Patrick James McNeill
October 3, 1955 – October 14, 2024
Lifelong Newberry resident, Reverend Patrick James McNeill, 69, died suddenly Monday afternoon, October 14, 2024 at his residence.
Born October 3, 1955 in Manistique, son of the late Donald and Joan (Lowry) McNeill, Pat was a 1973 graduate of Newberry High School. On May 4, 1974, Pat married the former Cheryl Fisher in Newberry.
Pat was presently a self-employed logger for over 30 years side by side with his son, Ted. Pat was formerly a minister at the Newberry Pentecostal Tabernacle Church in Newberry and continued his ministry for several years with the KERYX prison ministry in Chippewa, Alger and Luce county prisons, the KERYX ministry in the community and co-Pastor at the Germfask Christian Fellowship Church. Pat and his wife, Reverend Cheryl, were also foster parents for many recovering youth in the area.
Working seemed like a hobby to Pat and was always on the “go” with no idle time. Pat enjoyed trapping, fishing, hunting and golf but it was his family that kept him busy. He cherished his time with his loving family, his time with his grandchildren, great-grandchildren and going camping with family.
In addition to his parents, Pat is preceded in death by his brother Michael.
Survivors include his loving wife of 50 years, Cheryl, of Newberry; sons Patrick McNeill and Ted McNeill both of Newberry; grandchildren Michael (Grace) McNeill, Alysha McNeill, Morgan McNeill and Rose Deace; great-grandchildren Michael McNeill Jr., Colson McNeill, Kelly and Mason; siblings Donald (Rick) McNeill of Livonia, Linda Cully of Augusta, Georgia and Kathy (Steve) McCullough of Woodberry, Tennessee and Lynn McNeill of Houghton Lake; several nieces and nephews.
A gathering of family and friends will take place Saturday, October 19, 2024 from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm at the Germfask Christian Fellowship Church. A memorial service celebrating the life of Pat will follow at 2:30 pm at the church with Pastor J.D. Livermore officiating. Pat will be laid to rest at the McNeill family lot at Woodlawn Cemetery in Curtis at a later date.
Memorials may be directed to the Upper Peninsula KERYX Prison Ministry in his loving memory.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com
Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
Donald Robert Craig
October 27, 1954 – October 14, 2024
Donald Robert Craig, 69, of Newberry, died Monday afternoon October 14, 2024 at his home with family by his side.
Born October 27, 1954 in Newberry, son of Robert and Sally (Peterson) Craig, Don was a 1972 graduate of Newberry High School.
Don started working at the age of nine at Lone’s Gardens. In high school, he worked at Knauf’s garage and drove the ambulance they managed as well. After high school, he started his career in logging. He worked for many over the years with highlights including: moving his family to Oklahoma and working for Pengo, logging oil wells, starting Craig Logging in 1988 and his time working with his son. He was a talented and reliable logger and continued in the industry off and on until he was forced to stop due to his health.
He was also an avid deer and partridge hunter and loved to fish, primarily salmon and trout. He loved the outdoors and spending time with family.
Don was a beloved father, son, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. He will be sadly missed by all his family and friends.
Don is preceded in death by his father Robert Craig; his brother Harry Craig; his nephew David Lynn; cousin Greg Dwyer.
Don is survived by his former wife, Julie Craig, and their children; son Robert Craig of Newberry and daughter Tammy (Justin) Burton of Ishpeming; grandchildren Addison Burton and Geoff Burton; mother Sally Craig of Newberry; siblings Debbie (Gene) Baker of Howell, Michigan, Brenda (Richard) Shepherd of Blue River, Oregon, Gary Craig of El Cajon, California and Denise (Kevin) Thompson of Temecula, California; several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Per his request, cremation services were accorded with no public service scheduled.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com
Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
Keith “Skip” Savard
August 2, 1931 – October 17, 2024
Keith E. “Skip” Savard, 93, of Marquette, formerly of Newberry, died Thursday morning, October 17, 2024, at the Michigan Veteran Homes D.J. Jacobetti.
He was born August 2, 1931, in Detroit, Michigan, a son of the late Leo and Bernice (Jaeger) Savard. He moved to Escanaba as a teen and was a 1949 graduate of St. Joseph High School. In 1951 he enlisted in the US Army and served for two years.
Skip earned a teaching degree from NMU. He taught in the Newberry Public Schools for more than 40 years until his retirement in 1999.
He was a member of the ELKS Lodge and American Legion. His interests included crossword puzzles, gardening, hunting, fishing and spending time at camp. He also loved to sing and sang for many weddings and funerals.
Skip is survived by nieces, Geraldine Haglund of Marquette and Deborah (Todd) LaFayette of Ishpeming; a nephew, Robert Haglund in Marquette; great-nieces, Tiffany (Paul) Sumption of Superior, WI and Tamara (Jeremiah) Freeman of Negaunee; and 5 great-great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Donna (Robert) Haglund.
A Graveside Service will be held on Friday, November 1, 2024 at 1 pm at Holy Cross Cemetery.
Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Service is assisting the family where memories may be shared at fassbenderswansonhansen.com
