Guy Wayne Verrett
February 29, 1952 – April 22, 2026
Guy Wayne Verrett, 74, passed away on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, in St. Joseph, Michigan.
Guy was born on February 29, 1952, in Newberry, Michigan to the late Wayne Vernon Verrett and Luella (Hood) Verrett.
Along with his parents, Guy was preceded in death by his loving wife, Kay Frances (Matchinski) Verrett and son, Mike Verrett.
Left to cherish the memory of Guy are his children, Kristopher (Jennifer) Verrett, Bethanie (Scott) Tarbert, Eric (Jordan) Verrett, Alicia (Scott) Fender, and Windy Kacmar; many grandchildren and great grandchildren; sister, Kay Mahar, and a host of nieces and nephews.
Guy will be remembered as someone who truly enjoyed the simple things in life. He loved spending time outdoors, whether it was fishing on a quiet morning or hunting during the changing seasons. He had a deep affection for his animals and took great joy in caring for them.
Guy had a wide circle of friends and was known for bringing energy and laughter wherever he went. He was often the life of the party, always ready with a joke and a smile that made others feel at ease. His sense of humor and easygoing nature made him someone people naturally gravitated toward.
He was also a proud Army veteran, carrying that part of his life with quiet pride. Guy will be remembered for his warmth, his laughter, and the many friendships he built over the years. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
A Memorial Service for Guy will be held on Friday, July 3, 2026 at 11:00am at Forest Home Cemetery in Newberry.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home.
Andrew D. Morrison
April 5, 1972 – May 4, 2026
Andrew “Andy” Dale Morrison, 54, of Newberry, passed away Monday, May 4, 2026, at McLaren Northern Michigan in Petoskey.
Born April 5, 1972, in Trenton, Andy was the son of the late Alan and Marilyn (Mainville) Morrison. He was raised in McMillan and graduated from Newberry High School with the Class of 1990.
After graduation, Andy proudly served in the United States Army. Following his honorable discharge, he moved to Southgate, where he worked as a delivery driver for Sysco Foods. He was known for his steady work ethic, his loyalty to those he cared about, and the quiet kindness he carried with him throughout his life. Andy was an avid fan of the Detroit Tigers and of the University of Michigan athletics.
In addition to his parents, Andy was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Cecil and Doris Morrison, and his maternal grandparents, Dale and Pudge Mainville.
He is survived by his loving sisters, Wendy (Tom) Sanders of Newberry and Melissa (Dave Walls) Walther of Fremont; nieces Lexi Reese, Damicha Foster, and Mia Walther; nephews Jordan Carey and Riley Walther; uncle Ted (Terri) Mainville of Southgate; and cousins Kelly Mainville, Matthew (Lindsay) Mainville, Emery, and Isla Mainville, all of Southgate.
Andy’s memorial service will be held in conjunction with the funeral service of his mother, Marilyn Morrison.
A gathering of family and friends will take place Friday, May 29, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry. Memorial services celebrating Andy’s life will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home, with Pastor Paul Williams of Northstar Baptist Church officiating. Interment will take place at Columbus Township Cemetery in McMillan.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the family.
Condolences may be shared at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com. Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
Roger Vern Leazier
March 21, 1952 – May 3, 2026
Roger Vern Leazier, age 74, of Hulbert, Michigan, passed away peacefully on May 3, 2026, at the Ball Hospice in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, with his devoted wife, Phyllis, by his side holding his hand. He was born on March 21, 1952, in Newberry, Michigan, to Blake and Helen (Yon) Leazier.
Roger was a lifelong resident of the area. He attended grade school in Hulbert and Newberry High School. In a testament to his character and desire to serve, Roger joined the United States Marine Corps, shortly after his high school years, serving honorably for three years.
Upon returning home, Roger began a long career in public service. He worked at the Newberry State Hospital until its closure and subsequently transitioned to the Department of Corrections. He retired in 2008 as a Corrections Officer from the Kinross Correctional Facility, leaving behind a legacy of hard work and dedication.
Roger was a man of the outdoors who found peace in hunting and fishing in the Northern Michigan woods he called home. He was also a steadfast member of the community, maintaining a lifelong membership at the American Legion Post 393 in Hulbert.
Roger’s memory will be cherished by his loving wife, Phyllis; sons, Matthew Leazier and Chad (Michelle) Leazier; brother, Joe (Kaye) Leazier; grandsons, Zachary Leazier and Kyle Leazier; many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly; and his faithful canine companion, Zoey.
Roger was preceded in death by his parents, Blake and Helen; sister, Mary Leazier-McGalliard; and brother, Marc Leazier.
A Graveside Memorial Service with military honors will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 1:00 PM, at the Hulbert Cemetery in Hulbert, Michigan.
Following the service, family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life luncheon at the American Legion Post 393, in Hulbert to share memories and honor Roger’s life.
In lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations may be made in Roger’s name to the Ball Hospice House, 308 W. 12th Avenue, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783.
Family Life Funeral Homes – Sault Ste. Marie assisted the family with arrangements. Condolences may be given to the family at www.familylifefh.com.
Obituary as submitted by family.
Vernon Gary Johnson
November 6, 1941 – May 9, 2026
Longtime Engadine resident, Vernon “Vern” Gary Johnson, 84, passed away peacefully on Saturday morning, May 9, 2026, at McLaren Northern Michigan – Petoskey with his loving daughters at his side.
Vern, along with his twin sister Virginia, was born on November 6, 1941, at home in Trout Lake, to the late Carl and Lillian (O’Neil) Johnson. He graduated from Engadine High School in 1959.
Vern began his journey as a mechanic at a very young age when a neighbor asked him to rebuild a tractor engine at 14. He was working at Beaudoin’s Texaco Station in Naubinway when he met the love of his life, Ruth Ann Patzer, who was working next door at Beaudoin’s Cafe. On May 1, 1965, Vern and Ruth were married at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Engadine.
Vern was the owner and operator of Vern’s Repair where he fixed everything but a broken heart. For many years, he was also employed with the Department of Natural Resources’ Forestry Division in Newberry. Highlights of his DNR career included going up in the DNR’s Cessna to spot wildfires and being sent to a wildfire in Idaho to repair the firefighting vehicles.
He was a member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians and enjoyed hunting and trapping. In 2011, he was lucky enough to draw a Michigan elk tag. He took a cow elk opening morning earning himself a trophy for “Oldest Hunter” at the Atlanta, Michigan elk pole. He went on hunting trips to Canada for moose and Colorado for elk and mule deer. For several years, he enjoyed going to deer camp with his brother Don, brother-in-law Bill, and good friend Charlie Fosdick.
After his retirement, he and Ruth restored a 1950 Chevy pickup truck that they took to car shows in the area. He was very proud of that truck and continued to go to car shows after Ruth’s passing. He also enjoyed dancing with Ruth and cheering on his beloved Detroit Tigers even attending games at both Tiger Stadium and Comerica Park.
In addition to his parents, Vern is preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Ruth; and siblings Donald Rose, Clem Rose, and Doreen Rose.
Survivors include daughters, Lori (Mark) Skaggs of Menominee, Michigan and Gretchen (Katie Porter) Johnson of Montgomery, Ohio; granddaughter Lillian Skaggs; twin sister Virginia DeLong of Hastings, Michigan; and godson Mark Vanderhoff of Chicago, Illinois.
A gathering of family and friends will take place Friday May 15, 2026 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry. Funeral services celebrating Vern’s life will follow at 11:00 am at the funeral home with Pastor Melinda VanderSys officiating. Interment with Native American Tribal Rites conducted by the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians will follow at Maplewood Cemetery in Rexton.
Vern’s daughters would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff at McLaren Northern Michigan – Petoskey for the compassionate care he received during his time there.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the family for future designation in Vern’s loving memory.
Condolences may be shared at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com. Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
