Brenda Ann Shepherd
November 8, 1953 – March 23, 2026
Brenda Ann Shepherd, 72, of Rainbow, Oregon, passed away on the morning of March 23, 2026 at home with her family.
Born November 8, 1953 in Newberry, Michigan, daughter of Robert and Sally (Peterson) Craig, Brenda was a graduate of Newberry High School.
In her younger years at the age of 12, Brenda worked as a bus girl at the Falls Hotel. She also worked at the A&W while in High School. After graduating from high school, Brenda attended a beauty school in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Twenty years after graduation from Newberry High School, Brenda attended her high school class reunion, which was the start of a long-term, family-building relationship with Richard Shepherd. Brenda and Richard were married on November 20, 1992.
Brenda started a new career as a secretary at McKenzie Bridge Christian Church for many years. She loved and was devoted to her new job. Brenda professed her faith and was baptized on November 26, 1993.
Brenda was a beloved mother, daughter, aunt and friend. She will be sadly missed by all her family and friends.
Brenda is preceded in death by her father Robert Craig; her brother Donald Craig; her brother Harry Craig; her nephew David Lynn and cousin Greg Dwyer.
Brenda is survived by her husband Richard Shepherd of Blue River, Oregon and their children Brandon Brockwell of Lansing, Joray Pulido of Blue River, Kala Johnson of Eugene, Gavin Shepherd of Seattle, Peace Shepherd of Bend and Nevaeh Shepherd of Blue River; mother Sally Craig of Newberry; siblings Debbie (Gene) Baker of Howell, Gary Craig of El Cajon, and Denise (Kevin) Thompson of Temecula; several nieces, nephews, cousins and grandchildren.
Cremation services were accorded with no public service scheduled.
Opal May Kalnbach
April 18, 1929 – December 4, 2025
Lifelong Lakefield Township resident, Opal May Kalnbach, 96, went to be with her Lord and Savior Thursday morning, December 4, 2025 at her residence surrounded by her loving family.
Born on April 18, 1929 in Lansing, daughter of the late John & Effie E. (Rall) Teed, Opal moved to the Lakefield area in her youth. Opal was a 1948 graduate of Newberry High School and 1952 graduate of Grand Rapids Baptist Theological Seminary and Bible Institute.
Opal wanted to marry a farmer and she did! She married Gordon Kalnbach in 1952 at the Lakefield Baptist Church. They made their home on the Kalnbach homestead where they raised cattle and had a large garden. She loved to hunt and fish in her younger years.
Opal also wanted to serve God. She taught Sunday School and Children’s Church many years at Curtis Baptist Church, of which she was the last surviving charter member. Opal was able to go on a short term mission trip to Vienna, Austria in May of 2001 to do the Lord’s work!! So exciting for her!!
In addition to her parents, Opal is preceded in death by her husband Gordon on February 8, 1994; siblings John (Sue) Teed, Guy Teed, Tom Teed, Stephen Teed, Dorothy (Bob) Hartley, Rachel Teed; sister-in-law Nancy Teed; brothers-in-law Charles Dunn and Frank Finch; great-granddaughter Lindsay Neill.
Survivors include her loving children Jean Neill, Daryl (Deb) Kalnbach and Glenn (Lisa) Kalnbach all of Lakefield; 10 grandchildren Angela Neill, Gordon (Lisa) Neill, Alan (Laura) Kalnbach, Kayley (Alex) Green, Tony (Kim) Kalnbach, Kevin (Andrea) Kalnbach, Keli (Mike) Korenich, Jessica (Dylan) Duberville, Julie (Aaron) Sharkey and Charles Kalnbach; 34 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren; siblings Allen Teed, Tim (Pilar) Teed, Ellen Dunn, Ruth Finch and Lois (Dave) Teed-Gillen; sisters-in-law Ruth Teed, Imogene Teed and Irene Kalnbach; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
Funeral services took place on December 12, 2025 at Curtis Baptist Church to celebrate the life of Opal with Pastor Greg Carlson and Pastor Ben Roohr as celebrants. Interment will take place Friday, May 1, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. at East Lakefield Township Cemetery.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com
Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
Joan Bryers
March 9, 1951 – April 15, 2026
Joan Bryers, age “39”, passed away Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at Villa at Borgess Place. Joan was born March 9, 1951, in Trenton, MI the daughter of James and Maurine (Hetrick) Bryers. She was a graduate of Newberry High School and retired from Kalamazoo Psychiatric Hospital. Joan enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, playing cards, and animals. She was united in marriage to John Scott Whitman who preceded her in death in 2010. Also preceding her in death are her parents and brother Allan Bryers. Surviving are two daughters, Torrey (John) Wenger, Courtney McCaul; one son, Devon (Tinessa) Moss; five grandchildren, Holden, Zachary, Neil, Duncan, Truman; three great-grandchildren, Kinsley, Emery, Nina; five brothers, Singrad, Mark, Brian, Bruce, Robert; many nieces, nephews & cousins.
A memorial visitation will be held Saturday, May 2, 2026 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry. Interment will take place at Forest Home Cemetery.
Condolences may be shared at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com
Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
Rodney L. Richards
November 5, 1929 – April 23, 2026
Lifelong Lakefield Township resident Rodney Lee Richards, 96, passed away on Thursday morning, April 23, 2026, at Newberry Assisted Living Community, with his loving children at his side. Born November 5, 1929 in Manistique to Walter and Erma (Bryers) Richards, Rodney grew up with a deep appreciation for hard work, family, and the land that would shape the rest of his life.
Rodney’s early years were spent in the small schools of the Upper Peninsula, including the former Smathers School and McMillan High School, where he formed friendships and memories that stayed with him for decades. After graduating from Newberry High School in 1947, he continued his education at Michigan State University, studying agriculture-an early sign of the path he was meant to follow.
In 1951, Rodney answered the call to serve his country, enlisting in the United States Army. He served proudly during the Korean War and was honorably discharged in 1953 with the rank of Corporal. His service remained a point of quiet pride throughout his life.
On September 5, 1953, Rodney married the love of his life, the former Helen Kalnbach, in Newberry. Together they built a life rooted in partnership, perseverance, and devotion. In 1954, they purchased the old Pea Farm-now known as Hillcrest Farm-where Rodney poured his heart into farming and later expanded into the sales and repair of outdoor farming and lawn equipment. His work ethic was unmatched, and his reputation for honesty and skill made him a trusted name throughout the community.
Rodney believed deeply in giving back. Over the years, he served on numerous boards and committees, including the Lakefield Township School Board, the Eastern Upper Peninsula Intermediate School Board, the Luce County Commission and Regional Planning Committee, the Eastern Upper Peninsula Transportation Authority, the Luce County Economic Development Commission, and the Regional Planning Association. His commitment to his community was steady and sincere.
Rodney was preceded in death by his parents and by his beloved wife, Helen, who passed away on August 30, 2013. Their reunion brings comfort to those who loved them both.
He is survived by his children, Steven (Lori Troyer) Richards of McMillan and Wendy (Robert) Smith of Charlevoix; and by his grandchildren Kyle (Jill Flanagan) Smith, Brandon (Francie) Richards, and Trent (Kelsey) Richards; great grandchildren Walker and Hannah Smith and Reed and Ivy Richards, each of whom brought him immense pride and joy.
A gathering of family and friends will take place Wednesday April 29, 2026 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm and also Thursday April 30, 2026 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at the Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry. A funeral service celebrating Rodney’s life will follow at 11:00 am on Thursday at the funeral home, with Deborah Whitmer presiding. Interment with military honors provided by the United States Army Honor Guard and the American Legion Post #74 will follow at the West Lakefield Township Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the U.P. Honor Flight, 7542 J Road, Gladstone, Michigan 49837 or to the Luce County Pet Pals, PO Box 525, Newberry, Michigan 49868 in Rodney’s honor.
Condolences may be shared at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com
Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
