Judith Ann Lehr
December 31, 1941 – October 13, 2023

Judith Ann Lehr, 81, of Monroe, passed away Friday morning October 13, 2023 at her home surrounded by her children, grandchildren and loved ones. Her passing was preceded by her parents and her husband: Howard. To cherish her memory, she leaves three children: Arthur Lehr of Monroe, Kelly Lehr of Monroe, and Jennifer (Jeffrey) Verscheure of Buckley, and four grandchildren: Ashley (Tarik) DeLand of Ida, Alexander (Jenelle) Lehr of Golden, Colorado, Rylee Meyer of Ida, and Chase Verscheure of Monroe.

Judith Ann McGraw was born on December 31, 1941, in Manistique, Michigan the only child born from the union of Bernard and Eva (Klobucher) McGraw. She grew up on the family farm in rural Engadine and graduated from St. Ignace LaSalle High School. While attending high school, she began her career working for the First National Bank of St. Ignace, where she excelled and was known to be the fastest proof operator in northern Michigan. She also periodically modeled clothing for Winkelman’s. During her tenure at the bank, one of the highlights she liked to share was that she held the check that paid for the historic Mackinac Bridge. She was offered the position of Bank Manager for the new First National Bank that was being built in Naubinway, Michigan, but opted to be a dedicated homemaker and caregiver to her family, relatives, and close friends.

On March 31, 1964, she married Howard C. Lehr, and together they were blessed with the birth of their three children. Being raised Catholic, Judith’s faith held a significant place in her heart. Prayers were an important part of her daily life, and she regularly said the rosary and novenas for family members, friends, those in need, for health and safety, protection for those in service, and for peace. Judith had a profound love for Christmas, which symbolized the essence of her beliefs. The snow, lights, decorations, festive spirit of the season, and promise of family gatherings brought her great joy, making it her favorite holiday. A shot of blackberry brandy or a stiff highball like a 7&7, she lovingly referred to as a “Snort,” surely added to the merriment.

Judith cherished her Croatian heritage and delighted in Polka music, often recounting and sharing stories of the lively and joyous family gatherings where dancing and laughter echoed throughout the entire weekend. No dance floor needed polishing when the family were together celebrating, for there were enough people dancing to take care of that. Being from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan filled Judith’s heart with pride and she ardently would express herself a “Yooper.”  Her interests and hobbies varied from astronomy, aviation, Bible study, crafts, puzzles, politics, history, law, old movies, cooking, and baking. She enjoyed baking a batch of oatmeal raisin cookies for when family came to visit and loved going out for breakfast on the weekends with her children. Time spent with family is what she treasured most.

A gathering of family and friends will take place Saturday October 28, 2023 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at St. Stephens Catholic Church in Naubinway.  A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating the life of Judith will follow at 11:00 am at the church with Fr. Jacek Wtyklo officiating.  Rite of Committal will take place at the Engadine Cemetery.

Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com. Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.

 

Nancy May Mitchell
November 9, 1948 – October 12, 2023

Longtime Paradise resident, Nancy May Mitchell, 74, passed away Thursday, October 12, 2023.

Born November 9, 1948 in Newberry, daughter of the late Cecil Jr. and Frances (Kabelman) Clark, Nancy was a 1966 graduate of Brimley High School.

On January 6, 1967, Nancy married Michael Mitchell in Brimley, Michigan.  In addition to being a homemaker raising her family, she also assisted her husband as co-owner/operator of the Vagabond Motel in Paradise.

Nancy enjoyed going to camp, cookouts with family and friends, picking blueberries, baking, canning and deer hunting.

Survivors include her loving husband, Mike, of Paradise; children Ralph, Chester and Kena; two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Per her request, cremation services were accorded with no public services at this time.  Interment will take place at the Our Lady of Victory Catholic Cemetery in Paradise.

Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com. Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.

 

Ray H. Barney
January 24, 1945 – October 5, 2023

Ray H. Barney, 78, peacefully passed away on the evening of October 5, 2023, at UP Health System – Marquette.

Born on January 24, 1945, in Petosky, Michigan, Ray was the son of Herbert and Elsie (Miller) Barney. He graduated from Godwin Heights High School in 1963 and served as an E5 in the US Army during the Vietnam War. He dedicated much of his life to public service, working as a police officer and in the Coast Guard. After retirement, he relocated to Newberry, Michigan and pursued various passions, from language study to music and nature appreciation.

Ray was preceded in death by his wife, Helen, in 2010.

Ray is survived by his son, Robert (Marie) Barney, his daughter, Beth (Jonathan) Mast, his stepdaughter, Dianne (Chris) Hubbell, and his stepson, Doug (Dawn) Van Oost, as well as his grandson, J. Alexander Mast.

He is also survived by many who affectionately knew him as ‘Grandpa,’ including Travis (Haley) Mast, Jimmy Hallo, Jairad (Linh) Hallo, Daniel (Kyra) Van Oost, and Douglas (Martha) Van Oost.

The family has chosen to honor his life privately.

Memorial donations may be made to Chippewa-Luce-Mackinac Community Action Agency, 207 Newberry Ave, Newberry, MI 49868, or Christian Fellowship SBC, 314 E. Truman, Newberry, MI 49868.

Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family, and condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com.

 

Lorraine I. Applin
October 11, 1927 – October 15, 2023

Lorraine I. Applin, age 96, of McMillan, MI, passed away on Sunday, October 15, 2023, at Helen Newberry Joy Hospital in Newberry, MI.

She was born on October 11, 1927, in Iron River, MI, the daughter of the late Frank and Irene (Basso) Ciochetto. She attended the Iron River Schools and graduated.

Lorraine married Dale Applin on June 28, 1945, at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Iron River, MI. The couple celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary in 2011. Dale preceded her in death on December 11, 2011.

She and Dale owned and operated City Market, Friendly Store, and Dale Applin Sales, all in Iron River. Lorraine was a former member of St. Agnes Catholic Church greeting and ushering with Dale for many years. She was one of the “funeral ladies” who prepared lunches for funerals. She enjoyed bowling, knitting, cross country skiing, daily walks and was a prolific reader.

Lorraine is survived by her son, Bruce (Jackie) Applin of McMillan, MI; brother, Donald (Marie) Ciochetto of Stambaugh, MI; grandchildren, Jessica, Casie, Rebecca, Melissa, and Scott; great- grandchildren, Chevy, Liliana, Crosby, Briar, and Sabine; nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. She had a special relationship with her niece, Donna Hoffman and Vincent, her canine companion.

She was also preceded in death by her daughter, Dale Holmes and brother, Frank Ciochetto Jr.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at the Jacobs Funeral Home of Iron River. Funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. at St. Agnes Catholic Church with Fr. Daniel Fosu to offer the Mass of Christian Burial.

Interment will be in Resthaven Cemetery.

Condolences may be expressed to the family of Lorraine I. Applin online at:

www.jacobsfuneralhomeir.com

Funeral arrangements by the Jacobs Funeral Home of Iron River.

 

Mark J. Salter
November 26, 1946 – October 22, 2023

Mark J. Salter, 76, of Flushing, died Sunday evening, October 22, 2023 at Medilodge of Montrose in the presence of the loving family.

Born November 26, 1946, son of the late Donald and Gertrude (Thompson) Salter, Mark was a graduate of Newberry High School.

Mark was employed at General Motors for 39 years until his retirement.  A resident of Flint, in 2019 he moved with his daughter, Patricia Williams, to Georgia eventually moving back in 2022 to be closer to his family.  Mark loved his woodworking, automotive work, watching the Detroit Tigers and working crossword puzzles.

In addition to his parents, Mark is preceded in death by his brother Robert “Pepper” Salter and grandson Kaleb T. Stuck.

Survivors include his children Patricia (Robert) Williams of Flushing, Sharolyn (Leonard) Rybka of Mt. Morris, Debra Tucker of Flint and Mark Jr. (Laura) Salter of Davison; stepbrother William “Bill” Goff of North Carolina; 14 grandchildren and 28 great grandchildren.

A gathering of family and friends will take place Friday, November 3, 2023 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at the Newberry United Methodist Church.  Funeral services celebrating the life of Mark will follow at 11:00 am at the church with Pastor Jackie Roe officiating.  Interment will take place at the Salter family lot at Forest Home Cemetery.

Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com. Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.

 

Floyd “Bud” McGarey
August 25, 1948 – October 13, 2023

Floyd “Bud” Myron McGarey, 75, of McMillan, died Friday morning October 13, 2023 at his residence in the presence of his loving family and the care of North Woods Hospice.  Bud was born August 25, 1948 in Newberry, son of the late George and Ardath “Riete” (Tucker) McGarey,

On November 12, 1965 at the age of 17, Bud enlisted into the United States Army serving during the Vietnam War.  On January 20, 1967, Bud sustained injuries during combat infantry in Tiay Ninh, Vietnam and was honorably discharge on November 8, 1968, receiving several decorations including the Purple Heart of Valor.  Later in life, Bud continued his service to his country, re-enlisting into the United States Navy on July 10, 1973 and serving until his honorable discharge on July 9, 1975.

Following his honorable discharge from the United States Navy, Bud resided in Arkansas and employed as a painter and an EMT.  Desiring to move back to Michigan, Bud took a job on Mackinac Island as a security guard at the Grand Hotel and later as a golf course attendant, where he loved the inner actions with the many visitors and fellow co-workers.

Following his employment on Mackinac Island, Bud was a logger for several companies as well as doing masonry work with his cousin, Joe Tucker.  Due to health issues caused by exposure to Agent Orange, Bud retired in 2011 and remained semi-active, enjoying hunting, fishing, trapping and playing horseshoes for several years until his health declined to the point in 2020 that he was unable to enjoy his hobbies.  Bud was a member of the VFW, the American Legion and was proud to serve his country and support the military forces.

In addition to his parents, Bud is preceded in death by brother Pat McGarey and longtime companion, Sandra Tong.

Survivors include his daughter Lisa (Bob Crawford) Evans of McMillan; sister Cricket (Delbert) Keinonen of McMillan; brothers Lyle Wheeler of Newberry and Frank Wheeler of Newberry; three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews and his longtime armed service buddy and best friend, Terry Gibson of Mulberry, Arkansas.

Per his request, cremation services were accorded.  A graveside service with full military honors rendered by the American Legion Post #74 and the United States Army Honor Guard will be held in the spring of 2024 at the Columbus Township Cemetery in McMillan.

Memorials may be directed to the Luce County Pet Pals, PO Box 345, Newberry, Michigan 49868 in his loving memory.

Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com. Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.