Verne George Alexander
July 15, 1959 – January 16, 2026
Verne George “Buddy” Alexander, 66, of Naubinway, died Friday afternoon January 16, 2026 surrounded by his loving family. Buddy was born July 15, 1959 in Newberry, son of the late Verne and Ella (Sevarns) Alexander.
Buddy owned and operated Alexander Logging for 25 years in the Eastern Upper Peninsula until his retirement and was a man who found his greatest joy in the outdoors. His favorite pastime was heading up to the cabin in Garden, Michigan, where he spent countless hours with his brother, Raymond. Whether they were hunting, working on the cabin, or simply enjoying the peace of the woods, those trips were the highlights of his life and testament to the close bond they shared. Buddy’s presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Buddy is preceded in death by his father Verne Alexander, mother Ella Skeans and niece Heather Cummings.
Buddy is survived by his longtime significant other, Georgia Smith; his stepdad Robert Skeans; his siblings Raymond Alexander, Julie Baker, Deb Cummings, Lisa Granger and Sherry (Jake) Loebach; many nieces and nephews.
Per request, cremation services were accorded. A gathering of family and friends celebrating the life of Buddy will take place this spring/summer of 2026, with a date and time to be announced. Interment will take place at Forest Home Cemetery.
Memorials may be directed to the family in Buddy’s loving memory.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com
Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
Geraldine M. Holbrook
February 21, 1935 – December 14, 2025
Geraldine Marie Holbrook, age 90, of Germfask, Michigan, passed away peacefully on December 14, 2025.
Geraldine was born on February 21, 1935, in Detroit, Michigan, to the late Jermice Joseph Miner and Helen (Christine) Miner. She was affectionately known by family and friends as “Jerry.” In her early years, she moved from Detroit to the Germfask area, where she spent the greater part of her life and made her home.
On September 11, 1953, Geraldine married the love of her life, Guy Stanley Holbrook in Manistique, Michigan. He preceded her in death on April 2, 1987.
Geraldine was employed as a school aide with the State of Michigan, dedicating her working years to supporting education and students. She was known for her strong character and artistic nature. In her personal life, Geraldine enjoyed a wide range of artistic and creative pursuits, including woodworking, painting, knitting, and sewing. She was a member of the Manistique Lakes Lions Club and the American Legion, and she generously volunteered her time at several local organizations, including Three Lakes Academy, and the Logging Museum in Newberry.
Geraldine is survived by her children, Daniel (Mary) Holbrook, Edgar (Lisa) Holbrook, and Rebecca (Robin) Flint; her grandchildren, Teryn Parish, Daniel Holbrook, Jennifer (Eric) Lytle, and Benjamin (Natalie) Holbrook; and six great-grandchildren.
Preceding Geraldine in death was her husband, Stanley, her parents, Stepdad Fred and Helen (Christine) Lorenz, as well as her sister.
Per her wishes, no public services will be held at this time.
Donations in Jerry’ s memory may be made to Three Lakes Academy.
Fausett Family Funeral Homes is assisting the family with arrangements.
Sharon Ann Painter
(Richardson)
February 12, 1948 – January 15, 2026
It is with profound gratitude and celebration that we announce the passing of Sharon Ann Painter (Richardson), our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, sister-in-law, aunt, and friend, who has peacefully embarked on her final journey to reunite with her soulmate, her beloved husband, Michael. Daughter of the late Jesse and Elizabeth Richardson (Revord), Sharon’s passing marks the end of a life well-lived, but one that continues to shine brightly through her family and the countless people she touched.
Sharon’s love for her family was boundless. She is now joyfully reunited with Michael, her partner in life, and together they share eternal peace. Sharon leaves behind her wonderful son, Michael John Painter, and her beautiful daughter, Julie Plumb (Tim), along with her cherished foster daughter, Mary Carpenter (Gary). Her legacy will continue through her three beloved grandsons, T.J. Plumb, Joey Plumb, and Nicholas Painter.
Sharon was the proud sister of Elizabeth VanEpps (the late Robert), the late Francis-Mouse Richardson (Arlene-Chick), Jesse Richardson (Helen), Gloria Legacy (Michael), Alex Richardson (Demaris), Carole Smart (Danny) (Bill), Barb Spearbrecker (Neil} and Diane Jordan. She will be deeply missed by many nieces, nephews, and her dear friends, Chris VanHoudt (the late Jim), Joyce Powers (Rod), Wanda Maxon and Linda Nelson who have been part of her journey for many years.
A devoted volunteer, Sharon spent many years giving back to her community, particularly at the American Legion and Eagles Club, where she formed lifelong friendships and created countless joyful memories. She was also passionate about fostering children, a true testament to her loving heart. Sharon’s love for life extended to her time spent camping, where she found peace in nature and joy in being surrounded by loved ones.
Sharon was a homemaker in the truest sense of the word, filling her home with warmth, love, and laughter, especially during the holidays when her decorating skills brought joy to all who entered. Whether it was a simple visit or a special occasion, Sharon always made those around her feel welcome and loved. Her home was truly her sanctuary.
We would like to express heartfelt gratitude to all who supported Sharon, especially her loving family, friends, and the dedicated health professionals, Dr. Patricia Gill, Dr. Amy Bolmer and the wonderful nurses at Northwood Nursing who cared for her during her long illness. A special thanks goes to her Pastor Melinda Vandersys who was a constant source of hope and guidance, helping prepare her for this next phase of her journey.
As we say goodbye to Sharon, we take comfort in knowing that her love remains with us and that we will one day be reunited. Her memory will live on in the kindness she shared, the lives she touched, and the love she gave so freely.
Sharon is now at peace, and though we mourn her passing, we celebrate the incredible life she lived and the profound impact she had on all who knew her.
A gathering of family and friends will take place Saturday February 7, 2026 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church. A memorial service celebrating the life of Sharon will follow at 1:00 pm at the church with Pastor Melinda VanderSys officiating. Interment will take place in the spring of 2026 where both Sharon and her beloved husband, Michael, will be laid to rest at Forest Home Cemetery.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com. Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
Rest in peace, Sharon.
You will forever be in our hearts. ❤
Steven “Jude” Jemtrud
April 19, 2004 – January 12, 2026
Steven “Jude” Jemtrud, 21, of Stanley, North Dakota, passed away on Monday, January 12, 2026, at the Regions Hospital in St. Paul, Minnesota after a hard-fought battle for injuries sustained from an automobile accident.
Steven Jude Jemtrud was born on April 19, 2004 to Lacey Jemtrud, and spent the first eight years of life in Michigan before moving to North Dakota. Steven was bright, fun, and full of imagination. Steven loved family deeply and was incredibly proud to be a big brother. One of Steven’s greatest honors was naming the youngest sister.
Steven was known by many names. Family, especially mom and dad, lovingly called him Steven, while many friends knew and preferred the middle name Jude. Both names belonged to the same deeply loved soul, and both are held close by those who loved Steven Jude.
As a child, Steven dreamed of becoming a YouTuber. While fame never came, joy certainly did, countless hours were spent creating videos simply for the fun of it. Steven had a natural gift for connecting with people and carried that joy throughout life.
Steven loved spending time with friends, especially playing games like Magic: The Gathering, and Dungeons & Dragons. Those games often stretched late into the night and early morning hours, filled with laughter, strategy, and storytelling. Friendships meant everything to Steven, and loyalty ran deep. Steven would drop anything at a moment’s notice to be there for a friend in need. The Fourth of July was Steven’s favorite holiday. The day was spent with the people closest friends and family, chasing one another around with Roman candles. Steven always put on a great fireworks show and even blew up a watermelon. As night fell, everyone would watch the fireworks while cuddled up near the bonfire.
Steven also loved skateboarding and waited longer than most to get a driver’s license simply because skateboarding brought freedom and joy. Photography was another passion—Steven loved capturing the moments of nature and everyday life. While traveling in Japan, Steven purchased a new camera and was excited to continue seeing the world through that lens. Steven loved reading and would often read the same book twice. One favorite, The Perks of Being a Wallflower, held a quote that reflected how Steven saw the world: “We accept the love we think we deserve.” A line Steven thought was worth reading twice.
Steven loved fishing, a skill learned from a great-grandfather. Music was always close to Steven’s heart. Concerts of all kinds filled Steven’s calendar. All types of live music were appreciated. The first instrument Steven mastered was the ocarina, it was learned during a single weekend camping trip and played nonstop. Music continued with the ukulele, guitar, and piano. Steven sang and played whenever given the chance and had a truly beautiful voice.
During high school, Steven and a friend formed a band, Goodmorning Guilty, playing many gigs. Steven later stepped away from the band to pursue a career in EMS, though the music never stopped. Steven graduated from Stanley High School in 2023. That same summer marked a long-awaited moment. Steven was officially adopted by dad, Jarvis. A moment filled with love and meaning.
Steven’s first job was at the fountain in Dakota Drug, a role loved because it involved talking and meeting people. One day, Steven came home wearing a different shirt after trading with a stranger who admired it, an act that perfectly captured Steven’s kind and generous heart. With a natural ability to connect, Steven became an EMT and was frequently praised for compassionate patient care. After experiencing the emotional weight of loss, Steven chose to take time to focus on mental health and went to work in the oilfield as a transload operator, though often spoke of returning to EMS.
Steven kept a fishing pole and a guitar in the trunk at all times, you never know when a fish might bite or a song might need to be sung. Recently, Steven fulfilled a lifelong dream by traveling to Japan, deciding that life is meant to be lived fully. Plans were already forming to return someday, with Ireland and France next on the bucket list.
Steven was unique, never judgmental, and a true friend to all. Steven always listened, always cared, and always made others feel seen, valued, and loved.
On December 15, Steven was struck by a semi while traveling to work. After sustaining severe injuries Steven was flown to Regions Hospital in St Paul. We never knew the lungs would be the worst part of Stevens story. Steven fought hard for four weeks and later passed away on January 12, 2026 in the arms of mom, and surrounded by dad and sisters.
Steven was loved unconditionally.
Steven is survived by parents, Lacey and Jarvis Jemtrud; sisters, Karley and Khloe; grandparents, Pam and Kelly Jemtrud; great-grandparents, Bob and Toni Sherbrook; uncles, Kevin, Jesse, Jeremy, and Justin; aunts, Kevyn, Kaylyn, Kayla and Jen; cousins and numerous great-aunts and great-uncles; so many friends; and a world forever changed by Steven’s kindness, music, and love.
There will be a public visitation held at the Springan Stevenson Funeral Home in Stanley, ND from 2:00-5:00 PM on Thursday, January 22, 2026 with a Family Service to follow and begin at 5:30 PM. Steven “Jude’s” Celebration of Life Service will be held on Friday, January 23, 2026 at 11:00 AM at the Springan Stevenson Funeral Home in Stanley, ND. Pastor Eric Bonness will officiate. Steven “Jude” will be laid to rest at the Fairview Cemetery in Stanley, ND at a later date.
The Memorial Service will be recorded and uploaded, you can view Steven’s service directly on his obituary page on our website www.springanstevenson.com.
Springan Stevenson Funeral Home of Stanley have been entrusted with arrangements and services. Friends may sign the on-line register and give their condolences at www.springanstevenson.com.
