Frederick D. Gowan
Frederick D. Gowan age 85 of Eden Prairie, MN and Curtis, MI and formerly Longboat Key, FL passed away on December 7, 2020 after a gallant 6 week battle with internal bleeding and Covid 19. He is preceded in death by his parents John C. Gowan and Roberta Gowan Ludlow, brother William Gowan and his wife Marlene, sister Nancy Erickson and her husband Richard, brother John D. Gowan, and stepfather Sherman Ludlow. He is survived by his wife of 58 years JoAnn Gowan, son Greg Gowan and his wife Jill, son Randy Gowan and his wife Cindy, their daughter Alyssa, and many loving nephews and nieces. Fred was born in Sault Ste. Marie, MI on November 18th 1935. His family moved to Curtis, MI in 1944. Curtis would prove to be a big part of Fred’s life and the entire Gowan family as well. It is here where Fred developed a great love of the outdoors especially fishing and hunting. He was an excellent marksman and his shooting skills were well known. Curtis became the gathering place of the Gowan and Erickson families as many summers were spent together as one extended family. In the spring of 1966 without previous carpentry experience Fred with help of family and friends built by hand a beautiful log cabin that is still enjoyed by his sons today. More nights than we can count were spent sitting at the bar in the cabin with Fred holding court and telling stories and jokes. Fred graduated from Newberry High school in 1952 where he excelled in football and track. After graduation he enrolled at Michigan State University and graduated in 1956. He is a diehard Spartan football and basketball fan and after big wins Fred would often hang a MSU banner in his yard much to his neighbor’s chagrin. Shortly after graduation Fred served 2 stints in the U.S. Army based in Seattle, Washington. He was proud to serve his country and joked that the army liked him so much they invited him back. The 2nd stint proved to be extremely fortuitous for Fred because that is when he met the love of his life JoAnn Hasch. They were married on November 24th, 1962. They had a blessed life together, they were better together than they were apart. They were known far and wide as two of the most fun people to be around. Fred had a brief job with GM before he started a career with Lifetouch in 1962 as a photographer/salesperson. He quickly fell in love with the company and was one of the early pioneers that helped shape culture and success of the company. His career there would span 30 plus years in which time he had multiple leadership and management positions including Senior Executive Vice President. Fred and wife JoAnn were particularly proud of their 2 sons Greg and Randy. It was rare that a day would go by that he did not talk to one or both of them. Greg, Randy, and Fred spent countless hours exploring the outdoors in and around Curtis, always laughing together and telling unbelievable stories. Fred had a certain charisma about him and many were drawn to his kindness and humor. Not only was he the life of the party but he had a genuine interest in all around him. He loved to entertain and was delighted when his family and friends dropped in on him which always seemed to be around happy hour. He was a true gentleman of the highest character. Rest in peace dear Fred, well done. A Celebration of Life will take place in Curtis, MI this summer with a date to be determined.
John D. Shortridge
John D. Shortridge, age 58, of Manistique, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, December 6, 2020, after a courageous battle with cancer. John was born on December 15, 1961, in Munising, Michigan, the son of James L. and Patricia M. (Nesberg) Shortridge. He grew up in Munising attending the Munising School system and William G. Mather High School. John was extremely proud of his Native American Heritage and recently received his Native American name, which translated to English is Silver Sparkling Bear Cub. John met Tori while they lived in Christmas, MI in 1975, where they became friends, eventually their friendship turned into a love affair, and on September 12, 1992, they were married. A fun loving guy, John was into anything with fun attached to it. He enjoyed playing on the horseshoe leagues, men’s pool league, darts, was an avid cribbage and Euchre card player, just a quiet ride in the woods or rustic camping was fun to him, no TV, radio or other amenities. He also enjoyed going out, watching Jamie and the guys at their gigs. Most of all, John was having the most fun when he could enjoy a cold beer with his family and friends, and hang with his beloved grandchildren Huntur and Cody. John is survived by his loving wife, Tori of Manistique; daughter, Shannon (Jamie) Hider of Manistique; sisters, Carla (Bruce) Miller and Sandra Shortridge both of Manistique; grandchildren, Huntur and Cody Salisbury of Manistique; nephews, Dennis (Stef) Shortridge, Joseph (Jess) Williams, and Matthew (Ariana) Williams; brother-in-laws, whom he referred to as brothers, Fred Denman and Sidney William of Munising, and Trevor Wark of Manistique. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Russell Dennis and Jay; and nephew, Jimmy Denman. Private services for John will be held in the spring, with burial at the Maple Grove cemetery in Munising. Memorial contributions may be directed to the family for future designation. Fausett Family Funeral Homes of Manistique is assisting the family with the arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left on their website at Fausettfh.com
