Fredrick W. Kracker
July 17, 1940 – January 25, 2026
Fredrick W. Kracker, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully at age 85 on January 25, 2026. Born on July 17, 1940, he was born in Newberry, MI to Walter and Caroline (Mahlo) Kracker. Fred was a graduate of Ferris State University. He found employment at Aluminum Extrusion and later at the Barry-Eaton Health Department. He enjoyed attending antique steam engine shows, car museums and playing euchre, volleyball, and various types of puzzles.
He is survived by his wife, Joan; daughter, Laura (Peter) Kracker; sons, Thomas (Jacque) Kracker and Michael (Lynn) Kracker; grandchildren, Trinity, Ava, Jayden, Viktorija, and Alexander; brothers, Ernest Kracker, William (Rebecca) Kracker; numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter (Caroline) Kracker; sisters, Lillie Kracker, Jane Bradshaw, and Louise Kracker; sister-in-law, Diana Kracker; and brother-in-law, Melvin Bradshaw.
Friends are encouraged to support Fredrick’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. No services will be held at this time. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
John Richard Patterson
June 30, 1943 – January 21, 2026
Lifelong Newberry resident, John Richard Patterson, 82, died Wednesday morning, January 21, 2026 at his residence surrounded by his loving family. John was born June 30, 1943 in Newberry, son of the late Albert and Helmie (Niskala) Patterson.
When John was as a teenager, he started his career employment at Newberry Bottling Company spanning 43 years until his retirement. John was a 38 year member of the Newberry Fire Department and, during this time, served as assistant fire chief. He was also a former member of B.P.O.E. #1705 and his hobbies included hunting, fishing and tinkering.
In addition to his parents, John is preceded in death by his son John A. Patterson, daughter Suzanne Patterson and brother-in-law’s James Neff and Raymond Rushford.
Survivors include his loving wife of 60 years, the former Joanne Marie Green, of Newberry; son John Patterson of Newberry; grandchildren Tara (Josh) Monroe, Nick Patterson, Avery (Angela) Allison, Sarah Nelson, Shane Patterson and Janelle (Danny) Guillen; great grandchildren Brien Nelson, Aubree Patterson, Luna Monroe, Kiersten Nelson, Kevin Nelson and Kolten Nelson; great-great-grandchild Sawyer Nelson; siblings Ray (Carol) Patterson of Engadine, Phyllis Neff of Newberry and Shirley Rushford of Newberry.
Per request, cremation services were accorded. A gathering of family and friends celebrating the life of John will take place in the spring/summer of 2026, with a date and time to be announced. Interment will take place at Forest Home Cemetery.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com.
Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting
