Larry J. Niskala
December 2, 1956 – June 2, 2024
Longtime Garnet resident, Larry James Niskala, 67, died suddenly Sunday June 2, 2024 at his residence.
Born December 2, 1956 in Hinesville, Georgia, son of the late Larry and Lucille (Hood) Niskala, Larry enlisted into the United States Army at the age of 17.
In 1977, Larry met the former Cindy Lou Kerridge and they were united in marriage on November 29, 1980 in Naubinway.
Larry held several employments during his lifetime, starting as a newspaper carrier in his youth, campground maintenance for the DNR, woodsman and, later in years, as a security guard at Kewadin Casino in St. Ignace.
Larry loved the outdoors hunting and fishing, making unique wood carvings, playing the guitar and harmonica, card games, dice and casino gaming. Larry was always helping others and had a genuine sense of humor. He will be missed dearly.
In addition to his parents, Larry is preceded in death by his father and mother-in-law Lee and Shirley Kerridge; brother-in-law Karl Kerridge; sister-in-law Debbie (Bill) Carlson.
Survivors include his loving wife, Cindy, of Garnet; sons Kenneth Niskala of Garnet and Andrew (Erin) Niskala of Paw Paw; grandchildren Michael, Matthew and Noah Niskala of Paw Paw; siblings Selma (Bob) Combs of Marcellus, Bill Niskala, Nancy Gerwatowski of Michigan, Mike Niskala of Marcellus and Dennis Niskala of Three Rivers; in-laws Sue (Mike) Crittendan of Alpena, Don Kerridge of Newberry, Jo Ann Kerridge of Garnet, Larry (Barb) Kerridge of Garnet, Steve (Deb) Kerridge of Garnet, Mickey (Charlie) Darnell of Mt. Pleasant, and Harvey (Jackie) Peters of Engadine; several nieces and nephews.
Per request, cremation services were accorded. A gathering of family and friends will be held at a later date.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com
Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
Shawn Gerwatowski
December 13, 1961 – June 3, 2024
Shawn B. Gerwatowski, 62, a longtime resident of the Newberry area, died unexpectedly at McLaren Northern Michigan Hospital in Petoskey on Monday, June 3, 2024.
Born on December 13, 1961 in Niles, son of Gilbert “Gerry” & Sharon (Berry) Gerwatowski, Shawn was a 1981 graduate of Charlotte High School.
Following graduation, Shawn and his family moved to the Newberry area where he has resided since. Shawn was employed as the manager of the Tahqua Lanes Bowling Alley throughout his working career until its closure. During this time, Shawn had a love for billiards (he was quite the pool shark), a love for rock and roll and an accomplished bowler in leagues for many years. When able, Shawn’s passion was to deer hunt and fish, enjoyed the outdoors, spending time with his family and friends, camping and, most recently, enjoyed gardening.
Shawn is preceded in death by his father Gilbert “Gerry” Gerwatowski in 2008.
Survivors include his children Kara Gerwatowski of Newberry, Jennifer Kinnamon and Marcus Gerwatowski both from the state of Wyoming; mother Sharon “Sherry” Gerwatowski of Newberry; sister Kerry Gerwatowski of Grand Rapids; grandchildren Jenna, Jared, Brooklyn, Dylan, Calvin, Cash, Ethan and Rosie.
Per his request, cremation services have been accorded with no public services scheduled.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com
Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
Jane Anne Cadieux
July 22, 1951 – June 2, 2024
Jane Anne (Naylor) Cadieux was born in North Long Beach, Ca., July 22, 1951, to Audrey (Salisbury) Naylor and Roland (Jerry) Naylor. She was born the twin of Jean Louise Naylor. They weighed less than 8 lbs. together. Living in Fenton, Michigan where she graduated, she then moved in Greencastle, In., before moving to Curtis, Michigan in 1992.
Jane passed peacefully on June 2, 2024, at Christiansen’s Tender Loving Care. She is proceeded in death by Roland Naylor, Jerry Naylor, Audrey Naylor, Jean (Naylor) Sidelinker. She was the survivor of the family.
Jane was the mother of Hope Ann (Naylor) Webb (Michael Webb) of Newberry, Kristopher Bruce Sowers of Negaunee. Grandchildren were Zoey Sowers, Kristian Sowers, Christopher Webb, Charlotte Sowers. She had two nieces, Melissa LaRock-Leslie and Lillian Sidelinker, and a nephew, William Sideliner.
She was athletic in her youth, riding for 26 miles to raise money for diabetes. She kayaked against an Olympic kayaker and was only seconds behind. She pole-vaulted in high school and loved to ride her bike. She was a phenomenal kayaker. She loved cribbage and usually always won. She loved cards, playing all the time – even in her last weeks.
She loved photography. She literally had thousands of photos. She adored her family. In the first months following her stroke and up through her last weeks, her daughter Hope was with her every day for months. She loved puzzles and word games. She was a whiz, so smart.
She loved stuffed animals. She loved like no other. She’d give anything to anyone and help everyone she could. She loved her people, and everyone was her friend in her mind. She was a pool shark, and in her day she could hustle and could call her shots. She loved bingo and was still doing handstands in the bars in her 40s. She loved taking pictures and sharing everything.
She collected many things, but her favorites were snow globes, then bobble heads, stuffed animals, and coffee mugs. She was a joker and loved to make people laugh and feel happy. She was an amazing mom and had the best smile, beautiful hazel eyes, a laugh everyone who met her remembers, and more of course.
Lois Ellen Schwab
January 2, 1924 – June 9, 2024
Lois Ellen Schwab, 100, of Custar, Ohio died Sunday morning, June 9, 2024.
She was born January 2, 1924 in Custar, Ohio to Louis and Candice (Kieffer) Rossow. She was the eldest of two daughters and was preceded in death by her sister, Lillian Rossow.
She graduated in 1941 from Milton Township High School and attended BGSU. During World War II, Lois worked for Standard Oil, Springfield, Ohio. After the war, she returned to Custar and married William “Bill” Schwab on June 15, 1946. They shared a marriage of over 75 years and served as a beautiful example of married life and companionship. Bill preceded Lois in death on February 21, 2022. Together, they truly had a wonderful life!
At one time, she worked at Flower Hospital, Toledo, but mainly stayed by her husband’s side and helped operate Schwab Electric. She served as the primary bookkeeper. Around the community she was also the beloved Avon Sales Lady.
She was a member of St. Louis Catholic Church, Custar; Norcross-Meyers American Legion Post #305 Auxiliary, Custar and the Custar and Deshler Garden Clubs. As a loving and devoted mother, she found time to serve as 4-H Advisor and Cub Scout Den Mother. When the family grew and the grandchildren and great grandchildren arrived, she took time to make each new member of the family a baby quilt.
In 1951, Bill and Lois began going to Northern Michigan and they became permanent residents in 1981. They made the Hiawatha Sportsman’s Club in the Upper Peninsula their home and as a resident she was a member of St. Stephen Catholic Church, Naubinway, Michigan and the VFW Auxiliary, Engadine, Michigan. Their time in Michigan served as a retreat for all of their family and the younger generations have remained faithful to the Upper Peninsula area.
Lois is survived by her 6 children, Steven Schwab; Robert (Marcia) Schwab; Dennis (Mary) Schwab; Paul (Lynn) Schwab; Barbara (Jerry) Clink; Ellen (Scott) Boyer; 17 grandchildren and 35 great grandchildren.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, June 14, 2024 at St. Louis Catholic Church, Custar. Burial will be at the church cemetery and a luncheon will follow.
Visitation is 4-8 p.m., Thursday, June 13th at Feehan-Rodenberger Funeral Home, Deshler and 10-11 a.m., Friday at church.
Memorials to St. Louis Catholic Church, Custar; St. Stephen Catholic Church, Naubinway, Michigan or Ohio Living Home Health & Hospice.
www.feehanrodenbergerfuneralhome.com
Nathan James Werda
December 20, 1971 – June 7, 2024
Nathan James Werda, 52, of Newberry, died suddenly Friday morning June 7, 2024 at his residence.
Born December 20, 1971 in Alpena, son of Robert and Alexis (Snyder) Werda, Nathan was a 1990 graduate of Alpena High School. Nate attended Motorcycle Mechanics Institute in Arizona receiving certification in small engine repair, attended Alpena Community College receiving certification as a machinist and was a certified crane operator.
Nate was employed as a millwright for several years including at the L.P. Corporation in Newberry for seven years and, most recently, as a deliveryman for Fed Ex.
Nate was a lifelong dirt bike enthusiast enjoying riding both dirt bikes and motorcycles. He enjoyed the outdoors fishing and ice fishing and was known for his huge bonfires. Nate loved his wife, family, friends, all his dogs and gave the best hugs ever.
Nate is preceded in death by his father Robert, infant brother John, mother-in-law Veronica Freeman, nephew Michael Conway, several aunts and uncles and his fur children Wyndham, Chloe and Chuck.
Survivors include his loving wife, the former Jodi Freeman, of Newberry; mother Alexis Werda of Alpena; sisters D’Anne (Dale Jr.) Adrian of Alpena and Carla (Brian) Claus of Rogers City; several nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; sisters-in-law Debbie Wing of Newberry and Linda Conway of Cheboygan; brother-in-law Michael Conway of Cheboygan; fur children Wilson, Anderson, Jamison, Madison and Cooper; close friends Dan Snofski of Cheboygan, Pete Allen of Corunna, Gary Benson of Alpena, Steve Benson of Alpena, Dan Marsico of Marquette, Derek Stoppa of Alpena and Mark Tarsney of Alpena.
A memorial service celebrating the life of Nate will be held Saturday June 15, 2024 at 11:00 am at the Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry with Pastor Melinda VanderSys officiating.
Memorials may be directed to the family in Nate’s loving memory.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com
Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
Mary K. Cavanaugh
Died May 28, 2024
Mary Kathleen Cavanaugh, age 75, of Paradise, passed away on May 28, 2024, after a struggle with cancer. Mary was preceded in death by her mother Maxine A. Cavanaugh (Robinson), her father Judge Robert A. Cavanaugh, her uncle Dr. Harry Robinson, and her husband, Jack Byers, Jr. Surviving family members include her children, Kelly Johnson, Jack (Sheri) Byers III, and Sean (Yuka) Byers. She also has ten surviving grandchildren and countless friends.
Mary attended St. Mary’s during elementary school, spent several years at Marywood Academy in Grand Rapids, and then graduated from Muskegon Public Schools. Beyond graduation, Mary married Jack Byers Jr, and gave birth to three children. Though they resided elsewhere at times during Jack’s military years, they returned to West Michigan to raise their family.
After completing her registered nursing degree at Muskegon Community College, Mary was a clinical nurse at Hackley Hospital and the Muskegon County Health Department. She then became a Nurse Case Manager certified in HIV/AIDS care at McClees Clinic at Hackley Hospital in Muskegon, where she helped develop the clinical care model for HIV/AIDS patients and was the recipient of the McClees award. Mary was a proud member of the national Association of Nurses for AIDS Care. Upon her retirement, Mary fulfilled a longstanding dream of moving to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, where she lived along the shore of Lake Superior and worked part-time at the gift shop of the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum.
Mary loved animals and was rarely without a canine or feline companion. She was an art enthusiast and appreciated collecting works of art and visiting art museums. She was an ardent Notre Dame football fan and a Detroit Tigers baseball fan. Mary loved the wild of the Upper Peninsula, and enjoyed hiking, snowshoeing, canoeing, and fishing. During her retirement, she was often away from home, exploring the attractions of the U.P.
At Mary’s preference, donations can be made in honor of Judge Robert A. Cavanaugh to the Marquette University Law School online (<https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/30276/donations/new?a=5749724>) or with a check sent to Marquette University, University Advancement, P.O. Box 7013, Carol Stream IL 60197-7013.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com
Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
Eugene Plesscher
September 2, 1929 – April 14, 2024
Longtime McMillan/Lakefield resident, Eugene James Plesscher, passed away on April 14, 2024, at the age of 94, surrounded by family and friends at his residence in Bradenton, Florida. Eugene’s life was a testament to dedication, community, and unwavering faith.
The Plesscher family moved to the Upper Peninsula in the early 1950’s while Eugene was proudly serving his country in the US Army during the Korean War. Eugene soon established himself as a pillar of the community. As the proud owner of Plesscher Nursery, Eugene poured his heart and soul into cultivating beauty and fostering growth.
Eugene’s faith was central to his life, and he was a faithful attender of Lakefield Baptist Church. His love for his Lord Jesus Christ was unwavering, and his faithfulness to God was an example to all who knew him. Eugene was known for spending hours in prayer for his family and friends.
Eugene leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories. He is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Judith Mary Plesscher, daughter, Beverly (Eric) Hutton, son-in-law, Jerry Dunwoody, daughter, Lisa (Gordon) Neill. Grandchildren Abigail (Sam) Gunther, Ainsley Hutton, Annaleigh Hutton, Kathryn Dunwoody, Jerry Dunwoody, and Jacob Neill. His presence will be deeply missed by those he held dear.
Eugene is preceded in death by his parents, James and Henrietta Plesscher, his siblings Raymond Plesscher, Elaine (Plesscher) Brockschmidt, Virginia Plesscher, James Plesscher, Lee Plesscher, Robert Plesscher, daughter, Virginia (Ginna Plesscher) Dunwoody, and granddaughter, Lindsay Neill. Eugene’s passing leaves a void in the hearts of those who loved him dearly.
Eugene’s life was marked by integrity, humility, and a steadfast dedication to his family, friends, and community. He will be remembered for his gentle demeanor, his unwavering faith, and the countless lives he touched with his generosity and compassion.
There will be a “Celebration of Life” for Eugene on Sunday, June 30, 2024, at 3:00 pm at Lake Eugene behind the Plesscher residence, 28368 CR 98, McMillan, Michigan 49853. Family, friends and the community are welcome for a time of food, fun and celebration of Eugene’s life.
Because of Eugene’s love for God’s Word memorials may be directed in loving memory to The Gideons International, PO Box 140800, Nashville, Tennessee 37214-0800 or www.gideons.org/read-the-bible
Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com. Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
