Alice Ann Feneley
August 3, 1942 – November 24, 2024
Lifelong Curtis resident, Alice Ann Feneley, 82, died Sunday evening, November 24, 2024 at U.P. Health Systems-Marquette.
Born August 3, 1942 in Naubinway, daughter of the late Crawford C. and Edith (Norton) Perkins, Alice was a graduate of Engadine High School.
On September 15, 1962, Alice married Robert G. Feneley in Gould City and made Curtis their home. Alice was formerly employed as a bartender for the family in Curtis and later employed at the Fish and Hunt Shop. In later years, Alice owned a gift shop out of the home, Gommies Teddy’s and Treasures until her retirement.
Alice was a member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. She loved visiting with people, sharing her love for teddy bears and things in her shop. Her most important treasures were her grandsons.
In addition to her parents, Alice is preceded in death by her husband Robert on February 7, 2009, brothers Edward and Crawford, sister Edith and son-in-law Gerry Tucker.
Survivors include her loving daughters Rebecca “Becky” Tucker of Elberta, Alabama and Marci (Steve) Zellar of Germfask; grandsons Brett Zellar of Curtis and Kristopher Zellar of Gulliver; great-grandson Reese Zellar; brother William (Jacquie) Perkins of Naubinway; several nieces and nephews.
Per request, cremation services were accorded with no public services scheduled.
Memorials may be directed to the family in care of Marci Zellar, 213 Ackley Road, Germfask, Michigan 49836 in her loving memory.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com. Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
James Goldthorpe
December 12, 1931 – November 23, 2024
James Charles William Goldthorpe 92, lifelong resident of Helmer, Michigan, peacefully passed into heaven November 23, 2024, at McLaren Northern Michigan Hospital in Petoskey, Michigan.
Jim was born December 12, 1931, in his family home, in Helmer, Michigan, now called Helmer House. Jim attended grade school in Lakefield Township and graduated from Newberry High School in 1950.
As a local businessman, Jim, his father James F. and brother Robert, owned Goldthorpe Enterprises. Later, with his son James D. and wife Janice, he operated Laurel Lea Development Company.
Jim was a Sergeant in the US Army serving in Korea from 1952 to 1954. He was also very active in his community, serving on the Lakefield Township School Board and as a Trustee of Lakefield Township as well as Township Clerk.
Living on North Manistique (Round) Lake his entire adult life, he was an avid boater and water-skier. Jim even maintained the lake level by adjusting the dam in Helmer Creek which flows beside his home. He enjoyed bowling as a member of the “Fyvie Five” bowling team in the 1960’s. Jim really enjoyed coaching his son’s little league teams. In addition, he loved snowmobiling and spending time at his camp out north.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents James F. and Laurel Fyvie Goldthorpe; two grandsons Dylan and Ian Haapalainen and brother-in-law Kent Petersen.
He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Janice Lynne Goldthorpe of McMillan; his children Jeanie (Bruce) Haapalainen of Marion, Massachusetts, Kathy Lahti of Newberry and James D. (Debbie Grigg) Goldthorpe of Helmer; brother Robert (Margaret) Goldthorpe) and sister Gloria Petersen; stepchildren Raymond (Gaye Lynn) Plesscher, Richard (Kathleen) Plesscher and Robin (Edward) Ketola; 13 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
A graveside service with military honors will be held in the spring/summer of 2025 at the East Lakefield Township Cemetery, with a date and time to be announced.
Contributions may be made in his name to the First Baptist Church in Newberry.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com.
Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
Vienna Marie Bender
November 25, 1942 – January 2, 2024
Vienna Marie (“Bjorklund”) Bender, 81, former resident of Newberry, Michigan and resident of Greensboro, North Carolina succumbed to dementia on Tuesday, January 2, 2024.
She was born on November 25, 1942, in Newberry, Michigan, the daughter of Edward Edwin Bjorklund and Verna Edith Jokela.
Vienna was a 1960 graduate of Newberry High School. Soon after graduation, knowing that small town life was not for her, Vienna packed up her bags and moved on to experience the city life. Her first stop was San Francisco, California for a few years then onto New York City. While in New York, she met her husband Axel Bender, and they were married on June 4, 1966. This past June 4, 2024, would have marked their 58th wedding anniversary.
Vienna was a very creative and artistic person, with a passion for fashion and interior design. To fulfill her passion, she attended the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City (where she graduated with honors) and worked for Gunne Sax making patterns for formal wear. She always said being in the fashion and interior design world were some of the best moments of her life. At home, she was always reinventing her and Axel’s space.
She also loved to travel. Always having her bags packed ready for the next adventure, she traveled the world, going to Finland, China, Dubai, Germany (to name a few places), and visited family and friends who did not live close by. When she wasn’t traveling, she also enjoyed having company over, hosting dinner parties, and trying out new recipes.
She also loved animals and being a “mama” to her beloved Boston Terriers. Her Boston Terriers (Peggy & Daisy, Frankie & Dixie, and Tessa & Bella) were her babies. She would go to the end of the earth and back for her fur babies. There was always a soft spot in Vienna’s big heart for any fur baby that crossed her path.
Survivors include her husband Axel Bender of Greensboro, North Carolina; one brother Donald Bjorklund and wife Judith of Newberry, Michigan; nieces and nephews Allan (Schanel) Bjorklund, Dani (Kendra) Bjorklund, Susan (Dan) Bamber, Kevin Bjorklund, Rachel (Eric) Nelson, Rebecca (David) Kenny, Bethany (Matt) Kaiser, Amanda (John) Alto, Josh (Jolene) Alto, and nine (9) great nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, Vienna is preceded in death by her brother Allan “Matt” Bjorklund.
Vienna, you were a wonderful, caring person and will be deeply missed by those who loved you.
Cremation has taken place and Vienna’s ashes will be laid to rest at Forest Home Cemetery in Newberry, Michigan.
