Traverse City and Ted Pelky of Brunswick, GA; grandchildren, Michael Kearney, Garrick (Chris) John, and Ryan (Kara) Farage; great grandchildren, Evan, Katelin, Kaylee, Preston, Taylor, and Ellesyn; sisters, Evelyn Hutchins, Sister Theresa Pelky, and Lillian Pelky; and his extended family, Eloise Lund, Dave and Sharon Lund, Pat and Jim Shaffer, and Chris and Dawn Lund.

He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Kathryn; son, Rick Pelky; son-in-law, Jerry Glassner; and siblings, Lawrence, Thomas, Harold, William, Esther Bernard, Raymond, and Julia Worden.

Visitation will be Wednesday, June 17, from 5 to 7 p.m., with a rosary recitation at 6:30 p.m., at Covell Funeral Home, Traverse City. A Mass from the Order of Christian Funerals will be celebrated at 11 a.m., with visitation from 10 a.m., Thursday, June 18, at St. Philip Neri Catholic Church, Empire. Memorial contributions may be made to Empire Fire Memorial Fund.

Please share your fond memories of Phil at www.CovellFuneralHomes.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Covell Funeral Home.