William Matchinski
February 23, 1947 – August 29, 2023
William “Will” Matchinski passed away on August 29 after a short illness following hip replacement surgery.
William was the third child and only son of William Sr. and Hedwig (Buss) Matchinski. He was raised on a dairy farm in Engadine, Michigan, graduating in 1965 and going on to Northern Michigan University.
After graduation he taught 8th grade history, until deciding to go on to Western Michigan University to study Library Science. In 1974 he graduated and took a job as a reference librarian at the University of Toledo. From there he took a job in Evanston, WY as the main librarian at the Wyoming State Hospital. In 2021 he decided to move once more, to be closer to family, and lived in a retirement community in Appleton, WI.
Will leaves behind his wife of 49 years, Christine (Chris); daughters Laura (James) Goodwin of Cedar Park, TX and Katherine (Corey) Swanson and grandsons Dean S. and Ryan W. Swanson, all of Appleton, WI. He also leaves behind his two sisters, Eunice Fillman and Doris Matchinski of Newberry, MI, several nieces, nephew, grand nieces and nephews as well as many cousins and friends.
Gerald O. Roach Sr.
May 13, 1935 – September 12, 2023
Longtime Eckerman resident, Gerald “Frank” Owen Roach Sr., 88, died Tuesday morning, September 12, 2023 at his residence in the presence of his loving family and the care of North Woods Home Care and Hospice.
Born May 13, 1935 in Raco, son of the late Elmer and Catherine (Platz) Roach, Frank enlisted into the United States Army on February 1, 1955 serving until his honorable discharge on December 20, 1956, obtaining the rank of Specialist Third Class.
On October 23, 1962, Frank married the former Judith “Judy” Wood and made Eckerman their home, raising four children. Frank was employed as a woodsman for several years until this retirement. His hobbies and interests included trapping, hunting, fishing, and feeding the birds and squirrels.
In addition to his parents, Frank is preceded in death by his wife Judy on January 2, 2018; daughter and son-in-law Laura (John) Thomas and eleven siblings.
Survivors include his children Cathy (Jeff) Pilbeam of Tecumsah, Gerald Jr. of Eckerman and Dian (Charles) Welch of Eckerman; grandchildren Rebecca and John II Thomas, Wynter Young, Catherine Pilbeam, Joshua and Terra Welch; great-grandchildren Hunter Kniffen, Morgan Waugh and John III Thomas; sister June Fraley of Marquette; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
Per request, Frank donated his body to the University of Michigan Medical School anatomical program. A celebration of the life of Frank will held in the spring of 2024.
Memorials may be directed to North Woods Home Care and Hospice, 500 West McMillan Avenue, Newberry, Michigan 49868 in his loving memory.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com.
Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
Beverly Jeanne Petros
May 25, 1947 – August 31, 2023
Beverly Jeanne (nee Collins) Petros, 76, passed away on Thursday evening August 31, 2023. Her final moments were spent peacefully at her home on Millecoquin Lake in Engadine, Michigan. Beverly was born May 25, 1947 in Manistique, daughter of the late Henry and DeVera (Quinn) Collins.
Beverly was very proud to have worked for the United States Air Force at KI Sawyer AFB for ten years until its closure. She was an avid hockey fan and was a Northern Michigan University season ticket holder for many years. A lover of all sports, in her younger years she enjoyed tennis, bowling league, and tournament golf. Later in life she picked the paint brush back up rekindling her passion for art, tended to her numerous gardening projects, and made ridiculous amounts of banana bread and brownies to give away to family and friends.
Known for her wit, Beverly will be dearly missed by all who knew her including the many visitors to the Hiawatha Sportsman Club that she entertained around her campfire. Beverly’s family asks that she be remembered for the joy she brought to others in life not the sadness of her passing.
Beverly is survived in death by her children Victoria Snyder, Todd (Chere) Snyder and Dawn (Benny) Mercier; grandchildren Abigail, Nicholas, David, Nate and Maya; a host of beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, her cherished pet Gracie and her collection of well you name it, anything pretty.
She was proceeded in death by her husband, the love of her life, Steve Petros after 36 wonderful years together; her Father Henry “Hank” Collins and her mother Devera “Dee” Collins; her siblings Elaine (Robert) McCarthy, Margaret “Peg” Collins, Donald “Donny” Collins and Harold (Rose) Collins.
A Rite of Committal graveside service will be held Saturday September 30, 2:00 pm at the Engadine Cemetery with Fr. Phil Witkowski, of St. Timothy’s Catholic Church, officiating.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made in her honor to an animal shelter of choice.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com. Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
