Mary Regina Lautner, 78, of Traverse City, passed away peacefully at her beloved home, surrounded by her loving husband, Duane and her loving family members, on Monday April 13, 2026, after a long and courageous battle with stage 4 lung cancer.

Mary was born, February 26, 1948, in Traverse City, the daughter of Frank and Geraldine (Yorks) Endres Jr. She met the love of her life, best friend, soul mate and husband Duane in 1988. They later married on October 29, 1991.

They spent years on the road with one of their four vans, to visit relatives in Detroit, Florida, Texas, and all points in between as well as the UP of Michigan. They would always take in any and all flea markets that got in their way. Their favorites were Shipshewana, Indiana and the Midland Summer Flea Markets.

Mary was a dedicated and loyal employee of the Meijer’s store in Traverse City, retiring in 2008 after 22 years of service.

While Duane kept himself busy and out of her hair, while working on a tractor, truck, car or some summer farming. Mary dedicated her time to restoring antique furniture and her God given talent of quilting. She never sold one quilt, but rather gave them to family and friends, as a gift of her tremendous love.

Mary confessed early into their relationship he was not her first love; her quilting was!! Duane gladly accepted being # 2. They always reminded each other that the humor between them greatly enriched their marriage. Every day they laughed at some experience in their daily activities and even at each other. Their last conversation everyday ended with “I Love You”.

She loved her family and enjoyed all the gatherings for birthdays and holidays with Easter and Christmas being her favorites. She always looked forward to assemble with Duane their 12 foot Christmas wreath that was displayed on the Lautner family barn on the corner of Garfield Road and Emerson Road. This display included assistance of family members and always a hand full of Duane’s coworkers from Cone Drive Operations where he retired in 2010. They were like family.

Mary will be greatly missed by all who knew her, especially her family and Duane, as she was the love of his entire life. (We all LOVE you so much).

Mary is survived by her husband Duane, her children Gary (Becky)Taylor & Andrea (Chris) Laughlin; grandchildren Johnathon, Tasha (Todd) Watkins and Clayton; brother Mike (Donna) Endres, Sister in Laws Chris Endres , Rosemary Terrell and Shirley (Jim) Robertson; niece Missy (Jerry) Dunham, nephews: Bryan Endres, Mark (Juanita) Collins, Jason (Angelea) Collins, Scott (Heather)Collins, David Endres Jr. and Godson Matthew Endres: Aunt Joann Brow and Uncle Robert Yorks; Step children: Lisa (Jeff) Drudge, Jamie (Deanna) Lautner, Abraham Lautner, Angela Lautner & Bethley Lautner, 14 step grandchildren and many step great grandchildren; step nieces and nephews: Steve Robertson, Cindy (Smith) Robertson, Rob Robertson, Joe (Shannon) Robertson, Sharri Craft, Jimmy Robertson and Marianna (John) Burns, Jeremy (Marcy) Terrell, Andy (Sara) Terrell, Holly (Matthew) Washburn and their beloved dogs Amber & Lily.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents Frank Geraldine (Yorks) Endres Jr., grandparents Frank (Rena) Endres Sr., sister Christine Lynn Collins, brother David Endres and Brother-in-Law Ronald Lautner.

The family would like to thank all at the Cowell Family Cancer Center for all their loving care during Mary’s treatments. A special thank you to Dr, Davenport and staff at Partner’s Family Practice who cared for Mary for 40 years.

Memorials may be directed to either the American Cancer Society or Special Olympics.

Graveside services will be held, Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 10 AM at Oakwood Cemetery, Traverse City, Michigan. open to family and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Covell-Traverse City Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com