Richard M. Zenker
June 5, 1937– September 25, 2024
Lifelong Newberry resident, Richard Maxmillian Zenker, 87, died Wednesday afternoon September 25, 2024 at his residence in the presence of his loving family and North Woods Home Care.
Born June 5, 1937 in Newberry, son of the late Wray and Bertha (Etten) Zenker, Richard was a 1957 graduate of Newberry High School.
Richard was employed as produce manager in the grocery business with 14 years at the former A & P Store and 27 years at Rahilly’s IGA until his retirement. Richard was a member of St. Gregory’s Catholic Church and spent his years hunting, bowling, snowmobiling, gardening, traveling and volunteering at the American Legion Post #74.
In addition to his parents, Richard is preceded in death by his siblings Rose, Betty, Ranelle; four brothers-in-law; great-grandson Maverick Swanson.
Survivors include his loving wife, the former Alyce Detmer of Newberry, whom he married June 24, 1989; children Carla (Mark) Freeman of Newberry, Jennifer (Ken) Swanson of Newberry and Jared (Amber) Zenker of Superior, Wisconsin; four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; sisters Barb Zandi of Muskegon and Nancy Arndt of Iron Mountain; brothers-in-law Steven (Mary Lou) Detmer of Houghton Lake, Rick (Dawn) Detmer of Houghton Lake and Kenny Detmer of Mount Clemens.
A gathering of family and friends will take place Thursday, October 3, 2024 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at St. Gregory’s Catholic Church. A Memorial Mass celebrating the life of Richard will follow at 11:00 am at the church with Fr. Jacek Wtyklo officiating. Rite of Committal will follow at Forest Home Cemetery.
Memorials may be directed to St. Gregory’s Catholic Church in his loving memory.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com. Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
Jason R. Willis
February 9, 1948 – September 26, 2024
Jason R. Willis, 76, a longtime resident and business owner in Newberry, died at McLaren Northern Michigan Hospital in Petoskey on Thursday, September 26, 2024.
Born in Ypsilanti, Michigan on February 9, 1948, he was a son of the late Robert A. & Kathryn I.B. (McFarland) Willis. At a young age, he moved to the Newberry area where he graduated from Tahquamenon Area Schools. On February 13, 1969, he entered the U.S. Army and, on January 9, 1971, he was honorably discharged as a Specialist Fifth Class and returned to the Newberry area.
Jason owned and operated the Ben Franklin Store in Newberry for several years until its’ closing. He married the former Cathy (Cornell) Prince and they made their home in Newberry. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, casino gaming, going for car rides throughout the local area and was a member of the American Legion Post #74 in Newberry. Jason enjoyed playing hockey in his youth and his young adult years and would even flood the back yard for an ice rink in the winter for local youth to skate and play hockey. He also enjoyed camping with family.
Preceding him in death are his parents, siblings Robert “Bob” Willis, and Penny Willis. He is also preceded by his wife Cathy on March 27, 2023.
Survivors include his daughter Sherry (Dan) Root of Sturgis; step daughter Amanda (Jake) Maki of Newberry and step-grandchildren Elizabeth and Logan Maki. Also surviving are siblings Evelyn (Allen) Jones of Sault Ste. Marie, MI, Sue Ann Willis of Albion, Laura Willis, and Merri Willis of Newberry and Mike Willis of Marquette and sister-in-law Sue of Spring Lake, MI.
Cremation services have been accorded. A Memorial Service with military honors performed by the American Legion and the United States Army Honor Guard will be held at the Newberry American Legion Post #74 on Tuesday, October 1, 2024 at 11:30 AM. The family will receive friends and guests from 9:30 AM until the time of service.
If memorials are considered, the family suggest TAYHA (Tahquamenon Area Youth Hockey Association), P.O. Box 264, Newberry, MI 49868 or the Newberry American Legion Post #74.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com
Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family with arrangements.
Mary Irene Lewis
December 23, 1947 – September 21, 2024
Longtime Newberry resident, Mary Irene Lewis, 76, died Saturday evening September 21, 2024 at Helen Newberry Joy Hospital.
Born December 23, 1947 in Newberry, daughter of the late Andrew and Blanche (Callahan) Davis, Mary was raised in McMillan and was a 1966 graduate of Newberry High School.
During her lifetime, Mary held various employments including as a housekeeper at motels, cook/waitress at the former A & W, Family Restaurant, Hardees and McDonalds until her retirement. Mary was also known as “Grandma”, babysitting many children in the area.
Mary enjoyed bingo, crossword puzzles, going for rides in the woods during bird season and taking adventures, picking raspberries, blackberries and blueberries, cooking, catering weddings, selling tickets for the annual tackle party and spending time with her family and grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, Mary is preceded in death by her son Charles Wayne Lewis, siblings Joseph Davis, Ann Long, Geraldine Newhouse, Patrick Davis, Anita Baldwin, great-nephew Patrick Davis, and longtime pet companion Sassy.
Survivors include her husband, Charles, of Newberry; children Sandra (David) Gibson of Newberry, Robert Lewis of Newberry and John (Monica) Lewis and boys of Rodman, New York; grandchildren Casandra Gibson, Andrew Lewis, Julianne Lewis, Aaron and Abby Leafers, Shayna Shabro and several other adopted grandchildren; step-grandchildren David Archambeau of Newberry and Allan Archambeau of Sault Ste. Marie; siblings Blanche Davis of Gould City, Janet Roy of Marquette, Paul Davis of Gould City and John Davis of Greenville, and several nieces, nephews, and great grandchildren.
A memorial service celebrating the beautiful life of Mary will be held Thursday October 3, 2024 at 12:00 noon at the Northstar Baptist Church in McMillan with Pastor Paul Williams officiating with a luncheon following the service.
Memorials may be directed to the family in her loving family.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com
Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
