Benjamin F. Biber
May 8, 1954 – June 17, 2024
Benjamin Fredrick Biber, 70, of McMillan, died Monday afternoon June 17, 2024 at U.P. Health Systems-Marquette.
Born May 8, 1954 in Newberry, son of the late Franklin and Clarissa (Simmons) Biber, Ben was a 1972 graduate of Newberry High School. On October 6, 1972, Ben enlisted into the United States Navy serving during the Vietnam War until his honorable discharge on October 9, 1975 attaining the rank of Boatswain Mate Seaman and continued in the Naval Reserve until October 9, 1978.
Following his honorable discharge, Ben moved back to McMillan and, in 1982, moved to Zeeland where he was employed as an agricultural welder until his retirement due to a health issue.
A resident of McMillan since 2013, Ben enjoyed antique and coin collecting. He was also a former member of the V.F.W. Post and American Legion Post in Holland.
In addition to his parents, Ben is preceded in death by his sister Ardath Rork.
Survivors include his loving wife, the former Lois Vanderploeg, whom he married May 22, 1986 in Holland, Michigan; four children; sisters Liz Crockett and Ronda Geerlings both of McMillan; several nieces and nephews.
A memorial service celebrating the life of Ben will be held Thursday June 27, 2024 at 11:00 am at the Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry with Pastor Paul Williams, of the Northstar Baptist Church, officiating. Military honors conducted by the American Legion Post #74 and the United States Navy Honor Guard will follow the memorial service.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com
Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
Robert Gooseberry
February 6, 1947 – June 16, 2024
Robert Louis Gooseberry, 77, passed away on Father’s Day June 16, 2024 at Helen Newberry Joy Hospital. He was born February 6, 1947 in Newberry, son of the late Robert Daniel and Emma (Vesel) Gooseberry.
Robert “Bob”, “Goog”, “Goose” was a 1966 graduate of Newberry High School. Following graduation, he enlisted into the United States Air Force, serving in the Vietnam War and, on June 11, 1973, was awarded the Bronze Star for his meritorious service, amongst other awards. Bob served in the Air Force for 22 years and retired in 1988 at H.A.F.B. in Utah. Although Bob retired from the Air Force, he continued to work at H.A.F.B. as a civilian as a Crypto Maintenance Technician for an additional 22 years.
In 1979, Bob met the love of his life, the former Marsha Kay Olson, and they were married on April 25, 1980 in Marquette, Michigan, recently celebrating 44 years of marriage together. Bob and Marsha raised three children together Christian, Angela and Daniel, whom he truly loved with all of his heart. Bob was an amazing man, husband, and father, brother, uncle and friend.
Bob had several hobbies. He was a long-time member of the Ham Radio Club and he displayed his call letters WD8AJY proudly. He loved everything electronics and radio. He also loved building things and was quite well at it. He enjoyed spending time with his family and loved having company over. He loved collecting anything Mickey and Minnie Mouse.
He also loved watching movies with his son Danny and making cookies with his grandchildren Jathan and Lyra, and loved when his son Chris made his famous BBQ for the family.
Survivors include his loving wife Marsha of Newberry; children Christian (Shirley) Gooseberry of Newberry, Angela (Steve) Fuentes of Newberry and Daniel (Liz Ewing) Gooseberry of Utah; grandchildren Kayla, Christian (Andrea), Robbie, Jathan, and Lyra; great-grandchildren Isaac, Gabriel, Phoenix, Asrael, and Alivia; sisters Jackie (Ken) Alto, Dawn Jamieson (John Marsh) and Sharon Painter; nieces and nephews John Dewitt III (Polly), Robert (Denise) Dewitt, Becky Wheeler, Heather (John) Flatt, Allan (Schanel) Bjorklund, Dani (Kendra) Bjorklund, Susan (Dan) Bamber, Josh (Jolene) Alto, Amanda (John) Alto, Gideon Haynes and Allison Haynes. Last but definitely not least Bob and Marsha’s special and dear friend’s Merrilee McArthur, Sandy Thorpe, Susan and Dana Sorenson.
A special thanks to Dr. Amy Bolmer and her medical staff and nurse Midge Price from North Woods Home Care.
The family wants to give a special thank you to his nephew John Dewitt III for his special care and attention to Bob, also to his great niece Maddie Flatt for the beautiful gifts, and personalized T-Shirt she made tribute to Bob the night before his passing.
A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com. Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
