Margaret Jane Pike
Margaret Jane Pike, 68, of Newberry, passed away at her home on the evening of Saturday, October 31, 2020. Born January 4, 1952, in Newberry, daughter of the late Cliff and Mary Lou (Rahilly) Fossitt, Margaret was a 1970 graduate of Newberry High School and 1974 graduate of Northern Michigan University, summa cum laude. After graduation she returned to Newberry and worked as the Luce County juvenile probation officer, working with troubled teens, some of whom she kept in touch with years later, a sign of the mark she made on their lives. She also helped open the KOA Campground in 1975 with her husband Robb. In 1979 she and Robb moved to Sault Ste. Marie to begin a new family business, Abner’s Restaurant, which they ran together for 25 years. As a working mother, she was very involved with her children and church, volunteering as the President of Sault High’s Booster Club and teaching confirmation classes for ten years at St. Joseph’s Parish. She could always be found at her children’s many sporting events — and she was always the loudest cheerleader. Her heart for serving others was evident throughout her life, as her home was always open to anyone who needed a meal or place to stay for a week, a few months, or even years. She used her skills in social work to provide counsel and a listening ear to many of her employees and friends over the years, and anyone who knew her, loved her. She and Robb returned to the Newberry area in 2003 and shortly thereafter Maggie (as she loved to be called later in life) got diagnosed with seemingly terminal cancer. Through exceptional medical care and caretaking by her husband, coupled with her devoted love of family and the Lord, she was a 13-year cancer survivor. She adored her community at Lakefield Baptist Church and never missed Monday night Bible study. Whole brain radiation gradually resulted in many negative effects on her health, but she always had a positive outlook, kept her strong faith in the Lord, and was so happy and grateful to have Robb by her side at all times. She is survived by her loving husband of 51 years, Robb of Newberry, whom she married August 9, 1969; brothers Cliff (Cathy) of Newberry, John (Carol) of Grand Rapids, and Steve (Peggy) of Newberry; sister Mary K. (Jerry) McGinn of Sault Ste. Marie; sons Rob (Amy) of Wilmette, IL, Gavin (Jolynne) of Monclova, OH; daughter Maryea (Tim Flaherty) of Springboro, OH and eight doting grandchildren, Kailynn, Garret, Carson, Griffin, Mallory, Leah, Meghan, and Luke. Due to COVID-19, a private family visitation and funeral service will be held Saturday November 7, 2020 at the Lakefield Baptist Church with Pastor Richard Smith officiating. A public liturgical graveside service will be held Saturday November 7, 2020 at 2:30 pm at Forest Home Cemetery in Newberry. Social distancing and masks are required in accordance of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Memorials may be directed to the Lakefield Baptist Church, 24230 CR 98, McMillan, Michigan 49853 or to the Luce County Community Resource and Recreation Center, 103 West Helen Street, Newberry, Michigan 49868 in her memory. Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com. Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
Michelle Lynn Velija
Michelle Lynn Velija, 42, of Warren, died Wednesday October 28, 2020 at Ascension Hospital in Madison Heights. Born June 28, 1978 in Royal Oak, daughter of Michael and Linda (Alexander) Hankins, Michelle was a high school graduate. Michelle was a devoted homemaker enjoying painting, coloring (purple was her favorite color), going for long rides, sightseeing and collecting souvenirs. She enjoyed the outdoors, nature (especially butterflies), swimming, boating and fishing. The fall season was her favorite with the changing of the colors and preparing for Halloween. Michelle was a very loving and caring person to her family and friends. Michelle is preceded in death by her sister Tammy Ann Harris. Survivors include her loving husband, Sami Velija of Warren, whom she married July 17, 1999 in Madison Heights; son Justin Velija of Warren; parents Michael and Linda Hankins of Warren; nieces Ashley and Kaitlyn Harris and nephew Timothy Harris; her loving French Bulldog LUCKY. Due to COVID-19, a private family visitation will take place Wednesday November 4, 2020 from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm at the Beaulieu Funeral Home. A public graveside service will be held Wednesday November 4, 2020 at 2:00 pm at Forest Home Cemetery in Newberry with close family friend, Christina Sevarns, presiding with her words of comfort. Social distancing and masks will be required in accordance of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com. Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
Dan Lee Hardenbrook
Dan Lee Hardenbrook, 55, of Newberry, died Sunday, November 1, 2020 at his residence. Born October 23, 1965 in Kalamazoo, son of the late Floyd and Mildred (Holliday) Hardenbrook, Dan has been a resident of Newberry since 2019, moving from Battle Creek, and was presently employed as a custodian at Tahquamenon Area Schools. Dan was an avid outdoorsman enjoying hunting, fishing, motorcycling and found great joy in his companion dogs BRUTUS and ACE. In addition to his parents, Dan is preceded in death by his brother Steve. Survivors include his loving wife, the former Kris Smith of Newberry, whom he married July 21, 2000 in Kalamazoo; son Daniel Hardenbrook of Newberry; siblings Allan Hardenbrook of Florida, Bryan Hardenbrook of Kalamazoo, Gary of Kalamazoo, Timothy Hardenbrook of Indiana, Linda (Jeff) Weller of Kalamazoo and Lois Hardenbrook of Indiana. Per his request, cremation services were accorded with no public services scheduled. Memorials may be directed to the Luce County Pet Pals, PO Box 345, Newberry, Michigan 49868 in his memory. Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com. Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
Daniel Roy McLaughlin
Daniel Roy McLaughlin, age 90, of Naubinway, Michigan, died on October 29, 2020 in St. Ignace, Michigan. He was born to Edgar Roy and Noreen (Shean) McLaughlin on June 23, 1930. Daniel graduated from Michigan State University with a bachelor’s degree in sociology. He later obtained a masters and a doctorate degree. He had a long career in higher education administration. Daniel was the founding president of Asnuntuck Community College in Enfield, Connecticut. He developed a sister relationship with a college in Taiwan during his time as president. He taught at Lake Superior State University as a member of the adjunct team. Daniel and his wife of fifty years, Karen, loved traveling throughout the United States as well as Europe and Asia. They retired to the shore of Lake Michigan in 1988. No services are planned. Dodson Funeral Cremation Burial Service in Pickford, Michigan is serving the family. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.rgalerfuneralhome.com.
