Rebecca Joy (Schmidt) Bawkon
Rebecca Joy (Schmidt) Bawkon passed away peacefully at home in Ann Arbor, MI with her husband Bruce at her side on March 12, 2021, at the age of 69, after a 20-month battle with brain cancer. Rebecca was born September 10, 1951 in Detroit, Michigan to Carol and Harry (Mickey) Schmidt. Rebecca is survived by her husband; Bruce, mother; Carol Schmidt, sisters; Ann (John) Lundquist, Priscilla (Ken) Hamlin, brother; Michael (Kathie) Schmidt, son; Timothy (Jessica) Flood, grandchildren; Oran and Callum, as well as several other beloved family members and treasured friends. She was preceded in death by her son Thaddeus; father Harry “Mickey” Schmidt and brother Jan Schmidt. Growing up in Newberry, Rebecca was fond of music and both taking and giving piano lessons. During this time, she was active in her youth fellowship group and sang in the church choir. She was a strong woman of faith and a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church. Heaven gained a wonderful addition to the choir of angels. Rebecca was a 1969 graduate of Newberry High School. From there, she studied at Eastern Michigan University, where she originally studied music. Her college journey took her in another direction, where she would eventually earn a bachelor’s degree in Telecommunications and Broadcasting. With this knowledge, she interned at 7 Action News (WXYZ-TV) and landed a job as a news reporter for That’s News to Me News. As marriage and family enriched her life, new job opportunities came as well. Rebecca worked as a sales representative for Arbor Beverage Co. and Fresh Seasons Market. She settled at Busch’s where she served as the Wine Steward, eventually becoming the beer and wine buyer for the chain. Rebecca had a beautiful singing voice, a gift which was experienced by many throughout her life. One of her favorite experiences was singing in the “Our Own Thing Chorale” led by Willis Patterson, which she loved. Whether it was an onstage performance or a family celebration, Rebecca’s singing was cherished by all. Rebecca enjoyed northern Michigan and trips to the family cabin on Perch Lake. It was here she found comfort in nature and was especially fond of the warmth and peaceful crackle of a fire in the fireplace. In her final battle that eventually led her home to the Lord, Rebecca continued to find comfort having a fire, watching old movies and visiting with family and friends. She was also a Michigan Wolverine fan and enjoyed watching football on Saturdays with her son Tim, who was a Michigan graduate. Rebecca and husband Bruce were both amazing cooks and enjoyed making gourmet meals together to share with family and friends. Rebecca enjoyed being a part of the Dawn Patrol – a women’s running group, where she was able to hit the road with her Ann Arbor friends to exercise and share personal interests over coffee. She also enjoyed book club gatherings, sharing good conversations with the best of friends. Rebecca will be remembered as always ready with a smile, a kind word, and a true intent to listen. In accordance with family wishes, cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be held to honor Rebecca this summer at the United Methodist chapel at the mouth of the Two Hearted River. The family will provide more information at a later date. Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com.
Thomas George King
Beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Thomas George King, 69, of Engadine, passed away Wednesday morning March 17, 2021 at his home in the presence and loving care of his family. Born February 22, 1952 in Naubinway, son of the late Ernest D. Jr. “Pete” and Vides E. (Whitford) King, Tom was a 1970 graduate of Engadine High School. On April 22, 1972, Tom married his high school sweetheart, the former Debra A. Vesel, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Engadine. On August 16, 1972, Tom enlisted in the United States Army and served during the Vietnam War until his honorable discharge of August 15, 1974 attaining the rank of Specialists Fourth Grade. Following his discharge, Tom and Deb returned to Naubinway where they owned and operated King’s Motel. Tom also managed King’s Fish Market, Inc. and was a school bus driver for Engadine Consolidated Schools. Tom formerly served as a trustee for North Country Bank and Trust (now mBank) and the Garfield Township Board. Tom was a former member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church until its closure and present member of St. Stephens Catholic Church in Naubinway. Tom was also a member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. Tom was very engaged in his community and was a member of the Garfield Township Fire Department, American Legion Post #290. Naubinway-Engadine Merchants Association, Top of the Lake Snowmobile Museum in Naubinway and the antique tractor show in Engadine. Tom was happiest doing family activities, gardening, reading, collecting vintage garden tractors and spending time at his cabin. In addition to his parents, Tom is preceded in death by his brother-in-law Russell Schultz. Survivors include his loving wife, Debra, of Engadine; children Jamie (Melissa) King of Engadine, Sheila (Todd Brown) Richards of McMillan and Mitchell (Teri) King of Midland; grandchildren Dylan Duflo of St. Ignace, Evan Richards of Austin, Texas, Eric Richards of McMillan, Brandon Brown and Jacob Brown both of McMillan; siblings Sally Schultz of Naubinway, Cindy (Kathy Jerde) King of Manistique, Jay (Darcy) King of Naubinway and Bob (Bev) King all of Naubinway; several nieces and nephews. A gathering of family and friends will take place Wednesday March 24, 2021 from 10:00 am until 12:00 noon at St. Stephens Catholic Church in Naubinway. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12:00 noon at the church with Fr. Marty Flynn officiating. Rite of Committal with full military rites will take place in the spring of 2021 at the Engadine Cemetery. Due to COVID-19, masks and social distancing are required in accordance to the State of Michigan DHHS. Memorials may be directed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or to the Engadine Consolidated Schools Foundation for Educational Excellence designated to the Ernest “Pete” King Jr. Scholarship Fund in care of Beaulieu Funeral Home, P.O. Box 67, Newberry, Michigan 49868 in his loving memory. Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com. Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
