Marion M. Sharp
November 6, 1929 – May 30, 2024
Longtime Newberry resident, Marion Marcelline Sharp, 94, died Thursday morning May 30, 2024 at McKinley Manor Assisted Living in Sault Ste. Marie in the presence of her loving family.
Born November 6, 1929 in Detroit, daughter of the late Aloysius and Stella (Sifka) Zoltowski, Marion was employed at Cadillac Motor Car Company where she met Norman L. Sharp and were united in marriage on September 5, 1953.
Marion moved with her husband to Newberry in 1958 where she was employed at WNBY radio station and later as a confidential secretary for the Village of Newberry for several years until her retirement.
Marion was a member of St. Gregory’s Catholic Church, the Luce County Historical Society, former member B.P.O.E. #1705 Gazelles and the Business and Professional Club.
Marion had a deep love and devotion to the Catholic Faith which served as a foundation in her life and her children.
In addition to her parents, Marion is preceded in death by her husband on January 28, 2022; siblings Raymond (Stella) Stevens, Norman (Helen) Zoll, Ervin Zoltowski, Aloysius (Virginia) Zoltowski and Robert (Helen) Zoltowski.
Survivors include her loving children Karen Kujala of Newberry, Cheryl (Eugene) Johnson of Ocean Pines, Maryland, Larry (Dawn) Sharp of Bessemer, Gary (Monica) Sharp of Sault Ste. Marie and Marikathryn Boulton of Newberry; 8 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren.
A family Memorial Mass will be celebrated Friday June 7, 2024 at 1:00 pm at St. Gregory’s Catholic Church in Newberry with Fr. Jacek Wtyklo officiating. Rite of Committal will follow at Forest Home Cemetery.
Memorials may be directed at St. Gregory’s Catholic Church or the Luce County Historical Society in her loving memory.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com. Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
Julie Kay Freeman
March 19, 1962 – May 28, 2024
Longtime Engadine and Newberry resident, Julie Kay Freeman, 62, died Tuesday morning, May 28, 2024 at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit in the presence of her loving family.
Born March 19, 1962 in Manistique, daughter of the late William and Edna (Zenker) Rushford, Julie was a 1980 graduate of Engadine High School.
On March 15, 1980, Julie married Robert Freeman in Engadine.
Julie was formerly employed at Applewood Manor, Newberry Assisted Living Community, Golden Leaves Living Center, West Mackinac Dental Clinic, St. Ignace News, Engadine Area News Columnist, and also was the first independent cell phone retailer in Engadine. She was also cooked at many area restaurants over the years.
Julie enjoyed camping, cooking, spending time with her family, kids and grandchildren, and caring for others. She also enjoyed playing league softball in her younger years.
In addition to her parents, Julie is preceded in death by her grandson Ely Morrison and siblings Raymond “Mike” Rushford, Fred Rushford, Janice Pershinske and Brother-in-Law Steve Freeman.
Survivors include her loving husband, Robert, of Newberry; children Travis (Sarah) Freeman of Newberry, Meggan Freeman of Menominee, and Tyler (Alicia Cool) Freeman of Cheboygan; grandchildren Laney Puckett, Paige Freeman, Mallory Morrison, Ethan Morrison, Ely Morrison, Bradley Hutchinson, Samantha Freeman, and Audrianna Baker; siblings Russell Rushford of Curtis, Ronald Rushford of Gould City, Jane (Leroy) Stefanich of Gould City and Jeanne Matchinske of Gould City, sister-in-Law Patricia Cottle of Pickford, several nieces and nephews and her favorite dog who was always at her side Bell.
A gathering of family and friends will take place Tuesday, June 4, 2024 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at the Gould City Community Church in Gould City. Funeral services celebrating the life of Julie will follow at 11:00 am at the church with Betty LaPointe officiating. Interment will take place at the Garfield Township Cemetery in Engadine. A luncheon will follow at American Legion Post 290 in Engadine, hosted by the Post Ladies Auxiliary.
Memorials may be directed to Yooper Youth, 412 West Ave. D, Newberry, Michigan 49868 in her loving memory.
The family wishes to express their gratitude and thanks to the staff and medical team at Helen Newberry Joy Hospital and Healthcare Center for their outstanding care.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com. Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
David N. Scholtus
May 20, 1948 – May 8, 2024
David Nelson Scholtus of Lansing, MI passed away on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, at the age of 75. He was born on May 20, 1948, the fourth child of John and Mary (Pelletier) Scholtus. David was raised in Newberry, MI where he attended school and graduated in the class of 1967.
David was drafted into the United States Army where he served with pride in the Infantry Division during the Vietnam War. David received the nation’s second highest award for valor, the Distinguished Service Cross, for extraordinary heroism during his time in Vietnam, David also received both the Silver and Bronze Star as well. Upon his honorable discharge, he returned to Michigan and settled in Lansing, embarking on a career as a builder. Over the years, he contributed his skills to various contractors, eventually retiring from S&S Contractors.
Beyond his professional endeavors, David found joy in pursuits like golfing, a passion that reached a pinnacle when he scored his first hole-in-one at Ironwood Links on June 25, 2016. He also had a taste for gambling, regularly trying his luck with the daily Powerball and enjoying trips to the casino. Additionally, he cherished outdoor activities like hunting, fishing, and escaping to northern Michigan, particularly his hometown of Newberry.
David is survived by his son, Ryan Scholtus; daughter, Dulci Scholtus; grandchildren, McKenzie, Brent, and Caleb Scholtus, Jessica, Rachel, Angel, and Brandon Reitz; great-grandchildren, Kyler, Caiden, and Stella; siblings, Paul, Ron (Debbie), and Trisha Scholtus; special friend, Penny Boggs, close friends, Mel Ulbeck and Randy Brown, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Mary Scholtus, and siblings, Bob, Jack, and Judy Freed.
A memorial service in honor of David was held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, May 18, 2024, at Skinner Funeral Home in Eaton Rapids. The family welcomed guests from 10:00 AM onwards and hosted a meal immediately following the service.
Officiating: Pastor Chuck Jenson, West Carmel Congregational Church, Charlotte, MI. Military Honors: VFW Post 6056, Michigan Army National Guard.
Those wishing to honor David’s memory may contribute to the Wounded Warrior Project. Memories and condolences can be shared online at www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com
Ronald G. Williams
January 25, 1947 – May 30, 2024
Ronald Grant Williams, 77, of McMillan, died Thursday, May 30, 2024 at his residence.
Born January 25, 1947 in Grand Rapids, Ron was a graduate of Union High School and attended college receiving an apprenticeship.
Ron started his employment career as a pattern and model maker in Grand Rapids, moving to Plymouth and working in job shops. Ron was at the top of his profession in the trade. Ron served as president of union IAMAW Local Lodge PM 2848. He was proficient in carpentry work, remodeling houses, along with plumbing and electrical work.
On March 10, 1978, Ron married the former Linda Klein in Lake Tahoe, Nevada and spent six weeks traveling western United States and skiing along the way. Ron and Linda were avid travelers, enjoying the outdoors.
Ron had a loving relationship with his grandchildren, enjoying playing catch with Josia, playing with Play Doh and puzzles with Jenna and watching alien shows on the History Channel with Jeremiah. Gideon and Azariah were always loved and enjoyed playing with Grandpa.
In addition to his parents, Ron is preceded in death by his brothers David Williams and Steve Williams; sister-in-law Sandy Driller.
Survivors include his loving wife, Linda, of McMillan; children Danielle “Danie” Williams of McMillan and Robert “Robie” (Cheyenne) Williams of Gwinn; grandchildren Josia, Jenna, Jeremiah, Gideon and Azariah; sibling Barb Billings of Grand Rapids; sisters-in-laws Eunice Williams of Holland, Patricia Williams of Jackson and Susan Knudsen of Arizona; brothers-in-law David Klein of Florida, Don Klein and Dan Klein both of Ann Arbor; several nieces and nephews.
Per request, cremation services were accorded. A gathering of family and friends celebrating the life of Ron will take place Saturday June 22, 2024 starting at 3:30 pm at his residence, 4316 County Road 135, McMillan, Michigan 49853.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com. Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
Richard G. Bowler
October 13, 1964 – May 26, 2024
Richard Gerald Bowler, 59, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, died Sunday morning, May 26, 2024 at his residence.
Born October 8, 1964 in Manistique, son of the late Eugene & Mary (Clark) Bowler, Richard was a 1982 graduate of Ypsilanti High School.
On October 13, 1982, Richard enlisted into the United States Army serving until his honorable discharge on February 12, 1985, attaining the rank of Specialist Fourth Class.
On September 2, 1989, Richard married the former Caroline Bissonnette in Newberry. Richard was employed as a forklift operator for General Motors for 31 years until his retirement in 2016.
Richard was a frequent visitor to the McMillan area where he enjoyed hunting, snowmobiling and spending time with his family.
In addition to his parents, Richard is preceded in death by his brothers Keith Bowler and Dwight Bowler; mother-in-law Sue Galor.
Survivors include his loving wife, Caroline, of Fort Wayne, Indiana; children Daniel (Brooke Leatherman) Bowler of Fort Wayne, Indiana, Brent Bowler of Chesterton, Indiana and Jessica (Taylor Leavelle) Bowler of Dayton, Ohio; granddaughters Raven Bowler and Daisy Back; siblings Jean Taylor of Belleville, Gary (Pam) Bowler of Inverness, Florida, David (Tammy) Bowler of Fort Wayne, Indiana, Jayne (Bob) Morgan of Ypsilanti and Kathleen Matts of El Paso, Texas; sisters-in-law Cheryl Bowler of Ypsilanti and Dottie Bowler of Republic; numerous nieces and nephews.
Friends may call at the Beaulieu Funeral Home on Wednesday, June 5, 2024 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Funeral services celebrating the life of Richard will be held Thursday June 6, 2024 at 11:00 am at the funeral home with Pastor Paul Williams officiating. Interment with military honors conducted by the American Legion Post #74 and the United States Army Honor Guard will follow at the West Lakefield Township Cemetery.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com. Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
Margie Lucile Weger
October 25, 1925 – February 26, 2024
Margie Lucile Weger, age 98, passed away on February 26, 2024. She lived a full life as a wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend who blessed others with her smile, infectious laughter, and warm hugs and will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Margie (Kerridge) was born on October 25, 1925, in Levering Michigan. She always enjoyed helping others. During WWII, she left the comfort of her home in the UP to stay with friends of the family in Detroit to serve her country and support the war effort. A one of a kind “Rosie Riveter.” She then married her best friend, Kenneth (Bud) Weger on December 31, 1945, and were later blessed with a son. Margie resided in Garnet, Michigan much of her life as a homemaker. However, she took every opportunity to serve over the years in her local community from participating on the Engadine school board, Hudson Township board, and Rexton’s Women’s Auxiliary. When needed, Margie stepped up and subbed at the local post office as postmaster for many years. She loved people and talking to others. She showed her love best through her baking and blessing others with her delicious treats. Later in life, she enjoyed spending time at the casino, playing bingo, going to the senior center always talking with others and making new friends.
Margie is survived by her son Ron (Jackie), grandchildren (Travis, Tara, & Ronnie), and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by both parents, siblings and their spouses, her husband, and her granddaughter, Lindsey.
A graveside memorial service, officiated by Pastor Tim Miller, will be held for family and friends at Maplewood Cemetery in Rexton, Michigan on June 22, 2024, at 11 am. A luncheon and time of fellowship will immediately follow service at the Hudson Township Hall.
John C. Matchinski
June 7, 1971 – May 28, 2024
John Charles “Johnny” Matchinski, 52, of Engadine, died Tuesday morning, May 28, 2024 at his home surrounded by his loving wife Brandy, close family and friends, his dog Lily and his cat Hutchie.
Born June 7, 1971 in Manistique, Michigan. John was a 1989 graduate of Engadine High School.
Johnny owned and operated John Matchinski Inc., in addition as the sexton for the Bethlehem Lutheran Cemetery, Engadine Cemetery and Naubinway Cemetery for 20 years. He took much pride and honor in this job, hand digging the interments and also took much pride in making the concrete footings for the VA markers and installation for the veterans in our area. Johnny wore many hats in his community volunteering and donating his time with a smile on his face. Johnny was the head of the sons of the American Legion Post #290 in Engadine since April 29, 2012. He enjoyed gardening, golfing, fishing, sports, playing pool, playing cards, vacations to Cancun and spending time in his yard with family and friends.
Johnny was preceded in death by his father John Carl Matchinski on July 8, 2021, his sister Jennifer Wing on June 26, 2019, and his loving grandparents Melvin and Rhoda (Brown) Matchinski and Shirley Rahl.
Survivors include his loving wife Brandy Jo Matchinski; mother Peggy Huffman of Bismarck, North Dakota; mother and father-in-law Cheri Perkins and Tim Alexander; father-in-law Sam Caverly; grandparents William and Jacqueline Perkins; special aunt and uncle Lynn and Dennis Wiertella of Negaunee; uncles Martin Matchinski of Engadine and Rex and (Gloria) Matchinski of Newberry; brother-in-law Paul Wing of McMillan.
Graveside services and celebration of life of Johnny will be held Saturday August 24, 2024 at 11:00 am at the Bethlehem Lutheran Cemetery in Engadine with Pastor Kyle Kuehl officiating. Following the graveside services, the family extends an invitation to the American Legion Post #290 Hall in Engadine for a fellowship gathering and luncheon.
Memorials may be directed to the Johnny Matchinski Memorial Fund at the Tahquamenon Area Credit Union in Engadine, with the donations to be directed to the University of Michigan Glioblastoma Research Foundation and an ongoing scholarship for building trades at the Engadine High School in his loving memory.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com
Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
