NICHOLAS R. LEDERLE JR.

LELAND – Nicholas Rosman Lederle Jr., of Leland, passed away Monday, June 13th, 2022, at Munson Medical Center with his loving family at his side. Nick was born February 27th, 1944, in Washington DC and was raised in Washington DC, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia and Leland in the summer. As a teenager he worked as a machinery builder in the Federal Republic of Germany gaining exceptional talent in skilled metalworking. The adventures did not stop there. He met kings, princes, and spies through his father’s government service and employment with Arabian American Oil Company in Saudi Arabia.

The life he lived was amazing! He went to Leland Public School and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo. He also attended the University of Michigan for physics and the University of Wisconsin. He was a genius on many levels. Nick was sought out for his mechanical skills to create many new inventions such as an underwater saw, handicapped children’s bikes, handicapped dog carts, bamboo fly fishing pole maker, equipment capable of drilling holes into carbine, patented steel bolts for heavy machines and underwater welding tools just to name a few.

His love for adventure and ingenuity began with his parents, Nicholas R. Lederle Sr. and Madeline B. Farmer, as he grew up in Saudi Arabia. He built a working shortwave radio with scraps of wood and parts he found before the age of ten. The stories of riding horses in the desert in Saudi Arabia and summering in Leland with his grandparents while working at Vans Garage, Manitou Mail Service and the Lake Michigan Sawmill outside of Leland were highlights. His family owned many historical properties in Leland and his memories of them are documented and we hope to share them with you. The Leland Lodge was once called the Nicholas Hotel after his father and his namesake Nicholas R. Lederle, his Great-Great Grandfather, a famous Great Lakes Captain who had remarkable success navigating the dangerous great lakes’ waters. They all shared the same middle name Rosman, in remembrance of his Great-Great-Great Grandfather, the fi rst inhabitant of the Manitou Islands who received the Gold Lifesaving Medal for valor and charity. He shared many wonderful childhood memories from his incredibly deep mind showing his love for history and for his community.

Many of the men in his family served our country and following in the footsteps of his father, he chose to serve as well. He bought his year-round home in historic Fishtown just before leaving for Vietnam in 1968 because he knew he was coming back. He was far too tall to be a pilot but the United States Air Force recognized his skills and they needed men so he became a pilot. He rose to the rank of Captain and Senior Pilot. He was part of S.O.G., an elite group with Pentagon clearance such as performing surveillance over the Ho Chi Minh Trail in a Cessna O2 Skymaster. This led to his exposure to Agent Orange which, in the end, lead to many health issues. He also became a skilled B-52 pilot and a test pilot for many experimental planes during and after the war.

A true problem solver, many in the community benefited from his abilities, when he returned home to Fishtown. He started and owned General Devices and Fittings in Leland for over fi fty-fi ve years and used this business to help local fi shermen, businesses, sawmills and The Buckley Old Engine Show, fi xing and repairing many of the main show attractions over the years.

He met the love of his life and best friend Susana (Randazzo) Lederle, marrying in August of 1985 in Leland. They became the only year-round residents of Fishtown and remain so today. They started Leland Storage and Fishtown Productions together. She was his everything and the best travel companion, whether on train adventures or underwater fi lming around the world. They had fun! He built upon his home and even harsh winters, mighty storms and rising waters in Fishtown brought excitement and not fear for they knew who built the home and that it would last.

He was a loving supportive father to Susann’s two children Dudley Campbell and Mary K. (Woodruff) Le n. As a grandfather he became St. Nick not because of gifts, but for his deep love of children and animals and of course his genuine giving nature. His deep belly laugh would fi ll a room and beyond. A bringer of joy, storyteller of history both far and near with a photographic memory of details, amazed his listeners. He was and is our hero! Always and forever now! The best of the best, he gave it all for love of family, country and his community. He loved his faith and was a deeply just and kind man.

Nick is survived by his wife Susann, his stepchildren, Dudley Campbell and Mary (Panta) Le n and his step-grandchildren, Sloan Campbell and Panta Le n Jr., Leelyani (Le n) Adderty, Luke Lambdin, Sophia Le n and Delfi no Le n.

He was preceded in death by his parents, adopted son, Craig Lederle and his brother Neil Lederle.

Visitations will be held from 5:00 to 8:00 PM on Friday July 8th with the rosary to be prayed at 7:00 p.m. at Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.

The funeral mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday July 9th at Saint Wenceslaus Church in Gill’s Pier with the family greeting friends at 10:00 AM. Burial in Saint Wenceslaus cemetery will follow the mass. Friends are welcome to the church luncheon after the burial.

Memorials may be directed to the Reining Liberty Ranch, 4656 Silver Pines Rd, Traverse City, Michigan 49685 or at www. reininglibertyranch.org.

Please share condolences with Nick’s family at www.martinson.info.

Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Leelanau.