Vera Lorraine (Stasiak) Guitar

Vera Lorraine Guitar (Virg) 94, of Boyne City, Michigan died at her home on August 18, 2025. Virg was born on August 9, 1931, and was the oldest of 6 siblings. Her parents and maternal grandparents emigrated from Russia, and she was proud of the courage it took for them to make a life in the United States. Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, she graduated from Southeastern High School. On December 26, 1950, she married Richard J. Guitar, and they were married for 54 years.

While still a teenager Virg got the chance to go to Cuba, so she took the opportunity, and the travel bug bit her. She and Richard traveled to many countries on 5 continents, and she was lucky enough to really love all the destinations they visited. She was always a working mom and her jobs combined with good budgeting helped fund their travels and vacations with their kids. She retired from District Health Department #3 after 17 years working as a hearing technician.

Virg was blessed to have many long and enduring friendships, some going back to grade school. She always expressed the importance of those great friendships and how much they meant to her and Richard. With her friends there were many card games played, trips together, morel hunts, boat rides, fishing trips and casino jaunts… all with lots of laughter involved. Late in her life she learned to play Mahjong and made new friends.

She was an avid Detroit Tigers fan going back to her childhood days. Her days were scheduled around “what time the Tigers are on”. The same with MSU Spartans, watching all the football and basketball games that she could. She was quite knowledgeable about those sports, and she was lots of fun to watch the game with. Sparty On Virg!

Virg is survived by son Mark Guitar, daughter Michelle (Steph Moody) Guitar, son Matthew (Jeff Keeth) Guitar, son-in-law Mark (Marci Cole) Crum, and her sister Olga Zilinski. Also survived by grandchildren: Alexandra (Freddie) Thompson, Victoria (Eric) Rota, Troy (Mike Baker) Crum, and Jodi (Kevin) Beebe. Also survived by: 14 great-grandchildren and 8 great-great-grandchildren; nephews and nieces: Marty, Laura, Greg, Larry, and Randy; and her special “stop in buddy” Marty Moody.

Virg was preceded in death by her beloved husband Richard J. Guitar and her beloved daughter Gretchen Crum (Gigi).

The family is holding a private service.

Arrangements are in the care of Stackus Funeral Home.