Jan “John” Jeekel
September 25, 1942 – September 3, 2022
Jan “John” Alexander Jeekel, 79, of McMillan, died Saturday evening September 3, 2022 at Helen Newberry Joy Hospital. John was born September 25, 1942 in Fort de Kock, Sumatra, Indonesia, son of the late Karel and Maria (La Pere) Jeekel.
John was born in a Japanese concentration camp during World War II in Dutch East Indies with his mother and relatives. They all survived, immigrated to The Netherlands in 1953 and legally immigrated to the United States in 1958 to pursue the “American Dream” through hard work and the sponsorship of the Lansing Methodist Church.
John had graduated high school in The Netherlands but, upon arrival in the United States, had to achieve a high school diploma graduating in 1962 from East High School in Lansing.
On December 14, 1962, John enlisted in the United States Army and stationed in Germany during the Vietnam War until his honorable discharge on December 13, 1965 attaining the rank of Specialist Fourth Class, continuing in the Army Reserves until December of 1968.
Following his honorable discharge, John attended Lansing Community College and was employed as a machine operator in Lansing for six years and in Cleveland, Ohio for five years. He had been formerly married to Connie Jeekel and helped build and run the Helmer Grocery Store in Helmer.
John was skilled at woodworking and building. He had recently moved back to the Upper Peninsula to be close to his children and was currently assisting his son, Eric, with the operations of Buckhorn Resort on Big Manistique Lake. John was enjoying the beauty of the U.P. and the arrival of his first great-granddaughter.
John is preceded in death by his father Karel Jeekel; mother Mary Arnold and daughter Anita Wenzel.
Survivors include his children Angela (Michael) Welty of Newberry and Eric Jeekel of McMillan; grandchildren Michael (Brandi) Welty of Kirksville, Missouri, Kyle (Faith) Welty of Negaunee, Amber Waddington and Alexis Hullett; sister Anne (Ray) Irvine of Okemos.
Per his request, cremation services were accorded with private family services.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com.
Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
Lois Ann Butkovich
November 14, 1936 – September 2, 2022
Lois Ann Butkovich, 85, of Engadine, died Friday morning September 2, 2022 at her residence.
Born November 14, 1936 in Newberry, daughter of the late Henry & Sylvia (Selby) Freeman, Lois was a graduate of Hazel Park High School.
During her lifetime, Lois was employed as a sales clerk for various business until her retirement. Lois has been a resident of Engadine since 1974, attended the Engadine United Methodist Church and enjoyed bicycle rides, gardening and her companion dogs, Koko and Ebony.
In addition to her parents, Lois is preceded in death by her former husband Harold Butkovich, son Mark Butkovich and brother Wallace Freeman.
Survivors include her son Brian (Yvonne) Butkovich of Engadine; granddaughter Samantha (Tyler) Wood; great-grandchildren Clarissa Wood and Cassidy Wood; sister-in-law Judy Butkovich of Moran.
Per her 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.
Donald Lee Flory
September 29, 1951 – August 30, 2022
Donald Lee Flory, 70, of Gould City, died Tuesday afternoon, August 30, 2022 at McLaren Northern Michigan Hospital in Petoskey.
Born September 29, 1951 in Lansing, son of the late Glendon and Beulah (Priddy) Flory, Don was a high school graduate. A resident of Delton, Don owned and operated Don Flory Trucking for several years until his retirement in 2005. Don was a member of the Moose Lodge, Eagles, V.F.W. and the American Legion.
Don has been a resident of Gould City since 2007 and enjoyed camping and spending time with his family and friends.
In addition to his parents, Don is preceded in death by his son, Donnie Flory.
Survivors include his loving wife, the former Sharon Allen of Gould City, whom he married February 26, 1999 in Hastings; sons Danny Flory, Lance Flory and Lucas Flory all of Nashville; stepchildren Scott Angus and Tammy (Rob) Furlong all of Bellevue, Teresa (Mark) Olmstead and Rodney Agnus all of Battle Creek; several grandchildren; siblings Roger (Sherrie) Flory of Nevada, Jennie Graeber of Grand Ledge and Ellen Coon of Hastings.
Per his request, cremation services were accorded with no public services scheduled.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com. Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
Patrick John Conlon
November 2, 1949 – September 1, 2022
Lifelong Newberry resident, Patrick John “Biggy” Conlon, 72, died Thursday afternoon September 1, 2022 at his residence.
Born November 2, 1949 in Newberry, son of the late Mervin and Annabelle (Marlette) Conlon, Biggy was a graduate of Newberry High School.
Biggy was formerly employed at the Newberry Regional Mental Health Center, Kinross Correctional Facility and retired as Food Service Director at the Newberry Correctional Facility in 2008.
Biggie was a member of the Tahquamenon Sportsmen’s Club, Newberry Elks Lodge #1705 and longtime member of Camp Snort. Biggie was an avid outdoorsman enjoying hunting and fishing.
In addition to his parents, Biggie is preceded in death by his siblings Carol Keune and Mike Conlon; brothers-in-law Frederick Keune, Wayne Weber and Jack Kisabeth.
Survivors include his loving wife, the former Karen Hood of Newberry, whom he married May 5, 1978 in Newberry; children Cherie (Mike) Majeski of Platteville, Wisconsin, James Huntwork of Newberry, Tiffany K. Huntwork of Newberry and Charlie J.L. Huntwork of Detroit; eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; siblings Judy Weber of Newberry, Mary Sharon Smith of Conway and Shirley Kisabeth of Curtis; sister-in-law Shirley Conlon of Newberry.
Per his request, cremation services were accorded. A gathering of family and friends celebrating the life of Biggy will be held at a later date.
Memorials may be directed to the family in his loving memory.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com. Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
