Steven Charles Kehrer
April 20, 1949 – April 26, 2024
Steven Charles Kehrer, 75, of Curtis passed away unexpectedly Friday afternoon, April 26, 2024 in his home.
Born April 20, 1949 in Garden City, son of the late Charles and Ila Faye (Loughlin) Kehrer. Steve was a graduate of Northville High School and later a 1989 graduate of Northern Michigan University receiving a Bachelor of Science degree.
On August 9, 1969, Steve married his loving wife of almost 55 years Ameda (Meda) Kehrer in Oberlin, Ohio. Later Steve and Meda moved to the Charlevoix area where they spent the next several decades raising their two sons until they built their retirement home in Curtis, MI.
Steve was a member of Men Mending America and the Zion Lutheran church in Petoskey before moving to Curtis where he was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church.
Steve loved going to church and his love for God was unwavering. He also loved coaching, teaching, mentoring and everything that has to do with the outdoors. Especially, hunting and fishing! He was also an avid member of the NRA.
Survivors include his loving wife, Ameda, of Curtis; sons Scott Kehrer of Denmark, Wisconsin and Zach Kehrer of Charlevoix; grandson Jaxson Kehrer of Denmark, Wisconsin; companion dog and best friend, Riley.
Per his request, cremation services were accorded. A gathering of family and friends will take place Monday May 13, 2024 from 10:00 am until 11:00 am at the Zion Lutheran Church, 500 West Mitchell Street, Petoskey, Michigan 49770. A memorial service celebrating the life of Steve will follow at 11:00 am at the church with Pastor Matthew Peters officiating.
Memorials may be directed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or at www.stjude.org in his loving memory.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com
Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
Austin William Berry
May 27, 1997 – April 21, 2024
Austin William Berry, 26, passed away unexpectedly on April 21st, 2024, in Alpena, MI.
Born on May 27th, 1997 in Sault Ste Marie MI to Bill and Stacy (Brow) Berry. Austin was always the light in a dark room, Austin’s sense of humor and laughter was one of a kind. Austin grew up in McMillan, in the upper peninsula. He loved to spend his time fishing on the lake, hunting north of McMillan, or just being with his friends and family.
Austin graduated from Newberry High School. Where he was the quarterback of the football team, point guard on the basketball team, and all-state center fielder for baseball, with a passion for riding snowmobiles. Austin also spent two seasons playing baseball in the Sault for the junior Travelers.
Growing up he was a great kid with a big heart, who loved his family more than he ever let on. Always causing mischief at home with his little brother. He had a very outgoing personality and a loud sense of humor. During his years in school, he seemed to be friends with nearly all of his peers – being the jokester that he was. There were always laughs to be had with Austin around. After school, he denied going to college to start working in heavy equipment for his grandfather. He loved spending time at Oswald’s bear ranch.
Austin leaves behind his Mother and Father, Vernon (Bill) Stacy Berry of Burlington, MI, and Brother Mathew (Kiela) Berry of Burlington, MI. He is survived by his Great Grandfather Carley (Besty) of Lakefield Township, Great Grandmother Mary (Bob) Bowler of Germfask. Grandmother Kathy Berry of McMillan, MI, Grandfather Dean (Sue) Brow of Evart, MI, Grandmother Denise (Tim) Williams of Sugar Island, MI, Uncle Eric (Jamie) Brow of Sault, MI, Uncle Chad Winick of Dundee, MI, Aunt Michelle (Andy) LeBlanc of Brimley MI, Aunt Cherry (John) Cischke of Lakefield Township. He is also survived by many cousins and cherished friends who will miss him dearly. Preceded in death by his Grandfather William Berry.
Funeral services will be on May 4th at 11:00am with a luncheon to follow at the NorthStar Baptist Church in McMillan, MI. 7254 County Road 415, McMillan, MI 49853.
Wallace H. Clickner
June 23, 1952 – April 27, 2024
Lifelong Newberry resident, Wallace “Wally” Henry Clickner, 71, of Newberry, went home to the Lord on Saturday April 27, 2024. Wally was born in Newberry on June 23, 1952, the son of late William and Donna (Davis) Clickner and was a 1971 graduate of Newberry High School.
Wally held various employment in the Newberry area, majority of which as a truck driver, spending most of the time working for Bill Burton, Doug Littlejohn and eventually retiring from Ken Graham Trucking in 2018. After retiring, Wally worked for the DNR in Parks and Rec during the summers and was assigned the duty of “Yard Guard” at French Trucking. Wally was also an accomplished carpenter, building his house with his son, numerous pole barns, deer blinds and an occasional outhouse. He enjoyed being outdoors, spending time visiting with friends and family, hunting with his brother and late friend Ernie, and fishing brook trout on the Tahquamenon. Wally rarely missed coffee with the crew at McDonalds at 9 am and was always quick with a joke or wise crack.
Wally is proceeded in death by parents, William and Donna, brother Albert, and sister Etta.
He is survived by sister Peg (Art) Butkovich of Engadine, brother James Clickner of Hawley, Pennsylvania and brother Claude (Linda) Clickner of Germfask. He is also survived by two sons, Zachary (Heather) Clickner of Newberry and David (Annie) Clickner of Bay City. Wally also had six grandchildren: Dylan, Johnny, Gavin, Kaya, Kaley and Oliver.
Wally was never much for a big fuss, but a celebration of life is being planned for his birthday, June 23, 2024, and will be announced at a later date.
Donations may be directed to Newberry High School Football in his loving memory.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com. Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
Patricia Mae Mark
January 18, 1940 – April 24, 2024
Longtime McMillan resident, Patricia Mae Mark, 84, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loved ones, on Wednesday afternoon April 24, 2024 at Golden Leaves Living Center.
Born January 18, 1940 in Manistique, daughter of Fred and Mary (Troy) Hollingshead. Pat attended school in Seney through eighth grade and was a graduate of Newberry High School.
Pat married the love of her life Russell Mark, on October 1, 1960 and spent the next 62 years together until his death on October 21, 2022.
A resident of McMillan since 1960, Pat was a devoted homemaker, raising her family and being active in her daughter’s 4-H Club and school activities.
Pat was an active member of the McMillan Methodist Church, charter member of the WSCS. She enjoyed gardening, bird watching, reading, going for rides to the casino or back roads with Russ. Her greatest pleasure was spending time with her loved ones, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren whom she loved dearly and was so proud of.
Pat was a housekeeper for many years at area resorts and personal residences. She always received the highest compliments from people she cleaned for who came home to freshly washed walls, the smell of Murphy’s Oil Soap and streak free windows.
Pat took great pride in becoming a CNA. She loved caring for the residents at the former Applewood manor in Lakefield while employed there.
Pat decided to take time away from her CNA job to help care for her grandchildren. She opened her home to other families in need of daycare. Years later, kids still remember and comment on the warm and cozy home she welcomed them into.
Pat enjoyed cooking and baking. Many people have been the recipient of her baked goods, whether it was Russ’s co-workers, family and friends or a church bake sale. She delighted in experimenting with new cookie recipes in the weeks leading up to Christmas.
In addition to her parents and her husband Russell, Pat is preceded in death by her daughter Sheila Mark and siblings Coleen Williams, Marion Wiertella, Almina Iery, Velma French, Pearl Baker, Margaret Maxon, Elmer Hollingshead, Jim Hollingshead, George Hollingshead and Ruben Hollingshead.
Survivors include her daughter Merry (John) Rintamaki of McMillan; grandchildren Jason (Courtney) Tiglas of Oklahoma City, Kelsey Autterson (Jeremy Anderson) of Newberry and Connor Rintamaki of McMillan; great grandchildren Ryan and Griffin Anderson; sibling Anny (Devere) Layman of Fairview; sisters-in-law Laura Hollingshead of Seney and Faith Hollingshead of McMillan; several nieces and nephews.
Per request, cremation services were accorded. A memorial service celebrating the life of Pat will be held on Friday May 17 at 1:00 pm at the McMillan Methodist Church with Pastor Devin Lawrence officiating.
Memorials may be directed to the McMillan Methodist Church in her loving memory.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com
Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
Mary Jane Frazier
September 3, 1954 – April 25, 2024
Mary Jane Frazier, 69, of Naubinway, died peacefully at her home Thursday evening April 25, 2024.
Born September 3, 1954 in Newberry, daughter of late Viles “Buck” and Dorothy (Mattson) Martindale of Newberry, Mary was a 1972 graduate of Newberry High School. She completed a nursing assistant class.
On May 18, 1974, Mary married Dave Frazier Sr. in Newberry. Together they lived and started a family in Naubinway.
Mary was a homemaker, worked with food services, housekeeping, a caregiver and helped with the family commercial fishing business.
Mary was a Lutheran Church member, member of the Big Mac Pack Snowmobile Club and a previous member of the Garfield Township Engadine and Naubinway Fire Department Auxiliary, serving as an officer.
Mary loved most spending time with her family and special longtime companion cat Sissy. She also had a green thumb for growing her gardens, flower beds and house plants. She enjoyed feeding and watching birds and all the Red Wings games.
Mary also loved the outdoors and being next to Lake Michigan and taking in all the sunrise and sunsets. She enjoyed cross country skiing, picking mushrooms, bonfires & cookouts, making Christmas wreaths and baking during the holidays, canning and spending time with all her many friends.
In addition to her parents, Mary is preceded in death by her husband Dave Frazier Sr. on November 15th, 2013; brother James Martindale of Newberry; sister and brother-in-law’s Donald and Dolores “Lori” Brackenbury of Escanaba, Al and Catherine “Toose” Nolton of Waterford, Dan Davis of East Lansing, Mary Oven of Naubinway, Betty Stansbury of Naubinway, Bill and June Frazier of Florida; Betty Frazier of Traverse City, Alex Frazier of Naubinway, George Frazier of Naubinway and Harold Frazier of Naubinway.
Survivors include her children Dave Jr. & (Debra) Frazier of Engadine and Kevin Frazier of Epoufette; grandsons Zachary (Caitlin) Frazier of Newberry and Isak Frazier of Engadine; siblings: George (Tracy) Martindale of Gould City, and Lloyd (Carolyn) Martindale of Newberry; brother-in-law’s: Jim Oven of Naubinway, Walt Frazier of Naubinway, and Peter Frazier of Traverse City; sister- in-law’s: Barb Davis of Lansing; Dave and Sarah Walsh of Naubinway; several cousins, nieces and nephews.
Per request cremation services will be accorded. Graveside services will be held on Saturday June 29, 2024 at 11:00 am at the Naubinway Cemetery with Pastor Tim Miller officiating.
Those who wish can donate to Mackinac Straits Oncology (Hooping for A Cure Fund) at 1140 North State Street, St. Ignace, MI. 49781 in memory of Mary Jane Frazier.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com
Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
Sidney E. Bowler
February 20, 1938 – April 27, 2024
Sidney E. Bowler, 86, of Portage Township, died Saturday April 27, 2024.
Born February 20, 1938 in Lakefield Township, son of the late William and Bertha (Mark) Bowler, Sid attended Newberry High School.
On May 13, 1969, Sid married the former Mary Lou Gragg in Milan, Michigan. While residing in Milan, Sid was formerly employed with the State of Michigan of 11 years and later at Ford Motor Company for 30 years, retiring in 1996.
Following his retirement, Sid and Mary moved back to the Lakefield Township area, residing for 28 years and, most recently, in Portage Township. Sid loved the outdoors, an avid hunter and fisherman and loved snowmobiling and winter sports.
In addition to his parents, Sid is preceded in death by his siblings Margaret, Mable, Leta, James, Doris, Amy, Wesley, Lorrain and Marvin.
Survivors include his loving wife, Mary of Germfask; children James Bowler of Mississippi, Kimberly (Jason) Sexton of Deerfield, Michigan and Anthony (Teresa) Bowler of Deerfield; grandchildren, Schbleena, Crystal, Jessica, and Carly; five great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; brother Melvin “Buster” Bowler of Germfask; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
A gathering of family and friends will take place Wednesday, April 24, 2024 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm and also Thursday, April 25, 2024 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at the Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry. Funeral services celebrating the life of Sidney will follow at 11:00 am on Thursday at the funeral home with Pastor J.D. Livermore officiating. Interment will take place at the West Lakefield Township Cemetery.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com. Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
Death Notice:
Joan (Lowry) McNeill
November 7, 1931 – April 20, 2024
Joan (Lowry) McNeill passed away peacefully on April 20, 2024, in Livonia, Michigan at the age of 92. Prior to moving downstate, she resided in Houghton Lake for many years after raising her family in Curtis. She was predeceased by her husband, Donald McNeill Sr., her son, Michael McNeill, her parents and four siblings. She is survived by her children, Donald McNeill II (Richard Gelazin), Linda Cully, Kathy McCullough (Steven), Patrick McNeill (Cheryl), her sister Mary Lowry Houseman, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A graveside service will be held this summer when she and her husband will be interred together at Portage Township Cemetery in Curtis, MI.
