Daniel LeRoy Sturgeon
June 17, 1957 – February 1, 2025
Longtime Newberry resident, Daniel LeRoy Sturgeon, 67, passed away suddenly Saturday, February 1, 2025.
Born June 17, 1957 in Newberry, son of the late Albert Sturgeon Jr. and Patricia (Deverney) Gordon, Dan married the former Retha “Jane” McNamara on June 17, 1988 in Newberry.
Dan was employed as a corrections officer at the Newberry Correctional Facility for 20 years until his retirement. Dan enjoyed anything to do with the outdoors and with his family including camping, hunting, fishing, mushroom picking and blueberry picking. Dan also enjoyed “tinkering”, building things, spending countless hours in his garage, drinking coffee, playing the guitar, playing cards, garage sales and holidays with his loving family. Dan was a member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians.
Dan is preceded in death by his parents Albert Sturgeon and Patricia (Harry) Gordon; in-laws Dolly (Ken) Fox and Charles McNamara; siblings Robert “Bob” Sturgeon, Timothy Sturgeon, Donald “Craig” Gordon and Meg Bullis.
Survivors include his loving wife Retha “Jayne” of Newberry; children Kay (Joel) Petersen, Brian Sturgeon, Danny (Jamie) McNamara, Julie (Chris) Bolda, Sara (Joe) Taylor and Keri (Steve) Sturgeon; 12 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren; siblings Jean (Wally) Struntz of Grand Haven, Dave (Alyce) Sturgeon of Fruitport, Allen (Lori) Sturgeon of Muskegon, Kathy (Tom) McNamara of Newberry, Johnny (Andrea) Gordon of Newberry, Jackie (Joe) Whalen of Newberry, Amy (Jon) Geeck of Coleman and Kathy (Dale) Fetter of Austin, Texas; several nieces and nephews.
Per request, cremation services were accorded with a celebration of life for Dan to be held at a later date.
Memorials may be directed to the family in his loving memory for a future designation.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com
Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
Raymond Johnson
March 4, 1936 – January 30, 2025
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Raymond “Jim” Johnson, age 88, a devoted family man, passionate outdoorsman, and faithful Servant of God, surrounded by his family on Thursday, January 30, 2025.
Born in Charlotte, Michigan, son of the late Ernest and Frances (Tovey) Johnson, Jim was a graduate of Vulcan High School, graduate of North Michigan University receiving a Bachelor’s of Science degree and graduate of the University of Notre Dame receiving his Master’s Degree in Physics.
Jim was a proud veteran of the United States Navy serving during the Korean War until his honorable discharge on May 16, 1958 attaining the rank of Electronics Electrician Second Class.
Jim was the heart and soul of his family. He built a life rooted in love, integrity, and faith. As a devoted husband to Patricia (Patton) Johnson and proud father to Robert, Susan, Mary, and Kirsten, he always led by example, teaching the value of hard work, compassion, and finding joy in the simple things. His grandchildren brought immeasurable joy and you could always find him playing with the grandkids at the cabin that he built, reading books, helping with Math, walking to the park, fishing, and providing whatever he could.
Jim was happiest with a golf club in hand at the Newberry Country Club scoring a hole in one, casting a line on Hulbert Lake, or being surrounded by his family. Jim also enjoyed with his daughter, Kirsten, his daily workouts at the Wellness Center and walks in town. Although he was never the loudest guy in the room, or the most outwardly affectionate, the love and care he had for everyone was never in question. He made it so clear without saying anything at all.
A man of deep faith, Jim lived a life of service to his community and his church. He was a remarkable teacher, coach, tutor, and all-around role model. Jim served many years on the Tahquamenon Area School Board and the Newberry Water and Light Board. He was proud member of the Tin Can Sailors, American Legion, Knights of Columbus, Elks Club, and St. Gregory’s Catholic Church. His unwavering belief and dedication to God guided him through life’s joys and challenges, and his presence in church will be deeply missed.
He is survived by his children Robert (Valerie) Johnson, Susan Balkum, Mary (Scott) Edwards, and Kirsten Johnson; sisters Judy (Bill) Van Kosky, Mary (Tom) Neznanski, Sister Annette Johnson; sisters-in-law Judy (Ron) Fries and Betsy (Bob) Bacon; grandchildren Marcus (Molly), Kevin (Megan), Michael (Lindsay), Bill, Nicole (Brandon), Ryan (Meghan), Megan, Kristian, Amy (Gavin), Abby (Buck) and several great-grandchildren. He is reunited in heaven with his loving wife of 54 years, Patricia, son-in-law Ray Balkum, grandson Ben Balkum.
Friends may call at the Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry on Tuesday, February 11, 2025 from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm, concluding with the rosary. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday February 12, 2025 at 1:00 pm at St. Gregory’s Catholic Church with Fr. Jacek Wtyklo officiating. Rite of Committal with military honors rendered by the United States Navy Honor Guard and the American Legion Post #74 will be held at Forest Home Cemetery at a later date.
Memorials may be directed to St. Gregory’s Catholic Church, 212 West Harrie Street, Newberry, Michigan 49868 in his loving memory.
Though Jim may no longer walk beside us, his legacy of love, faith, and adventure will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com. Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
