Paul Joseph “Snoopy” Van Blaricum
Paul Joseph “Snoopy” Van Blaricum, 74, of McMillan, died Monday evening February 1, 2021 following a courageous battle with ALS. Born September 3, 1946 in Brighton, son of the late Harry J. and Clara E. (Sanford) Van Blaricum, Paul served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War until his honorable discharge on March 16, 1965 attaining the rank of Private. Paul resided in Clare, Michigan where he owned and operated Snoopy’s Towing and Recovery for 35 years until his retirement. A resident of McMillan since 2016, Paul was a member of the American Legion Post #74 in Newberry. Paul’s hobbies included woodworking, hunting, antique cars and car shows. In addition to his parents, Paul is preceded in death by his siblings Harry Jack at infancy, Rudy Van Blaricum and Roger Van Blaricum. Survivors include his loving wife, the former Karen Bacon of McMillan, whom he married October 19, 1991 in Clare, Michigan; daughter Melissa (Troy) Blanton of Leitchfield, Kentucky; grandson Jordon (Courtney) Beck and great-granddaughter Madelyn Beck all of Hartford, Kentucky; brother Gary (Carrie) Van Blaricum of Gladwin, Michigan; sister Linda Cinader of Grand Blanc, Michigan; sister Lisa Beattie (Dave) of Hartsville, South Carolina; several beloved nieces and nephews. A gathering of family and friends will take place Saturday February 6, 2021 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at the Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry. Due to COVID-19, masks and social distancing are required in accordance to the State of Michigan DHHS.Interment with full military rites conducted by the American Legion Post #74 and the United States Army Honor Guard will be held in the spring of 2021 at the East Lakefield Township Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to ALS of Michigan, 24359 Northwestern Hwy., Suite 100, Southfield, MI 48075 or at www.alsofmichigan.org.Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com. Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
Peggy Jean (Benware) Michalski
Bay City, Michigan. Formerly of McMillan, Sterling, and Roscommon, Michigan
Our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, sister-in-law, and aunt, Peggy Jean (Benware) Michalski, passed away peacefully, with her family by her side, in the evening hours of Friday, January 29, 2021 at her residence in Bay City, Michigan. Age 80 years. Peggy was born on July 15, 1940 in Roscommon, Michigan to the late Devere and Bonnie Jean (Wakeley) Benware. Peggy was raised in Roscommon and moved to Bay City to attend business school, little did she know she would meet the man to spend the rest of her life with. In 1959 Peggy married the love of her life, Richard E. Michalski, Sr., and he preceded her in death on November 28, 2012. Peggy and Richard were owners and operators of the D&P Pet Shop & Flea Market in Sterling, Michigan. After several years, they decided they wanted to move up North; they relocated their business to McMillan, Michigan, keeping the same name, and provided the community with service for numerous years. The Upper Peninsula of Michigan was Peggy’s favorite place in the whole world. Peggy was a longtime member of the Northstar Baptist Church in McMillan; she was very involved with her church. She enjoyed singing in the choir and assisting as a teacher’s aide; it kept her very active. One of Peggy’s favorite pastimes was going fishing; she fished a lot in the U.P. and always looked forward to going fishing with her son when she went to visit him in Florida. Peggy loved going to Florida whenever the chance presented itself. Her family will always remember her love of knitting wash cloths. With Peggy’s many joys in life, nothing compared to the joy that her family brought her. She enjoyed all the time she was able to spend with them. Peggy will be missed dearly by all, and her memories will be cherished forever. Left to cherish her memories are her 4 children, Debra (Michael) Arnold, Cindy (David) Appleby, Kelly (Rev. Charles) Campbell, and Richard Jr. (Leeann McDougall) Michalski; her fur baby who meant the world to her, Moe; 9 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; brother-in-law, Gerald (Maureen) Michalski; and numerous nieces and nephews. Peggy is happily reunited with her husband, Richard E. Michalski, Sr.; parents, Devere and Bonnie Jean Benware; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Edward and Emily (Lanczak) Michalski; grandson, Branden Morse; 2 great-granddaughters, Lakin and Brooklyn; fur baby, Lilly; brother, Thomas Benware; and grandson-in-law, Juan Rodriquez. The Funeral Service took place at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 3, 2021 at the Ambrose Funeral Home, 1200 Garfield Ave. Bay City, MI 48708. Officiating was Peggy’s son-in-law, Rev. Charles Campbell. Visitation took place at the funeral home on Wednesday from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service. Those unable to attend the Funeral Service due to capacity restrictions could watch a live stream of the services on the tribute wall of Peggy’s obituary located on the funeral home website. The video will remained saved on the tribute wall. In the springtime, a graveside service and interment will take place at the Columbus Township Cemetery in McMillan, Michigan. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a memorial to the “Wishes of the Family”, in care of Debra Jean Arnold. For online condolences please visit, www.AmbroseFuneralChapel.com.
Edwin “Ed” Charles Harmon
Edwin “Ed” Charles Harmon, 72 years old, passed away December 12, 2020 from complications following a prior heart failure. He was born December 28, 1947 in Byron, IL and preceded in death by parents Helen and Dell Harmon. Ed resided with and is survived by one of his two sons, Garrick, in Roundhill, VA, and son Chris (Jessica) Harmon and their daughters – Lauren Rita and Colette Karena of Byron, IL. Also, Chris’ son Ryder of Oregon from a previous marriage (Lori Yeatter) and Garrick and Chris’ mother, Rita (Bill) Reid of Winnebago, IL. Also survived by brother Dan (Lynene) Harmon of Stoughton, WI, Dan’s son Nathan (Allison) Harmon of San Antonio, TX, and their sons Alexander and Aaron. Nathan’s mother Virginia Harmon of Portage, WI.
Brother Steve (Kathy) Harmon of Newberry, MI. and cousins Tom (Mic) Harmon and Bill (Barb) Harmon of Byron, IL. Ed graduated from Byron High School and later obtained his degree in Anthropology from the University of Wisconsin at Plattville, WI. He served four years in the United States Air Force, most of his tour with Rita in Alexander, Louisiana. He was employed many years with an area specialty produce store doing what he loved. He later became a wholesale produce buyer in the markets of Chicago for that store. Ed ultimately went into business for himself making pies. Not your everyday pies, but rather creative and much in-demand meat-filled pies. Ed then became known as the “The Pieman.” Sadly, demolition of his building ended his thriving business. His last working years were spent alongside his brother Steve at Harmon’s Birchwood Resort in Paradise, MI. Ed was deeply loved and will be greatly missed by his family. We will draw comfort from memories he left us. A family service will follow at a later date.
