Martin C. Kohlligian

Martin C. Kohlligian, 89 of Petoskey, passed away Tuesday, July 17, 2018 at McLaren Northern Michigan.  His life will be remembered and celebrated on Saturday, July 21, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. during a Funeral Mass that will be held at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Petoskey; the Mass will be led by Fr. Dennis Stilwell.  Visitation will be held at Stone Funeral Home, also in Petoskey,  on Friday evening from 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Martin was born on February 27, 1929 in Detroit, the son of Harry and Anna Kohlligian.  He was a graduate of Cass Tech High School, Class of 1947.  Upon graduation from high school, he played the trombone with several big bands.  He went on to attend Wayne State University and Michigan State University where he earned a Bachelors Degree in Restaurant Management.  Martin later earned a Masters Degree in Business Administration.  In 1954 he entered service with the United States Army and served in Korea.  He received an honorable discharge in 1956.

He married Jessica Nolan on February 13, 1971 in Detroit.  Jessica preceded Martin in death on April 7, 2010.

Martin worked for Ford Motor Company as Manager of Food Services, and was the Director of Food Service for all of General Motors’ North American operations.  He also worked for the University of Nebraska and Service America.  Martin subsequently became a partner in the management consulting firm of Stephen Bangs Associated, Inc., serving that company as its President until his retirement in 1990.  He and Jessica moved to Petoskey in March of 1991.  Martin was a great cook, and he loved few things more than cooking for and entertaining both family and friends.  He was a true gentleman and will certainly be missed.

Martin's surviving family include his son, Lewis Kohlligian of Las Vegas, Nevada, his two daughters, Ann Marie Kohlligian of San Francisco, California, and Pamela Lane of Clarion, Pennsylvania, and two grandchildren, Dorothy Kohlligian and Maxfield Lane.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry Kohlligian and Anna (Kohlligian) Gigante, and his step-father, Samuel Gigante. 

Friends wishing to remember Martin through a charitable contribution may wish to consider St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church or Little Traverse Bay Humane Society.

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