Gail Agnes Brown
Gail Agnes Brown, age 67, died November 7, 2020. She was born March 21, 1953, in Newberry, Michigan, the daughter of David and Agnes (Henschel) Brown. Gail was a graduate of Engadine High School. She retired in 2013 as a pump mechanic, after 34 years of hard work, from Parker Aerospace. Gail loved adventures, including beach glass hunting, road trips, finding new tasty food, photography, campfires, and beautiful sunsets. She will be remembered for her fun loving spirit, and how devoted she was to her family. Her family includes her brothers and sisters: Pauline Glenn, Clara Kleeman, Mary Lou Lee, Mick (Linda) McKenzie, Linda (Jeff) Bunch, and John (Debbie) Brown and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Barbra Jean Brown and her brothers-in-law, Larry S. Duff and Robert Lee. Friends may visit with Gail’s family at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Burial and Cremation Center Westside Chapel, 3926 S. 9th St., Kalamazoo, Michigan 49009, Saturday, November 14, 2020, from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. Masks and social distancing are required. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Kalamazoo Humane Society.
William “Bill” Edward Labadie
Longtime Newberry resident, William “Bill” Edward Labadie, 74, passed away Friday November 6, 2020. Born October 22, 1946 in Escanaba, son of the late Joseph and Patricia (Tobin) Labadie, Bill was raised in Nahma and was a 1964 graduate of Nahma High School. Bill attended Bay de Noc Community College in Escanaba where he met his future “bride”, the former Mary Knauf. On August 4, 1966, Bill enlisted in the United States Marine Corp. proudly serving during the Vietnam War stationed stateside and Marine Base Guantanamo Bay, Cuba until his honorable discharge on July 17, 1968 attaining the rank of Lance Corporal. He was then transferred to the Marine Corp. Reserve until his discharge on April 6, 1972. On October 19, 1968, Bill and Mary were united in marriage at St. Gregory’s Catholic Church in Newberry and recently celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversary. Bill and Mary started their life together in Fenton where Bill was employed at the Chevrolet Plant. In the fall of 1970, they moved back to the Upper Peninsula settling in Newberry to raise their family. In 1972, Bill began his career in law enforcement with the Village of Newberry Police Department and also part-time as a Deputy Sheriff with the Luce County Sheriff’s Department. Bill’s career in local law enforcement spanned 35 years serving the community, retiring as the Village Police Chief in 2007. During his younger years, Bill loved to spend his time hunting, fishing and being outdoors. He took great pride in being able to hunt game and help to provide for his family. He also enjoyed participating in basketball and track. From the start, he was known by his family and friends for his never ending list of jokes, his ability to make anyone laugh and the pranks he was involved in with his colleagues and friends. Above all, Bill was aware of what mattered the most in life-his family and friends. He never met a stranger and never missed the chance to be the biggest fan at the events and activities of his children and grandchildren. In addition to his parents, Bill is preceded in death by his siblings Robert and Joan; father and mother-in-law Ray and Margaret Knauf; brother-in-law Michael Knauf. Survivors include his loving wife of 52 years, Mary, of Newberry; children Michael (Lynn) of Bark River, Bill (Michelle) of Gladstone, Brent (Tracy) of McMillan, Timothy (Renee) of Kincheloe, Christopher (Alicia) of McMillan and Ann (Aaron) Quinlan of Gladstone. He was happily blessed with 13 grandchildren Curtis, Tyler, Kassey, Owen, Majken, Camden, Addyson, Austin, Ryan, Bradley, Coleton, Abby and Audra; one great-grandchild Briella; siblings Mary Palka of Green Bay, WI and Joe Labadie of Escanaba; brother-in-law’s Bob Boudreau of Garden, Bill (Jean) Knauf of Cape Coral, FL and Jim (Drew) Knauf of Ann Arbor; sister-in-law Patricia Johnson of North Myrtle Beach, SC; numerous special nieces and nephews; his loyal companion black lab and best friend MOLLY WOLLY. A public gathering of family and friends will take place Friday November 13, 2020 from 10:00 am until 12:00 noon at St. Gregory’s Catholic Church in Newberry. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 12:00 noon at the church with Fr. Marty Flynn officiating. Rite of Committal with military honors conducted by the American Legion Post #74 and the United States Marine Corp. will follow at Forest Home Cemetery. Due to COVID-19, social distancing and masks are required in accordance of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. The family kindly request that memorial contributions are directed to the U.P. Honor Flight, 7508 J Road, Gladstone, Michigan 49837 or www.upperpeninsulahonorflight.org in his memory as Bill was tremendously awaiting the opportunity to participate in this event. Bill will be forever be remembered for his kindness, patience, acceptance and his unremitting community service and pride for his country. He will be lovingly remembered and painfully missed. Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com. Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
