Buddy Schardt

Buddy Edward Schardt, loving brother, father, uncle and friend, rejoined his parents, Gerald Sr. and Alice, on July 5, 2014.

A lifelong resident of Traverse City, Buddy enjoyed wood crafting, mechanics, fishing, fast cars and being with his fellow recovery community.

After graduating from Traverse City Central he went on to attend Northwestern Michigan College and Arizona State University, pursuing a degree in engineering.

Buddy’s dream was to build an underwater submersible to explore the murky depths of the local lakes and bays. He tried his hand at robotics and created a remote controlled snow blower, which he donated to the Career Tech Center in Traverse City. He later established his own successful marine and small engine repair business from his home.

He leaves behind his children, daughter, Kari Massa, of Williamsburg, and son, Thunder VanBrocklin, of Seoul, Korea; his siblings, Doris (Schardt) Jennett, of Columbus, Ohio, Ila (Merle) McDiarmid, of Irons, Gerald (Sydney) Schardt Jr., of Columbus, Ohio, Barbara (Art) Vredenburg, of Mesick, Richard Schardt, of LaFayette, Ind., and Antonia (Ronald) Aeschliman, of Traverse City; several nieces and nephews; ex-wife, Catherine Ray; and special friend, Andrea Polhamus.

Honoring his wishes, Buddy will be cremated. The family welcomes you to a celebration honoring Buddy’s life, which will take place Sunday, July 13, 2014, at the Reserve in the Streeters Center, 1669 S. Garfield Avenue, Traverse City, with a memorial from 1 to 2:30 p.m., followed by a reception from 2:30 until 4 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a memorial donation to the Buddy Schardt Memorial Fund at Members Credit Union, PO Box 795, Traverse City, MI 49686, or at any branch.

Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to sign the guestbook and share a message with his family.

The family chose Life Story Funeral Home, Traverse City.