Paul Gregory Williams
July 28, 1937 – March 13, 2024
Longtime Engadine resident, Paul Gregory Williams, 86, died Wednesday, March 13, 2024 at his residence.
Born July 28, 1937 in Newberry, son of the late George and Olivia (Gregory) Williams, Paul was a 1955 graduate of Newberry High School.
On September 19, 1958, Paul married the former Eileen Nichols at Bethlehem Lutheran Church and made Engadine their home. Paul was employed as a letter carrier for the United States Postal Service for 37 years until his retirement in 1992.
Paul enjoyed both square dancing and calling for the dancers. He would customize each session’s dance level for both the experienced dancers as well as the new dancers by hand picking the music and dance moves. He also enjoyed watching the ore freighters in the Soo and fixing things around the farm.
In addition to his parents, Paul is preceded in death by his brothers Walter Williams and Glenn Williams.
Survivors include his loving wife, Eileen, of Engadine; sons Arthur (Marcia) of Troy, Michigan, George (Gloria) of San Jose, California, Richard of San Jose, California and Michael (Michelle) of Almont, Michigan; grandchildren Evan Williams and Christina Williams; brother Alan (Marie) Williams of Lakeview, Michigan; sister-in-law Leona Williams of Escanaba.
A gathering of family and friends will take place Thursday April 4, 2024 from 10:00 am to 11:30 am at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Engadine. A memorial service celebrating the life of Paul will follow at 11:30 am at the church with Pastor Kyle Kuehl officiating.
Memorials may be directed to the Garfield Township Fire Department, the Garfield Township Ambulance Corp. or the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in his loving memory.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com.
Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
Michael H. Welty
October 11, 1949 – March 11, 2024
Longtime Newberry resident, Michael Harley Welty, 74, died Monday evening March 11, 2024 at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit.
Born October 11, 1949 in Newberry, son of the late Harley and Reba (Leazier) Welty, Mike was a 1968 graduate of Newberry High and graduate of LaSalle University receiving a Bachelor of Science degree.
On July 30, 1969, Mike enlisted into the United States Army serving during the Vietnam War until his honorable discharge of April 10, 1973, attaining the rank of Specialist Fourth Class and a recipient of the Purple Heart of Valor from injuries sustained in combat. Mike continued serving in the Army National Guard for several years until his retirement.
Mike was formerly employed with the Soo Line Railroad, park ranger at the Tahquamenon Falls State Park, Teaching Family Homes in Newberry and, most recently, as a corrections officer at the Newberry Correctional Facility until his retirement.
Mike was a member of the American Legion Post #74 and enjoyed hunting, golfing, camping and casino gaming.
On March 21, 1970, Mike married the former Rose Ann Berry who preceded him in death on June 14, 2008.
Survivors include his children Michael (Angela) Welty of Negaunee and Michelle (Darren) Browning of Garnet; grandchildren Michael (Brandi) Welty of Missouri, Kyle (Faith) Welty of Negaunee, Jacob Blakely and Makayla Blakely both of Tempe, Arizona; great-granddaughter Elayne Welty of Negaunee with one great-grandson to be expected; sister Alice (Jerry) Williams of Tennessee.
Per request, cremation services were accorded. Graveside services will take place Tuesday April 2, 2024 at 2:00 pm at the Hulbert Township Cemetery with Joe Leazier presiding. Full military honors conducted by the United States Army Honor Guard and the American Legion Post #74 of Newberry will follow.
Memorials may be directed to the Luce County Animal Shelter, PO Box 345, Newberry, Michigan 49868 in his loving memory.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com. Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
Veronica E. Ross
July 11, 1939 – March 13, 2024
Veronica Elaine Ross, age 84, of Newberry, passed away peacefully at home on March 13, 2024, under the loving care of her family and North Woods hospice. Veronica was born July 11, 1939, in McMillan, Michigan, to the late Alsem and Goldie (Varnes) Archambeau.
Veronica was a 1957 graduate of Newberry High School, and joined the United States Navy on October 6, 1958, serving at the District Intelligence Office in Philadelphia, PA, where she would eventually meet and marry her husband, Richard E. Ross, on July 11, 1959; she was honorably discharged on December 7, 1959, when they began their family. He preceded her in death on November 9, 2001.
During her husband’s 20-year Navy career in submarines, Veronica traveled and renested with her growing family in Groton, Connecticut; Falls Church, Virginia; Honolulu, Hawaii; Vallejo, California; back to Honolulu, Hawaii and then to Key West, Florida; landing back in Newberry in 1973 upon his retirement. She loved Hawaii best because she never gave birth there! With that said, she loved her family unconditionally, taking care of many nieces, nephews, grandchildren and even great-grands throughout the years. She had an open-door policy, and a joke within the family was that it was a requirement that everyone had to live with grandma at least once. She helped many who needed a hand up.
Veronica was a devout Catholic with a special love for Our Lady and Our Lord. She was a constant figure at St. Gregory’s Catholic Church, teaching, praying and quietly working behind the scenes making sure the rhythm of the liturgical seasons went on as if they had a life of their own. When her long years of confinement started, she was still a wealth of information for those trying to follow in her footsteps. She was loved by many in her church family, and she loved them.
Veronica was a member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians
Veronica is preceded in death by her parents, as well as her sisters Lucille Glenn, Kathleen Kujala, Barbara Edgar and brother, Raymond Archambeau. Sister-in-law, Julia Archambeau; and brothers-in-law Coral Edgar, Joe Glenn, John Drefs, Tom Kujala.
Veronica is survived by her daughter Janet (Louie) Linck, of Newberry; sons Richard (Amy) Ross, of Ellenboro, North Carolina; James (Lynette) Ross of Alanson, Michigan; John Ross of Naubinway, Michigan and Guy (Theresa) Ross of Alamogordo, New Mexico; one sister, Laura Drefs, of Newberry, and one brother, Carl (Mary) Archambeau of East Lansing, Michigan; 18 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, with 2 more great-grands and 1 great-great grandchild on the way.
Visitation will be held at Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry on Tuesday, March 19, 2024 from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm with prayers for the deceased to be recited and rosary beginning at 6:00 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday March 20, 2024 at 1:00 pm at St. Gregory’s Catholic Church with Father Jacek Wtyklo officiating. Rite of Committal with full military rites conducted by the United States Navy Honor Guard and the American Legion Post #74 will follow at Forest Home Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Gregory Catholic Church, 212 West Harrie Street, Newberry, Michigan or to Michigan Right to Life.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com
Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
James Allen Frang
June 14, 1948 – March 1, 2024
James Allen Frang, a beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle, and cherished friend, passed away on March 1, 2024, surrounded by his family who were lovingly by his side. He left behind a void that can never be filled.
Jim was born in Newberry, MI, on June 14, 1948. He is survived by his loving wife, Kaye; their daughters, Stephanie (James) Zimny and Melissa (Matthew) Durish; grandson Jack; sister Jean (Kip) Cameron; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
The true measure of Jim’s character, and his greatest personal achievement, was being a father to Stephanie and Melissa. Jim’s strength and guidance shaped their lives. His love for them knew no bounds, and his unwavering support was a constant source of comfort and inspiration. Jim was the epitome of a loving family man, devoted friend, community volunteer, special uncle, and beloved grandfather.
Jim’s love story began when he met and fell instantly in love with Kaye, his beloved wife of 49 years. Together, they built a life filled with joy, laughter, friends, family, and countless special memories. Kaye was not only his wife but also his partner in every sense of the word. Their love was an inspiration to all who knew them and a testament to the power of a strong and enduring bond.
Jim received a degree in natural sciences from Northern Michigan University and an accounting degree from Saginaw Valley State University. He was a tax auditor for the State of Michigan for 30 years. His ability to make a friend on every audit project is a testament to his warm personality and unwavering integrity. At 18, Jim’s first job was with the Department of Natural Resources in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. His love for the outdoors made working as a park ranger at Muskallonge Lake and Tahquamenon Falls State Parks one of the highlights of his career.
Jim loved spending time at the family camp in the Upper Peninsula near the shores of Lake Superior, also known as Jim’s “happy place.” Decades of precious memories were made with dear friends and family while snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, hiking, fishing, biking, cooking, playing cribbage, and laughing around the dinner table. Jim and Kaye were very active in their retirement years, spending weeks at camp, traveling domestically and internationally, visiting friends and family, and enjoying time together. Jim’s six year old grandson, Jack, spent summers in Harbor Springs and Jim cherished all of the wonderful time they spent together, building upon the special bond they had.
Jim was active in the Harbor Springs community for years. One of Jim and Kaye’s joys was their 10 years of volunteer work with Habitat for Humanity/Church Hammers, where they built 11 homes throughout the community. Jim served as the Chairman of the West Traverse Township Board of Review for 13 years. Since he knew how to build and repair anything and everything, he was always working on an interesting project, including building his own electric bike before they were widely available.
Jim Frang’s memory will forever be etched in our minds and hearts, a reminder of the profound impact one person can have on the lives of others. May we honor his legacy by cherishing our loved ones, embracing the beauty of nature, and living each day with the same love, compassion, and integrity that defined Jim’s life.
The family would also like to extend their deepest heartfelt thanks to Roger Maillefer, MD, and the entire medical team at Charlevoix Hospital for the excellent, compassionate care Jim and his family received. Sincere thanks and gratitude to Kalub Fedak, MD, and Jarrod Hufford, RDN, of Karmanos Cancer Institute; Katie Stafford, FNP, of Northstar Palliative Care; and Jim’s nurses—Rebecca, Lisa, and Gina—from Hospice of Michigan.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 23, 2024, at 11:00 AM at the First Presbyterian Church of Harbor Springs. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Hospice of Michigan at www.hom.org.
