Rene Therese Kerns
January 8, 1949 – March 3, 2026
Rene Therese Kerns, 77, of Naubinway, Michigan passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.
Born January 8, 1949, in Harvey, Illinois, she was the daughter of the late Melvin A. and Shirley M. (Snyder) Biang. Rene spent her early years in Illinois before her family relocated to Lake Odessa, Michigan and later to Naubinway Michigan along the Black River. She attended Engadine Consolidated Schools, where she was active in cheerleading.
Rene worked in several roles over the years, most often as a waitress and server—a job she enjoyed for the people it brought into her life. She retired when her health no longer allowed her to continue, though she carried her warm, welcoming spirit with her always.
As a young woman, Rene played softball for the Sea Gals, and throughout her life she found joy in dancing, watching movies, and tackling Sudoku and crossword puzzles. She was a devoted sister, daughter, mother, aunt, and grandmother, and her family remembers her for the deep love she held for them.
In addition to her parents, Rene was preceded in death by three sisters.
She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Melanie and Robin Chaffin of Naubinway; her grandson Dolan and granddaughter Shauna; and three sisters—Linda Shearer of McMillan, Nanette Biang of Lake Odessa, and Caroline Salazar of St. Ignace.
Honoring her wishes, cremation has taken place, and no public services will be held. Condolences may be shared at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com. Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
Robert “Weidy” Rennie Weidenhamer
July 27, 1931 – May 30, 2026
Robert “Weidy” Rennie Weidenhamer, 94 of Gould City, died May 30, 2026, at his cabin on Milakokia Lake while listening to Frank Sinatra after a battle with dementia.
Born July 27, 1931, in Ludington, Michigan, to Rennie and Lois (Thompson) Weidenhamer, he grew up in Jackson, and spending summers in Traverse City at his grandparents’ farm.
After graduation, Weidy attended General Motors Institute (now Kettering University) graduating with a BA in Industrial Engineering in 1950 which led to a 40-year career at General Motors retiring as Superintendent of Quality Systems at Chevrolet Warren Hydramatic. After his retirement in 1990, he and Patricia moved to the U.P.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded by sister, Peggy (Don) Lockhart; wives Caroline Moore and Patricia Lupo; niece, Judy Djerf and nephews, Glenn and Gary Lockhart.
Weidy is survived by his wife, Tammy (Peterson), daughters, Carol, Lorie, and Beth (Joe Oddo); sons, Brock (Ellen Tornovich), Joel (Pati Westergaard), and Rennie; grandchildren, Christopher (Tanya Stoops), Sarah, Emily, Nicole, Danielle, and Evan; niece, Joyce (Mike) Fraser, nephews Marc (Bertha) Lockhart, Jeffrey Peterson; cousins, Jim Schrader, Doris Ackerman, Ruth Graf, Larry Weidenhamer, and Betty (Chuck) Jylha; brother-in-law, Joel (Kay) Peterson, drinking buddies Keith Keller, Ronnie Osterhout, and Fred Burton; special friends Dave “Bro” Herndon, Theresa Clark, Wendy Schwerin, Jamey Ehn, Mary Lee, and his former secretary and friend Joanne Marchione.
His family would like to thank Dr. Steve Vix, Carlee Adickes PA-C, Rick Yaudes RN, and Schoolcraft Memorial Home Care and Hospice.
A Celebration of his amazing life will be held at a later date.
Fausett Family Funeral Homes of Manistique, MI are assisting the family with arrangements.
Mark Stez Stesney
September 27, 1950 May 23, 2026
Mark “Stez” Stesney, cherished Husband, Pet Dad, Uncle, Great Uncle, Brother, Cousin and Friend, passed away peacefully on May 23, 2026 in his home overlooking Lake Michigan in Naubinway, Michigan with his loving wife, Nancy and pet kids at his side.
Born on September 27, 1950, in Hazel Park, Michigan. Mark’s life was a testament, a beautiful mosaic of his dedication to the people and things that he loved; his wife, family, and friends, his passion for animals, golf, motorcycles, chainsaws (not in that order), cigars and his ability to build, create or fix anything he set his mind to.
A lifelong Michigan resident, Mark grew up in a close-knit Royal Oak community that shaped his values and his commitment to others. He graduated from Kimball High School in 1968.
Mark moved around a few times living in Royal Oak, Birmingham, and Troy before settling in Rochester Hills and marrying the love of his life, Nancy on May 1, 1987. Mark and Nancy eventually landed in Clarkston for 20+ years before building a home in Naubinway, Michigan and moving to the U.P.
Professionally, Mark began working during high school at the Sunoco Station in Hazel Park owned by his Dad & Uncle Len. He also worked as a Co-Op student at Suburban Olds in Birmingham. After graduation he worked at Dodge Truck in Warren for a while, Story Olds in Lansing and eventually back at Suburban Olds in Troy where he worked until 1990. Mark transitioned into the Corporate Automotive world when he joined EDS (Electronic Data Systems) in 1990 and it totally changed his life. His hands on experience, Master Mechanic Certification and natural leadership skills enabled him to fill many roles supporting General Motors including Pontiac Roadside Support, Techline Diagnostic Support & Training, Medium and Heavy-Duty Truck Support, GM Dealership Training Programs, and GM Brand Quality Management retiring in 2013 after 23 years.
Mark was a loving husband and a nurturing “dad” to many, many beloved animals truly the cornerstone of his life. He was heavily involved in animal rescue and the protection of animals, for which he saved in the hundreds. They all brought him immeasurable joy, and he cherished every moment spent with them.
He was the “fun and sometimes crazy Uncle” to many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews that always loved his shenanigans. He was the Uncle that would pull them around the lake on the Tube and then go with them, start play fights in the pool, build the biggest bonfires in the world, take the kids off roading in the Toyota Pick Up, play King of the Raft and toss them in the water. He was the badass Uncle with the Harley that smoked stinky Cigars and could fix absolutely anything and pretty much did. He was the Uncle that knew everything about baseball, football, history and just stuff. He was so proud to be able to hold the little babies soon after they were born.
Mark was an active member of the American Legion Post #290 Sons organization located in Engadine, Michigan. He always enjoyed working the Fish Frys and special events alongside his Sons Brothers. He was part of the American Legion Honor Guard Rifle Squad and always felt privileged to support our Veterans.
Mark was a natural athlete. He grew up playing sports and continued playing softball well into his 40’s. A true Detroit Tigers, Red Wings and Detroit Lions fan. He used to say he supported the Lions even before it was cool. And he loved to Golf. He would golf anytime anywhere with anyone. So many golf courses and so little time! We are sure he had a Tee Time the minute he stepped into Heaven.
His biggest joy was the time he spent with his beloved wife, furry children, family, and friends; whether it was a quiet evening at home or at the cottage, or grilling dinner for a lively gathering filled with laughter and stories.
Mark’s legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew him and those he saved. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten, as his spirit remains a guiding light for all who were blessed to be a part of his journey. All will fondly remember his warmth, wisdom and the unwavering support he provided throughout their lives.
Mark is preceded in death by his Dad, Edward Theodore Stesney Sr., his Mom, Dorothy Catherine Stesney, Brothers Edward Theodore Stesney Jr and Thomas Matthew Stesney and his brother-In-law, Bruce David Sewell.
Survivors include his loving wife, Nancy (Ellwood) Stensey of Naubinway; his sister-in-law’s Susan (Ellwood) Sewell of Royal Oak, Cynthia (Ellwood) Zembrzuski of Troy, Kathy (Malloy) Stesney of Rochester Hills and Carolyn DeSilva of Bloomfield Hills; his brother-in-law Dennis Zembrzuski of Troy; several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.
Per request, cremation services were accorded. A Memorial Mass and a Celebration of Life will be scheduled at a later date, with the date and times to be announced.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Michigan Animal Rescue League, 790 Featherstone, Pontiac, MI 48342, https://marl.org/donate/donate-now/ or to the Michigan Pitbull Education Program, in care of Jonna Moyski, 12511 Duffield Road, Gaines, Michigan 48436, https://michpitbulleducation.org/donate/ in Mark’s loving memory.
Condolences may be shared at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com. Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
Death Notice
Darlene J. Taylor
December 11, 1955 – May 21, 2026
Darlene Jane Taylor, 70, of Oak Grove, KY passed away at 11:48 p.m. Thursday, May 21, 2026 at Centennial Medical Center in Nashville, TN surrounded by loved ones.
A native of Newberry, MI she was born December 11, 1955 the daughter of the late Melvin Bruce Taylor and Mary Jane Brow Taylor.
No services will be held at this time. Dogwood Funerals & Cremations of Hopkinsville is assisting with the arrangements.
