Robert A. Zellar Sr.
July 15, 1946 – July 12, 2023
Robert A. Zellar Sr. passed away on July 12, 2023 at McLaren Hospital in Petoskey. He was born on July 15, 1946 in Newberry, MI to George and Nellie Zellar and was a Newberry High School graduate.
Robert was the owner of Zellar’s Bark and Trucking in Newberry for several years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, travel, antiquing, photography, and spending time with his family and friends.
Robert is preceded in death by his parents, George and Nellie, and his wife Edna.
He is survived by two sons, Robert Zellar Jr. and Todd (Cathy) Zellar; one grandson, Robert Zellar III; three granddaughters, Laura, Missy and Tiffany Zellar; one great granddaughter, Lola Zellar; and his life partner, Wanda Maxson.
Cremation services have already been accorded. No services will be held, per his request. A memorial luncheon will be held Saturday, August 12 at 2:00 p.m. in Zellar’s Lounge.
Rudolph P. Lawrence
August 21, 1940 – July 21, 2023
Rudolph (Rudy) Polimir Lawrence of Manistique, Michigan, entered his eternal life on July 21, 2023 with his children at his side. He was born in Marquette on August 21, 1940 to Polimir and Tyne (Lustila) Lawrence and was proud of his French and Finnish heritage and of being raised in Germfask, Michigan.
Though dementia stole plenty from him, the amazing and caring staff of Christian Park Village in Escanaba, could attest that Rudy never forgot his wife, Shirley Ann (Newborn) Lawrence, whom he married in 1961 and preceded him in death in 2006, nor his children or company, Lagasco Enterprises Inc.
Rudy started Lawrence Gas Company in 1958 for the purpose of supplying financial means for his college education to become a teacher. Rudy attended Northern Michigan University, graduating in 1962. He then received an appointment as a 7th and 8th grade teacher at Germfask School in 1963, which was quickly followed with an appointment as principal and superintendent at Germfask Schools. All of his family will attest to Rudy being a lifelong educator.
Rudy cherished his time as an educator and administrator, but as his business grew, Rudy decided it was time to leave the education field and devote full time to their new business venture named Lagasco Enterprises that featured propane and appliances as the centerpiece of the business. Over the years, Rudy steered the expansion of Lagasco to include multiple locations and additional businesses in the central Upper Peninsula. Rudy was proud of the services that he was able to bring to the local communities and all the employees that became like family. Over the years these businesses included: Lagasco Propane and Appliances, Fairview Recreational Sales, The Pit Stop, Marina Mart, The Gift Hut, Radio Shack, Nifty 50’s, and the Auction Barn.
After the year 2000, Rudy transitioned into semi-retirement with the love of his life, Shirley, and they especially enjoyed their time spent together at their residence in Treasure Island, Florida until her passing in 2006.
Rudy (and Shirley) had five children. Rudy is survived by Daryl (Michele) Lawrence of Curtis, MI, Stacey (Doug) Morrison of Mooresville, NC, Devin Lawrence of Grand Marais, MI, and Shannon (Brad) Laatsch of Mooresville, NC. Rudy also had a godson, Kevin (Kayleen) Vanatta of Newberry, MI, that he loved like his own.
Rudy had 15 grandchildren and loved watching the sports, plays, and performances that they participated in. He had 7 great grandchildren (with one on the way), and many beloved nieces and nephews. Rudy was preceded in death by his parents, Polimir and Tyne; his loving wife, Shirley Ann; his three sisters, Alice, Donna, and Shirley; and his oldest son, David Bryan.
A celebration of Rudy’s life will be held at the Germfask Community Center on August 19th, 2023 at 11:00 a.m., with a luncheon to follow.
