Louise V. Chenard
January 23, 1925 – November 21, 2022
Lifelong Newberry resident, Louise Virginia Chenard, 97, died Monday November 21, 2022. Louise was born January 23, 1925 in Newberry, daughter of the late John and Elsie (McTiver) Miller and her life was an example of making the world a better place, starting right where you are.
Louise was probably best known for her work as a serious gardener. She was organic before most people had ever heard the word applied to agriculture. The gardens and trees in her yard provided bountiful quantities of delicious fruits and vegetables for her family to enjoy year-round. But her yard was also an island of beauty for all to enjoy as they passed by.
Those who knew Louise were often blessed with her intricate quilts, wall-hangings and potholders, as well as warm sweaters, hats, mittens and socks from the expert work of her hands during the long winters.
In addition to her parents, Louise is preceded in death by her husband Leo F. Chenard.
Survivors include her son Garth Chenard and daughter Amy (Patrick) Grasiewicz; grandchildren Jake (Amelia), Dylan (Jessica) Neil and Jess Duberville; son-in-law Dan Duberville; twelve great-grandchildren.
Louise was laid to rest next to her husband, Leo, at Forest Home Cemetery in Newberry.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com.
Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
Michael Walter Beals
December 19, 1954 – November 22, 2022
Michael Walter Beals, 67, of McMillan, died Tuesday morning November 22, 2022 at Helen Newberry Joy Hospital.
Born December 19, 1954 in Tacoma, Washington, son of the late Frank and Beverly (Bortz) Beals, Mike was a high school graduate.
A resident of McMillan since 1996, Mike was employed as a journeyman electrician for several years until his retirement. His hobbies included hunting, fishing, playing poker, listening to the radio and reloading ammunition shells.
Survivors include his wife, the former Sandi Lee Messer, whom he married August 28, 1998 in Engadine; stepchildren Amy (Jeff) Hollingshead of Newberry, Michael (Misty) Livermore of Pellston, Guy (Torrey) Livermore of Florence, Wisconsin, Hannah Livermore of Iron Mountain and Tessa (Will) Nemzek of Lake Orion; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; siblings Danny (Eva) Beals of McMillan, Kenneth (Laurie) Beals of Algonac and Karen Beals of Howell; several nieces and nephews.
Per his request, cremation services were accorded. A celebration of Mike’s life will be held at a later date. Interment will take place at the East Lakefield Township Cemetery.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com.
Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
John Lowell Troyer
September 6, 1938 – November 25, 2022
Longtime Engadine resident, Pastor John Lowell Troyer, 84, died Friday evening November 25, 2022 at Helen Newberry Joy Hospital.
Born September 6, 1938 in LaGrange, Indiana, son of the late Pastor Clarence and Wavia Troyer, John married the former Lola Maxine Davis in Germfask and was a graduate of Goshen College receiving a degree in elementary education.
John taught school at Engadine and Germfask for twelve years and, in 1975, left teaching to be a Pastor. He was active in his church and community serving on many boards and committees throughout his life. He was involved and was a leader of summer Bible School for many years. He loved and cared for people, welcoming them into his home, and was always helpful and generous. John would do anything for anyone. Pastor John’s 30-year career in ministry included pastoring at the Wildwood Mennonite Church and the Curtis Community Church. During this time, he also operated a farm for many years and was a deliveryman for the Soo Evening News and Marquette Mining Journal for ten years. His hobbies included camping, hunting, fishing, going to the fair, spending time with his family and attending his grandchildren’s sporting events and always greeting them with a hug at half court win or lose.
In addition to his parents, John is preceded in death by his siblings Calvin Troyer, Lois (Richard) Miller and Jim Troyer; brother-in-law James Shaum.
Survivors include his loving wife, Maxine; children Lowell (Cheryl) Troyer of Union, Ronda (Bill) Eickholt of Middlebury, Indiana, Johnny (Susie) Troyer of Engadine, Joan (Steve) Wagner of Findley, Ohio, Lori Troyer of Engadine, Roberta (Greg) Moore of Curtis, Patti Troyer of Painesville, Ohio and Steven Troyer of Litchfield Park, Arizona; grandchildren Amber (Travis) Gerig, Alicia (Nick) Gerig, Andy (Stephanie) Eickholt, Stephanie Eickholt, Wendy (Matt) Reinward, Krystal (Brian) Ng, J.J. (Lauren) Troyer, Heather (Ethan) Thomma, Kayla (T.J.) Brooks, Zach (Jasmine) Cameron, Rebecca Cameron, Brooke Moore, Katie Moore, Jacob Stefan, Lucas Stefan and Leah Stefan; great-grandchildren Adria, Hudson, Drew, Reed, Asher, Fay, Caleb, Georgi, Evan, McKenna, Bella, Marcus, Cooper, Ellie, Hunter, Emmett, Laney, Luke and Myles; siblings Esther Shaum of Engadine, Janice (Bill) Wagner of Engadine, Ken Troyer of Engadine and Stan (Marilyn) Troyer of Niles; sister-in-law’s Joan Troyer of Engadine and Ann Troyer of Manistique; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
A gathering of family and friends will be held Friday December 2, 2022 from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Curtis Baptist Church. Funeral services celebrating the life of Pastor John will be held Saturday December 3, 2022 at 10:00 am at the Curtis Baptist Church with Pastor Ray White officiating. Interment will take place at the Sandtown Cemetery.
Memorials may be directed to the Curtis Baptist Church in his loving memory.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com. Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
Neil Speerbrecker
November 18, 1936 – November 25, 2022
Longtime Newberry resident, Neil L. Speerbrecker, 86, died Friday evening November 25, 2022 at his residence.
Born November 18, 1936 in Williamston, son of the late Dormin “Clare” and Susie E. (Miller) Speerbrecker, Neil was a graduate of Williamston High School.
On June 2, 1959, Neil enlisted in the United States Army until his honorable discharge on May 17, 1961, attaining the rank of Specialist Fourth Class. Neil continued in the Michigan National Guard in Lansing employed as a heavy equipment mechanic for 29 years until his retirement as Sergeant First Class.
Following his retirement, Neil and his wife Barbara moved to Newberry in 1987. Neil was a member of the Bethel Community Church, member of the American Legion Post #248 in Laingsburg and enjoyed hunting, fishing and woodworking.
In addition to his parents, Neil is preceded in death by his father and mother-in-law, William and Charlotte Drake; brother-in-law’s Jim, Jay, Phillip, Edward and Robert; sister-in-law Betty; special aunts Ruby Owen, Ruth Dake and Phyllis Carpenter.
Survivors include his loving wife, the former Barbara Lupien, whom he married May 14, 1976 in Perry; children Neil (Angela) Speerbrecker of Central Lake, Nevin (Diane) Speerbrecker of Lansing and Nora (Oscar) Mejia of Charlotte; grandchildren Lilly, Merrick, Bremen, Angela, Oscar II, Keith and Lacie; several great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins; sister-in-law’s Carolyn (Bernie) Cook, Linda (Jim) Walter, Sue Ann Arnott, Patricia (Don) Smith and Lora Barber; brother-in-law Jerry (Leslie) Lupien; other in-laws Jesse (Nancy) Richardson, Sharon (Mike) Painter, Alex and Damaris Richardson, Frances and Arlene Richardson; very special friends Will (Kimberly) Fouts, Robert (Peg) Potoczak and all his brothers and sisters of the Bethel Community Church.
A memorial service celebrating the life of Neil will be held Saturday December 10, 2022 at 11:00 am at the Bethel Community Church with Pastor Diann Bowler officiating. Military honors conducted by the American Legion Post #74 and the United States Army Honor Guard will follow at the church. Interment will take place at a later date at the Laingsburg Cemetery.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com. Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
