Leonard Baynton
July 19, 1944 – April 26, 2025
Leonard “Rocky” Baynton, age 80, of Gwinn, passed away at home on April 26, 2025, surrounded by his family and caregivers at Lake Superior Life Care and Hospice.
Rocky was born on July 19, 1944, in Pontiac, Michigan, the son of Ronald and Crystal (Wall) Baynton and was raised in Grand Marais. He graduated from Grand Marais High School in 1963. Shortly after, he proudly enlisted in the United States Navy, serving during the Vietnam Conflict as a Signalman aboard the USS Norris. He achieved the rank of Petty Officer Third Class and was deeply proud of his military service.
Following his honorable discharge, Rocky settled in Germfask, Michigan, where he raised his family. He worked as a miner at Port Inland Limestone Mine from 1971 until 1990, later continuing his career as an iron miner at Mittal Steel in Minnesota until his retirement in 2005.
An avid outdoorsman, Rocky loved fishing, hunting, golfing, camping, and spending time with his family. He also enjoyed playing guitar and never missed an opportunity to “get the truth” from Fox News. Rocky was a devoted father and grandfather, instilling a strong work ethic and moral values in his children, lessons that will carry on for generations.
He is survived by his children: Allen Baynton of Gwinn and Robert Baynton of Marquette; grandchildren: Alexa, Emily, Addison, Ian, Bailey, and Konor; and great-grandchildren: Olivia, Henderson, JJ, Willow, and Charlotte. He is also survived by his sisters, Sheila (Jim) Jarrel and Patricia Baynton, along with several nieces and nephews.
Rocky was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Ronald “Mickey” Baynton, Robert Baynton, and Gerald Baynton; his sister, Rita Tellier; and his best friend, Gordon Gill.
Honoring Rocky’s request, no public services will be held. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Lake Superior Life Care and Hospice, 914 West Baraga Avenue, Marquette, MI 49855. The family extends their heartfelt thanks to the staff at Lake Superior Life Care and Hospice, especially Jamie Sims, for the exceptional care Rocky received during his illness.
Canale Gwinn Funeral Home and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at canalefuneral.com
Barbara Ann Ackley
November 3, 1938 – March 28, 2025
Barbara Ann Ackley, 86, of Germfask, MI passed away peacefully on March 28, 2025, at home. Barbara was born on November 3, 1938 to her parents, Alden and Opal (McCarney) McLear. Barbara attended night school, receiving her high school diploma from the Germfask Community School. On July 24, 1956, Barbara married her love, Theodore “Buck” Dale Ackley in Manistique, MI.
Barbara’s life work was that of a dietary aid at Applewood Manor Nursing Home. She was also elected Treasurer of Germfask Township and spent time working as a Postal Service employee and a bartender at Maxine’s Bar. Barbara was community and socially minded. Adopting a highway with her church group from Grace Lutheran; enjoyed teaching at Vacation Bible School. Barbara loved to play pool and showed her spirited side by joining a competitive pool league and was also a member of a bowling team. She was a 4-H leader who enjoyed teaching ceramics and going on tractor rides with her husband.
Barbara is survived by her brother Joseph McLear of Detroit MI; sisters, Donna Maxwell of Manistique, MI; Judy Johnson of Gulliver, MI, and Toni Brow of Ishpeming, MI. Further, nieces and nephews, Tera Fields, Lisa Johnson, Johnny Zitnik, Masie Johnson, Sierra Johnson and many other nieces and nephews and Godchildren.
Barbara was preceded by her husband Theodore “Buck” of fifty-eight years, her parents, Alden and Opal, and her siblings Janice McKenzie, James McLear, and Midge Gould.
If you wish to make a memorial donation in Barbara’s memory, please consider the Grace Lutheran Church in Germfask.
A graveside service will take place at the Germfask Riverside Cemetery on May 31, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. A luncheon to follow.
Fausett Family Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Connie Jean Blakely
May 26, 1953 – April 26, 2025
Lifelong Newberry resident, Connie Jean Blakely, 71, died Saturday evening April 26, 2025 at the residence of her daughter, Tammy Davis, following a courageous battle with cancer.
Born May 26, 1953 in Newberry, daughter of the late Leonard Wehner and Thelma (Oberle) Backman, Connie was a graduate of Newberry High School.
Connie received her certification as a Certified Nurse Attendant and was employed in long term care department at Helen Newberry Joy Hospital for several years until her retirement.
Connie enjoyed spending time with her family, camping and casino gaming.
In addition to her parents, Connie is preceded in death by her step-father Oscar L. Backman, brother William Wehner and grandson Patrick M. Davis III.
Survivors include her loving children, Robert Blakely of Vassar, Tammy (Patrick) Davis of McMillan, Chrissy Zarate of Indiana and David (Wendy) Rushford of Mayville; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; siblings Richard (Suzanne) Wehner of Gwinn and Shawn (Colleen) Munch of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Per request, cremation services were accorded with a private family graveside service to be held at Forest Home Cemetery in Newberry.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com. Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
