Robert John Foley
Longtime Newberry resident, Robert John Foley, 94, died Wednesday afternoon November 25, 2020 at Newberry Assisted Living Community. Born February 20, 1926 in Newberry, son of the late Thomas and Ursula (Thompson) Foley, Bob was a 1943 graduate of Newberry High School. On February 1, 1944, Bob enlisted in the United States Army Air Corp. serving during World War II until his honorable discharge on November 9, 1945 attaining the rank of Aviation Cadet. Following his discharge, Bob attended Sault Tech (now Lake Superior State University) for two years and transferring to Michigan Technological University in Houghton graduating in 1950 with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering. On June 24, 1950, Bob married the former Joyce Roberts at St. Gregory’s Catholic Church in Newberry. Bob’s employment career began in Muskegon with Central Paper Company and later in Marquette at Cliffs-Dow Chemical Company. Bob moved back to Newberry where he was employed at the former Newberry Regional Mental Health Center for 30 years until his retirement in 1984. Bob was a member of St. Gregory’s Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus Council #2929, American Legion Post #74, B.P.O.E. #1705 and S.E.R.A. Later in life, Bob was honored with inductions into the Newberry High School Sports Hall of Fame and the Lake State Sports Hall of Fame. In his leisure time, Bob was enjoyed golfing and bowling. In addition to his parents, Bob is preceded in death by his wife Joyce on March 24, 2010; step-grandchild Clifton Gideon; great-grandchild Campbell Pike; siblings Sr. Nadine Foley and Thomas J. Foley. Survivors include his children Chris (Roger) Russell of Adrian, Anne (James) Gideon Lima, Ohio and Jane (Bradley) Lodewyk of Bay City; 12 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren; siblings James (Jean) Foley of Newberry, Yvonne (John) Lelli of Shelby Township, Tim (Jean) Foley of Cheboygan, Patricia (John Wiznerowicz) Foley of Midland and Michael (Ann Routt) Foley of Ypsilanti. A gathering of family and friends will take place Monday November 30, 2020 from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm at St. Gregory’s Catholic Church. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 2:00 pm 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 Army/Air Corp. will take place 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. Memorials may directed to St. Gregory’s Catholic Church or Newberry Assisted Living Community in his memory. Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com. Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
William “Bill” King
It is with profound sadness that we announce the death of William “Bill” King. Bill died surrounded by his family on Wednesday November 25, 2020.Son of Ernest Sr and Clara King, Bill was born at their home in Naubinway on November 6, 1934. Bill was born with what many people thought of as a disability. He was missing his left arm below the elbow. But as anyone who met Bill would soon learn, he did not view this difference as a reason for self-pity. Throughout his life, Bill would proceed to accomplish difficult tasks with persistence, determination and a positive attitude. Bill was a proud man who decided early in life to live his life to the fullest. He did not only live life – he embraced it. Bill loved his family dearly and never hesitated to express that love without reservation.
Bill began attending school in the one room schoolhouse in Naubinway and later graduated from Engadine High School. He married Donna Giddis in 1954 and they remained wed until her death in 2004. Bill and Donna had three sons; Terry, David and Randy. Bill spent his work life involved in the commercial fishing industry. He worked at the “Fish Dock” in Naubinway for 30 years. After retiring from the dock, Bill became co-owner of William King and Sons Fishery along with all three of his sons. During that time, Bill also held positions on the Board of Directors for the Sault Ste Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians and as the fishing site access developer for the commercial fishers. Bill held his position on the Board for over 20 years until he retired due to his wife’s poor health. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, the love of his life Donna, his youngest son Randy as well as his brothers Ernest Jr. “Pete” and Jack and his sister Cleo Smith.Bill’s greatest joy was time spent with his family. Survivors include his sons Terry (Jackie) King of Escanaba and David (Chris) King of Naubinway; daughter-in-law Deb King of Kinross; grandchildren Alexa (Brian) Morrison, Shane King, Tara Burke, Dylan King and Dakota King; great grandchildren Logan and Hazel Morrison; and several nieces and nephews. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic a graveside service has been postponed until all who choose to join his family to celebrate Bill’s life will be able to attend. As he would wish, when you think of Bill please do so with a smile. Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com. Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
Joseph “Joe” Brian McDonald
Joseph Brian “Joe” McDonald, age 69, of Grand Marais, Michigan died peacefully on Saturday, November 28, 2020, at Medilodge in Munising following an illness and excellent care at Helen Newberry Joy Hospital. He was born on July 31, 1951, in Detroit, Michigan to Charles Joseph “Joe” and Alftruda Grace “Trudy” (Bell) McDonald. Joe grew up in California, New Jersey, and Ohio, where Joe Sr. was a social worker, and Trudy was a librarian. He graduated from Mariemont High School in Ohio with science and mechanical engineering skills. Joe and his family visited Grand Marais every summer growing up, sailing, canoeing, and learning woodcraft from three generations of Bell relatives. He started college in San Diego, California, and loved the coast and desert. Joe graduated from Michigan Technological University in Houghton, Michigan where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. Joe worked as a computer programmer for Motorola in Chicago for twenty years, developing the cellular communications systems we all rely on. He brought his job north in 2002, to help care for his mom Trudy, returning to the family home in Grand Marais that he and his siblings designed and built for his parents. Joe was very active with the Burt Township Ambulance Corps and the Eastern U.P. Search and Rescue. He enjoyed sailing on Lake Superior, and using his radio electronics skills with Search and Rescue. Joe was a gardener, builder, electrician, woodsman, an avid reader, and he loved old movies. He was a superb carpenter and was always active in the community. He set up the sound systems for many community events like the Community Cabaret and the Dog Sled Races, and was the guy you could always call on for car trouble or any other rural emergency. He always helped with a smile, and gave with an open heart. Joe is survived by his siblings – Ira (Nancy) McDonald of Grand Marais, David (Jen) McDonald of Seattle, Washington, and Sylvia McDonald (Bernie Schwab) of Cincinnati, Ohio ‒ and many other loving relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents. A family memorial service will take place at a later date. Interment will be at the Rose Hill Cemetery in Grand Marais. Joe’s obituary and online guestbook may be viewed and signed at bowermanfuneralhome.net Memorials in Joe’s name may be sent to the Janzen House, 146 W Spring St, Marquette MI 49855 https://janzenhouse.com/ and Grand Marais Historical Society, PO Box 179, Grand Marais MI 49839, https://historicalsociety.grandmaraismichigan.com/.