The Islander is a free weekly community newspaper serving Anna Maria Island. There is no charge for our standard obituary, including survivors, services, photo and other lifetime information for present and former residents of Anna Maria Island and people with affiliations on Anna Maria Island.
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Bonner Joy, Publisher. news@islander.org
Susanne Arbanas,
The Islander notes the passing of Susanne Arbanas, the island’s self-proclaimed “director of contagious enthusiasm,” a much-loved personality, business woman, a specialist in making people happy as a vacation concierge. Arbanas was found deceased on Dec. 8 in her Perico Island apartment. She is survived by her father, Ron, who resides on Anna Maria Island, a brother and her many friends are planning a celebration of life — to be announced — after press time Dec. 15. Please, check on Facebook and The Islander website, islander.org, for more information.
Ronald H Tutewiler
Ronald H. Tutewiler died June 3, in Bradenton.
He was born May 6, 1937, in Battle Creek, Michigan, the son of George “Jack” and Thela Tutewiler.
He graduated from Battle Creek Central High School in 1955, where he played trombone in the school band. As a young man, he enjoyed driving stock cars at Galesburg Speedway.
He worked for Michigan Bell Telephone for 34 and a half years, taking an early retirement in 1990. After a couple years of projects at the house on Crooked Lake, he worked part-time for a few years at Barry County Telephone.
He married Gail Foster in 1981 in Richland, Michigan, and they lived at Crooked Lake in Delton for more than 17 years.
He loved to fish for bluegill off his dock, cruise the lake in his pontoon and entertain friends and family. He fell in love with golden retrievers when a coworker gave him a 7-year-old golden named Paulo.
In 1994, the family started spending winters at a condo on Anna Maria Island, where he enjoyed bicycling, amusement parks, and entertaining family and friends. He was a member of Mote Marine Laboratory.
They spent summers in Michigan and, after 30-plus years on Anna Maria Island, they moved to a home in Northwest Bradenton.
They were members of Roser Memorial Community Church and season ticket holders at the Island Players for more than 30 years.
He was an avid Michigan sports fan, especially rooting for the Detroit Red Wings.
Memorial donations may be made to Roser Church in Anna Maria, or to the Golden Retriever Rescue of Mid-Florida.
A service was held in June in Otsego, Michigan.
A Florida celebration of life for Mr. Tutewiler with refreshments will be held 4-6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 5, at the Key Royale Club, 700 Key Royale Drive, Holmes Beach. The Rev. Dirk Rogers from Roser Church will say a few words.
Mr. Tutewiler is survived by his wife, Gail; four children from a previous marriage, Ronda Ernsberger, Kathy Williams, Terri and husband Carl) and Greg and wife Tammy, all of Michigan; 13 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.