Ernest Henry Clark
May 17, 1935 – February 14, 2024

Ernest “Ernie” Henry Clark, 88, of Newberry, died Wednesday morning February 14, 2024 at the Meijer Heart Center in Grand Rapids, Michigan after a brief illness.

Ernie was born May 17, 1935 in Garnet, son of the late Truman and Leotta (Shirk) Clark, Ernie was a graduate of Newberry High School.

On March 1, 1955, Ernie enlisted into the United States Army serving until his honorable discharge on February 28, 1957 attaining the rank of Specialist Third Class.  Ernie was transferred to the Army Reserves and continued serving until his honorable discharge on January 31, 1963.

Ernie married the former Sally Gallagher on May 11, 1955 and together they lived in Newberry, raising three children, until her death on June 8, 1998.  He then married Nancy Goldthorpe in 2000.

Ernie was employed as a truck driver for the Barrett Company for several years until his retirement.  Ernie enjoyed snowmobiling, camping, spending time with family and projects with friends.   He was known as the guy willing to help anyone and often plowed snow for neighbors and mowed their yard.

Ernie will be sadly missed by his wife Nancy of Newberry; children Jim (Brenda) of Escanaba, Janet (Greg) Warren of Hartland, Wisconsin and Judy (Mike) Robinson of St. Ignace; step-daughters Kathy (Bill) McNamara of Newberry and Terry Hollister of Dollarville; siblings Louis Clark of Dorr, Michigan and Evelyn Johnson of Rockford, Illinois; sister-in-law’s Pat Bradley of Lakewood, Washington and Jessie Clark of Flint; eight grandchildren with three bonus grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and close friends.

In addition to his parents, Ernie is preceded in death by his first wife, Sally; sisters Mary and Edie; brothers Chuck, Harry and Marvin; brother-in-law Allan Bradley and daughter-in-law Patty Clark.

A graveside service with full military honors conducted by the United States Army Honor Guard and the American Legion Post #74 will be held in the spring of 2024 at Forest Home Cemetery.

Memorials may be directed to the Tahquamenon Area Snowmobile Association, PO Box 305, Newberry, Michigan 49868 in his loving memory.

Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com. Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.

 

Larry Edward Sieggreen
October 10, 1953 – February 12, 2024

Larry “Fuzzy” Edward Sieggreen, 70, of Newberry, died Monday, February 12, 2024 at his residence.

Born October 10, 1953 in Saginaw, son of the late Donald and Lorraine (Bierlein) Sieggreen, Fuzzy was a 1971 graduate of Saginaw Arthur Hill High School and attended Delta College in Saginaw.

Fuzzy owned and operated Sieggreen Construction for over 40 years.  A resident of Newberry since 2000, Fuzzy was a volunteer and past president of the Tahquamenon Area Snowmobile Association and trustee of the Luce County Parks and Recreation.  Fuzzy enjoyed hunting, fishing, reading westerns and was a collector of anything.

In addition to his parents, Fuzzy is preceded in death by his brother Jeffrey Sieggreen and brothers-in-law Ron Pool and Larry Korbein.

Survivors include his loving children, Jason (Joleen) Sieggreen of Beaverton and Elizabeth Sieggreen of Vestaburg; granddaughter Alexes (Steven) Robinson of Bay City; great-granddaughter Scarlett Robinson of Bay City; siblings Pamela Korbein of Henderson, Nevada, Mark (Mary) Sieggreen of Thomas Township, Cindy (Marc) Fitzgerald of Wolverine and Dawn Pool of Saginaw; sister-in-law Renee Sieggreen of Midland; former wife Amy Sutton of Essexville; and several nieces and nephews.

A gathering of family and friends, celebrating the life of Fuzzy, will be held Monday, February 26, 2024 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at the Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry.

Memorials may be directed to the Tahquamenon Area Snowmobile Association, PO Box 305, Newberry, Michigan 49868 in his loving memory.

Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com.

Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.

 

Emil “Mark” Ketola
August 3, 1931 – February 9, 2024

Emil “Mark” Ketola of Milan, Michigan, age 92, passed away Friday, February 9, 2024, at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital.   He was born on August 3, 1931, in Newberry, Michigan to Emil and Pauline (Swisher) Ketola.  On February 11, 1952, he married Donna Fritz at Trinity Lutheran Church in Newberry, Michigan and two days later he left for military duty.

Mark served two years in the United States Army in El Paso, Texas where he was one of only twenty, who worked on the Red Stone Arsenal Guided Missel System.  Following his honorable discharge from the Army, he and Donna moved to Ann Arbor briefly, before settling in Milan.  He and Donna raised their family in Milan and have lived in the same house since 1955.  They were members of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Milan for several years before transferring to Christ Our King Lutheran Church in Saline where they have been active members for several years.  Mark worked for Ford Motor Company, Dearborn plant for over 40 years, retiring in 1990 as a senior parts fabrication specialist.  In his pastime, he enjoyed working on automobiles, fishing, hunting, going to deer camp with his sons and buddies, spending time outdoors and working in his yard.

Mark was a devoted husband to his wife of 72 years, Donna who survives along with his three children: Steven (Bonnie) Ketola of Adrian, Debra (Thomas) Cwynar of Northville and Larry Ketola of Milan, five grandchildren: Jody (Carrie), Matthew (Rachel), Kari (James), Corey and Michael, nine great-grandchildren: Steven, Bethany, Samantha, Wendy, Kasey, Ian, Raiden, Candor and Lorraine, along with ten siblings: Sue, Selma, Helga, John, Paul, Karen, Janice, Linda, Kenneth and Nancy and their spouses. Several nieces, nephews, great nephews and nieces and cousins also survive.

He was preceded in death by his parents and three siblings: Virginia, Joyce and Henry.

Visitation will be held at Ochalek-Stark Funeral Home, Milan on Sunday, February 18, 2023, from 1:00-5:00pm.  Graveside services will be held at Marble Park Cemetery, Milan on Thursday, February 22, 2024, at 1:00pm. A memorial service will be held at a later date at Christ Our King Lutheran Church. Those desiring may make contributions to Christ Our King Lutheran Church.

 

Lillian Mae Hoerz
August 7, 1933 – February 18, 2024

Lillian Mae (Kerridge) Hoerz, 90, of Manistique, Michigan, passed away peacefully after a very sudden decline in her health on Sunday, February 18, 2024 at the Evergreen Living Center in St. Ignace, Michigan.

Born August 7, 1933 in Emmet County, Michigan, daughter of the late Alfred “Spike” and Frances (Hatfield) Kerridge, Lillian was the eldest of three children along with her younger brother Lee Kerridge, and younger sister Gay (Kerridge) Mattson.

Lillian owned and operated a Foster Care Home for more than 20 years in her own home.  She was an active member of the Michigan State Board of Adult Foster Care in Lansing, Michigan for ten years.

Lillian was a member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, serving as Vice Chairperson for the Newberry Unit 2 Elder Tribal Board for nearly 20 years.  Lillian was also a lifetime member of the Order of Eastern Stars, Chapter 98 of Shepard, Michigan.

Lillian enjoyed the outdoors, fishing and hunting. She was an avid gardener, loved to make jams and jellies and can her fresh garden produce.  Lillian enjoyed travelling, country music and dancing. She also enjoyed evenings out at the Manistique Kewadin Casino where almost all of the employees knew her name.

In addition to her parents, Lillian is preceded in death by her husband Walter Hoerz Jr. on January 13, 1998; brother Lee Kerridge and four siblings at infancy; her youngest daughter Beverly Jean (Hoerz) Derusha.

Lillian is survived by her children, Kathy (George) Egert of Newberry Mi. Sherri O’Crotty of Sault Ste Marie, Linda Missler (Bryan Elenbaas) of Cadillac and Elizabeth “Betty” (Dave) Hoerz of St. Ignace and Joe (Karen) Hoerz, of Alborn, Minnesota; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; sister Gay Mattson of Germfask; many nieces and nephews.  Lillian is also survived by her longtime companion, and best friend Nyal Conklin, of Manistique, his son, Wayne and (Tammy) Conklin, of Grand Rapids and all of their family.

A gathering of family and friends celebrating the life of Lillian will be held Thursday February 22, 2024 from 12:00 noon until 1:00 pm at the Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry.  Funeral services will follow at 1:00 pm at the funeral home with Pastor Tim Miller, of the Naubinway Christian Fellowship Church, officiating.  Interment will take place in the spring at the Maplewood Cemetery in Rexton.

Lillian will be missed greatly by so many, from her very large family to friends near and far.  No matter where she went she was known to someone, from politicians in Lansing to bear hunters northwest of Marquette!  What will be remembered by all is how hard she worked, all of her life. She never stopped, something always had to be done. She left us with a great work ethic, she always said.

“If you’re going to do it – do it right or get out of the way and let me do it!”

You will be missed by all of us, Mom. We Love you.

Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com

Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.

 

Terrance Dean Sack
September 7, 1955 – February 16, 2024

Terrance “Terry” Dean Sack, 68, passed away peacefully Friday, February 16, 2024, at home with his loving family. Terry was born September 7, 1955, in Big Rapids to William “Bill” Sack II and Rheta (Shields) Sack. He was the youngest of their three sons. Terry was a third-generation native of Big Rapids and 1973 graduate of Big Rapids High School.

A hardworking provider, Terry logged over a million miles during his 30-plus-year career as a truck driver and proud owner-operator. He had a natural sense of direction and could always be counted on for directions to wherever you needed to go. Although he spent long hours on the road, Terry was a devoted family man who always yearned to return home to his family.

Terry married his first wife, Julia Matthews, in June of 1982 after the two met while Julia was employed at his mother’s antiques shop. Terry and Julia enjoyed nearly 36 years together before her death in 2018. They were blessed with two daughters, Laura and Nicole, who they both loved dearly.

Following Julia’s death, Terry was fortunate to reconnect with Rosemary Clark, who he had met through a mutual friend in 1974. The two were married in December of 2021. Although their time together was short, Terry and Rosemary filled it with memories — blues concerts, antiquing, traveling, and enjoying time with family and friends. Rose lovingly cared for him through his battle with lung cancer.

Terry’s kind heart, generosity, and devotion to those he loved endeared him to all who had the privilege of knowing him. He will also be remembered for his love of fishing, green thumb, and uncanny ability to identify vehicles by taillights alone.

Left to cherish his memory are his beloved mother, Rheta Phillips; wife, Rosemary Sack; daughters, Laura (Noah) Pierson and Nicole (Justin) Caraballo Moran; stepchildren, Terry Clark, Chuck (Denise) Johnson, Stacy (Brian) Scott, Terry (Ann) Johnson, and Karl Johnson; brothers, William (Kathy) Sack and Don (Sue) Sack; grandson, Allen Clark; sister-in-law, Carolyn “Sis” Kenoshmeg; aunt, Patricia Tomlin; cherished cousin and friend, Gloria Salisbury; along with more cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends too numerous to mention by name.

Terry was preceded in death by his father, Bill Sack; wife, Julia Sack; stepfather, John Phillips; and grandson, Rohen Clark.

In accordance with his wishes, Terry will be cremated, and no formal services will be held. Those wishing to honor his legacy are encouraged to send flowers to their mothers or another cherished family member, as family was everything to Terry. Donations may also be made to the Charles E. Fairman Community Pool, where he fondly recalled learning to swim as a boy.

Friends may share a memory with the family at Mohnkefuneralhome.com.

 

Jean Ann Brondyke
May 5, 1946 – February 11, 2024

Jean Ann Brondyke, age 77, of Newberry, Michigan, died on February 11, 2024, at her home surrounded by family. She was born on May 5, 1946, in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, to John Henry and Jean Francis (Palmer) Skinner.

Jean grew up in McMillian, MI, where the Skinner family owned and operated the “Skinner General Store” and the “Cobblestone Bar and Grill.” Jean attended grade school at McMillian School and graduated in 1964, from Newberry Tahquamenon Area Schools in Newberry. After graduation Jean moved to Kalamazoo Michigan to live with her brother John and to seek employment. She worked at Gilmor’s Department Store Ice Cream Parlor and then at the Industrial State Bank Computer Center as a control clerk where she met Edward Brondyke. They married on February 12, 1966, in Kalamazoo, at the Simpson Methodist Church. In October of 1968, Ed and Jean moved to Germfask, Michigan, very near to Jean’s hometown. Jean began working at Falls Building Center in Newberry and Ed worked for the Newberry State Bank. They had their son (John) on December 6, 1970. The couple then moved to Newberry in 1972 and had their daughter (Kimberly) on October 8th, 1973. Jean and Ed lived on McMillian Avenue until 2015 and then they settled at “Watson’s Hill” on Dollarville Road.

Jean was involved in many organizations and founding member and board member of the Luce County Pet Pals; Luce County Link Youth Center board member, vice president, fund raising volunteer; Tahquamenon Area Senior Citizens Store, board member, vice president, sales; Newberry Elks Club Auxiliary, volunteer Kid’s Christmas Party.

Jean enjoyed being a stay-at-home mom raising their two children. She also had a heart for all animals. She enjoyed gardening with one of her favorites being the African Violets. Jean had a wide variety of interests in camping, canoeing, walking the Lake Superior shoreline collecting rocks, driving in the North Country, snowmobiling, reading, home renovations, sewing and crafts.

Jean loved the following poem and would like everyone to feel this when thinking of her.

Miss Me, But let Me Go
When I Come to the end of the day
And the sun has set for me,
I want no rites in a gloom-filled room.
Why cry for a soul set free?
Miss me a little, but not too long.
And not with your head bowed low.
Remember the love we once shared –
Miss me but let me go.
For this is a journey we all must take,
And each must go alone.
It’s all a part of the maker’s plan,
A step on the road to Home.
When you are lonely and sick at heart,
Go to the friends we know.
And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds –
Miss me, but let me go.

(Author unknown)

Jean is survived by her husband, Edward Brondyke; son, John (Christine) Brondyke of Howell, Michigan; daughter, Kimberly (Steven) Johnson of Galien, Michigan;  grandchildren, Jacob, Steven and Kyle Brondyke, and Henry and Neil Johnson.

Celebration of Life will be held at a later date with family.

Family Life Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements. Condolences may be left to the family at www.familylifefh.com.