Carolyn Buehrly

Born May 5, 1925, in Adena, Ohio, a daughter of Stanley and Mary (Stachura) Satory, Carolyn spent most of her childhood in Adena and Steubenville, Ohio, before her family relocated to Detroit where she graduated from high school. During her high school days, a teacher once asked the class what their predictions for the future were. Carolyn, often shy, responded that she thought a day would come when people would be able to not only talk on the phone, but at the same time see the people they were calling. We are not sure what the reaction to that farsighted statement was, but she did live to see her vision come true as she and her husband, Carl, enjoyed face timing with their children and grandchildren.

The child of Depression Era parents, Carolyn learned early in life the value of work and developed an appreciation and admiration for the simple and finer things of life. Like so many young women of her time, one of her first job experiences was employment as a switchboard operator, with Michigan Bell Telephone Company. She later moved to the Thumb Area of Michigan where she was employed as an office manager and bookkeeper for Jensen Hereford Farms in Sandusky. It was there she met Jensen Farms herdsman, Carlton Edward Buehrly. On October 28, 1950, the couple was united in marriage in Sandusky, making their first home at Jensen Farms. Later when Carl’s work took them to Clarklake, Michigan, the couple began raising a family and Carolyn settled into her most fulfilling role of wife, mother, and homemaker. For over 20 years they resided in Southern Michigan until another employment opportunity opened for Carl in 1973 at the Michigan State University Experiment Station in Chatham and the move to the Upper Peninsula came about. When Carl retired in 1993, the couple moved to Kiva where they enjoyed the solitude and beauty of the area and visits from family and friends. Throughout the years, Carolyn was a very supportive mother who delighted in the accomplishments of her children and grandchildren.

She loved flowers, kept beautiful gardens, and made family celebrations of the holidays extra special. She possessed a beautiful soprano voice, and the family home was always filled with music. She had a tender heart for all animals. In 2009, the children gave Carolyn the special gift of a rescue dog, Missy, who provided countless hours of companionship and comfort following Carl’s passing.

Carolyn is survived by her children, Robert (Vickie) Buehrly of Traunik, Colleen (Michael) Portale and Mary Lynn Buehrly both of Mason; her grandchildren, Bridgette (John) Woodham, Tiffany (Terry) Johnson, Bethany Buehrly, Andrew (Chelsea) Portale, and Ashley Portale; great-grandchildren, Clay Johnson, Stella Johnson, John Woodham, Audrey Portale, and Theodore Portale. In addition to her parents,

Carolyn was preceded in death by her husband of nearly 70 years, Carlton, on October 14, 2020; and brothers, Francis and Rudolph Satory; and her canine companion, Missy.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to all the caregivers who attended to her for the past three years.

Friends may call at Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services on Friday, March 1st beginning at 1:00 pm until the time of service at 3:00 pm. Rev. Greg Heikkala will officiate. Interment will be made in the spring at the Marlette City Cemetery in Marlette, Michigan.

Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com.