Bobby Crandell Sr.
October 19, 1951 – January 30, 2026
Longtime Newberry resident, Bobby James Crandell Sr., 74, went home to be with his wife and the Lord on the morning of January 30, 2026, at his residence surrounded by his loving family and sister, Tanis, who was on the phone.
Born October 19, 1951, in Newberry, Bobby was the son of the late Edward and Allene, Bobby married the former Peggy Lee Fraley on December 18, 1971 in Big Bay, Michigan.
Bobby was formerly employed at the Newberry Regional Mental Health Center, Connors Mill, and retired from Louisiana Pacific Corporation.
Bobby true love was his wife, conversations with his children, grandchildren and great grandkids handing out suckers to them! He enjoyed his phone calls from his siblings and late night conversations with his granddaughter, Abigail.
Bobby also enjoyed the watching westerns and the preacher channel, reading books, music, casino gaming, poker games, car rides, suckers and life savers and was an avid Detroit Lions fan. He also had numerous hobbies and interests.
In addition to his parents and wife Peggy Lee, Bobby was preceded in death by his siblings Terry and Enola.
He is survived by his children Heather of Newberry, Bobby (Erin), Misty (Joe), and Amber (Mike); 14 grandchildren and 16 great grandkids that he enjoyed tremendously; siblings Anthony, Mike (Debbie), Tanis (Ed), and Nicky; several nieces, nephews, cousins, uncles, and aunts.
Graveside services with military honors conducted by the United States Marine Corp Honor Guard and the American Legion Post #74 will be held in the spring of 2026 at Forest Home Cemetery, with a date and time to be announced.
The Crandell family extends their appreciation to North Woods Home Care and Hospice and the Veterans Administration, especially to Don, Sasha (Cory), Mary Catherine, and Vicky, for their compassionate care.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com. Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
Donna M. Michalak
March 7, 1960 – January 25, 2026
Donna Marie Michalak, age 65, was welcomed into the arms of Jesus at 12:40 AM on January 25, 2026, while at home and surrounded by her loving family. She was born on March 7, 1960, in Plant City, Florida, to Lee Douglas and Betty (Engman) Plesscher.
Donna was the third of six children, and she also grew up alongside many cousins who were like siblings to her. Donna spent most of her life in the Lakefield, Michigan, area and was a graduate of Newberry High School.
At the age of 21, Donna met the love of her life, Don Michalak. They married three years later and shared forty-one wonderful years of marriage. In 1984, Donna gave birth to her only child, Misti. During childbirth, Donna suffered congestive heart failure, and doctors feared neither mother nor baby would survive, but they did. Donna often said she could have died then, but instead, she was blessed with another forty-one years of life, a testament to her incredible strength.
Donna was overjoyed when her grandchildren, Zachary and Amya, came into her life. As the years passed, they became the light of her days and the joy of her heart. She treasured the simple moments – shared laughter, quiet conversations, and the little traditions that grew naturally between them. Spoiling them came easily, but it was her love and presence that lingered longest, leaving memories that will be cherished forever.
Donna worked in various restaurants over the years before retiring from Helen Newberry Joy Hospital, where she dedicated over twenty years of service, in both the kitchen and the wellness center.
Beyond her devotion to family, Donna had two great passions: plants and sewing. She lovingly tended many flower gardens over the years and especially enjoyed propagating succulents. Donna also loved sewing and quilting alongside her sisters and close friends. Together, they formed the Local Ladies Community Outreach, affectionately known as the “Church Mice,” sewing in the basement of Lakefield Baptist Church to create blessing bags for those in need. This ministry was one of Donna’s greatest joys, as it brought together her love for family, friendship, creativity, and helping others.
Donna is survived by her loving husband, Donald Michalak; daughter, Misti (Bob) Collia; grandchildren, Zachary Collia and Amya Collia; step-grandchildren, Joel Collia and Danielle Collia; mother, Betty Gage; sisters, Teri Geerlings, Marietta (Dave) Kimbler, Rebecca (Bob) Gonzalez, and Dixie (Brian) Bryers; brother, Tim (Gail) Plesscher; brothers-in-law, Dave (Kathy) Michalak and Greg (Michelle) Michalak; sister-in-law, Sharon Lambert; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews, including two who were especially close to her, Dylan Geerlings and Trevor Kimbler; as well as dear friends, Cathleen Martin, Linda Goldthorpe, Margie Goldthorpe, Diane Krause and Shelley Searl.
Donna was preceded in death by her father, Lee Douglas Plesscher; in-laws, Gregory and Virginia Michalak; brothers-in-law, Cal Geerlings, Dave Edgar and Mike Marshall; and sisters-in-law, Diane Marshall and Carol Edgar.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at Lakefield Baptist Church, 24230 Co Rd. 98, McMillan, MI 49853. Visitation will begin at 11:00 AM with the service starting at 12:00 Noon.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lakefield Baptist Church, 24230 Co Rd. 98, McMillan, MI 49853, or to Local Ladies Community Outreach (checks may be made payable to Teri Geerlings) 4095 CR 429 McMillan, MI 49853.
If flowers are sent, Donna requested her favorite flower: gladiolus.
Rose Anna Fretz
June 28, 1924 – January 29, 2026
Rose Anna (Drum) Fretz of Newberry passed away peacefully on January 29, 2026 at Newberry Assisted Living at the age of 101.5 years. Born on June 28, 1924, in Melvindale to Philip and Anna (Schompier) Drum, Rose lived a life full of dedication and service.
She graduated from Southwestern High School in Detroit in 1942 and soon after began working for the Stinson Aircraft Co. in Wayne as a riveter on the L-series of observation planes known as the “Flying Jeep” during World War II. Her efforts during the war were recognized with a Congressional Medal from the Michigan Rosie the Riveter Organization when she turned 100.
After the war, Rose worked for the Michigan Gas Co. and later became a secretary for the Melvindale-Northern Allen Park School District, serving at Quandt Elementary, Palmer Elementary, and Melvindale High School. In retirement, she and her husband enjoyed their time as snowbirds, living on Big Manistique Lake and spending winters in Gulf Shores and Foley, Alabama, where they were members of the Michigan Club.
Rose was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond R. Fretz Jr., her sisters, Irene Steuck and Claudine Baxter, her brothers, Philip and Joseph Drum.
She is survived by her sons, Randall Fretz of Newberry and Roger Fretz of Wolverine, three grandchildren, their spouses, 11 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews; cousin, Hilda Gembrowski; brother-in-law Jerry Baxter and sister-in law Frances Drum.
Known for her cooking and generosity, Rose’s home in Melvindale was affectionately called Rosie’s Diner. She was a Cub Scout den mother and enjoyed fishing for walleye in Big Manistique Lake. A lifetime member of the Masonic Eastern Star, she attended the First Presbyterian Church in Newberry.
In accordance with her wishes, cremation services were accorded, and no funeral services will take place. In her honor, she would ask that everyone simply do something nice for those in need.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com. Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
Judith Ann Panula
August 17, 1945 – January 27, 2026
Longtime Newberry resident, Judith Ann Panula, age 80, passed away peacefully at home on January 27, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born on August 17, 1945 in Hancock, Michigan, to Gladys (Soli) and Frederick Schultz.
Judy and her mother lived with her grandparents in Pequaming, Michigan, until her father got out of the Army. They then moved to Newberry in 1946 where her father got a teaching job. She attended school in Newberry and graduated high school in 1963. She attended Northern Michigan University for nursing and graduated with honors in 1966. She worked at Newberry Regional Mental Health Center as an LPN supervisor from 1966 until her retirement in 1992. She married John (Jack) Panula on June 11, 1966. They were married for 50 years. After retirement, Judy and Jack enjoyed camping at Michigan Vacation Village in Curtis where they made many special friends.
She was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church, serving as quilt leader of Prayer Quilt Ministry and stewardship chairman. In the past, Judy enjoyed working as a volunteer at the Senior Center and made many good friends there. She was also secretary of the Senior Citizens Association and a member of American Legion Post #74 ladies auxiliary.
She was an avid quilter, knitter, and cross-stitcher. She made many prayer quilts to give away for comfort and encouragement. During Covid, her and her sister Joanne made hundreds of masks for the community. She also enjoyed gardening and doing puzzles in her spare time. She especially enjoyed being a loving wife, mother, and grandmother to her 3 Gladstone girls and spending time with her beloved dog, Jake, who was always by her side.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Gladys and Frederick Schultz; her husband, Jack; her stepson, Greg; and her son, Alan. She is survived by her daughter, Kristinna (David) Trudeau of Gladstone, Michigan; stepson, Michael Panula of Oregon; three granddaughters, Nicolle Trudeau and Macy Trudeau of Green Bay, Wisconsin, and Alaina Trudeau of Grand Rapids, Michigan. She is also survived by her siblings, Joanne (Leon Olson) Schultz of Newberry, Ronald (Gail) Schultz of Traverse City, Diane (Bob) Luisier of Daggett, Arthur Schultz of Newberry, and Allan (Lisa Lewicki) Schultz of Newberry. Also survived by brother-in-law Joseph (Lynn) Panula and sister-in-law Judy Napieralski and several nieces and nephews.
A gathering of family and friends will take place Saturday February 28, 2026 from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm at the Trinity Lutheran Church. A memorial service celebrating the life of Judy will follow at 4:00 pm at the church with Pastor Kyle Kuehl officiating. Interment will take place in the spring/summer of 2026 at Forest Home Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the family in her memory.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com. Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
