Robert “Bob” Bulmer
September 7, 1953 – May 18, 2025
Robert “Bob” Bulmer, age 71, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 18, 2025, at MyMichigan Medical Center in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. He was born on September 7, 1953, in Lansing, Michigan, to Howard and Gert (Dedafoe) Bulmer.
Bob was a graduate of Eastern High School and after graduating went to work for Olofson Tool and Die where he retired from in 1999. After retirement he and his wife Cynthia headed to the Upper Peninsula to their retirement home that they built in Paradise, Michigan, on Whitefish Bay.
Bob lived a rich and varied life. In his younger years, he loved both motorcycle riding and racing, which later shifted to an interest in fishing, dog showing, and camping. He enjoyed simple pleasures like cartoons (especially SpongeBob), watching hummingbirds, picking wild blueberries and spending time in the quiet of the northern woods. A true craftsman, Bob took pride in his handmade fishing poles, his skillful stonework, and his talent as a whittler and handyman.
Bob is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Cindy Bulmer; daughter, Nicky Campbell; stepdaughters, Lisa Hancock and Michelle Bullian; siblings, Tricia Smith and Stan Bulmer; and a much-loved granddaughter, Autumn Campbell.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Howard Bulmer and Gert Switzer; and brothers, Howard Bulmer, Jack Bulmer, Lyle Bulmer, and Steve Bulmer.
Bob had a reclusive nature, but he was always ready to help a neighbor in need. He will be remembered for his presence, his stories, and his homemade chili. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
May he rest in peace, surrounded by the stillness of the waters he loved to fish, and the gentle hum of the life he lived so fully.
Family Life Funeral Homes Sault Ste Marie assisted the family with arrangements. Condolences may be left to the family at www.familylifefh.com.
Obituary as submitted by family
Cheryl Jane Kerr
August 16, 1958 – June 2, 2025
Cheryl Jane Kerr (Waara), 66, died June 2, 2025 at Newberry Assisted Living in Newberry, MI after a decade’s long battle with Multiple Sclerosis.
She was born August 16, 1958 to John and Janet Waara in Baraga, MI. She earned her nursing degree from Gogebic Community College in 1979 and worked as nurse for many years before making a career change to Medical Laboratory Science which she continued until her illness took away her ability to work. She moved to Newberry in 1984 where she remained until her death.
She is preceded in death by her father, Walfred John Waara Jr. She is survived by her mother, Marie Janet Waara of Marquette, MI; siblings Lynn (Mike) Desrochers and Jim (Raeanne) Waara of L’Anse, MI and W. John (Brad) Waara of Round Rock, TX; children Jessica (Mike) Columbus of Gould City, MI and Ranae (Steve) Johnston of Flat Rock, MI; grandchildren Aurora and Zane Demers of Gould City, MI; former husband Randy Kerr of Naubinway.
Visitation will be held at Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry on Thursday, June 5, 2025 from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm. Funeral services celebrating the life of Cheryl will follow at 3:00 pm at the funeral home with Pastor Melinda VanderSys officiating. Interment will take place at Pelkie Finnish Cemetery in Pelkie, MI.
Memorials may be directed to the Luce County Animal Shelter, PO Box 514, Newberry, Michigan 49868 in her loving memory.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com. Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
Joanne L. Villemure
March 19, 1943 – May 17, 2025
Longtime Newberry resident, Joanne Lucille Villemure, 82, died peacefully Saturday evening, May 17, 2025 at U.P. Health Systems-Marquette surrounded by her loving family.
Born March 19, 1943 in Superior, Wisconsin, daughter of the late Peter and Rilla (Schafter) Quinlan, Joanne moved with her family to the Rexton area in 1956 and was a 1962 graduate of Engadine High School.
On July 23, 1966, Joanne married Robert J. Villemure at St. Gregory’s Catholic Church and made Newberry their home. In addition to being a devoted homemaker raising her family, Joanne co-owned and operated with her husband Villemure Oil Company for 26 years, retiring in 1994.
Joanne was a longtime member of St. Gregory’s Catholic Church where she served on the altar society and was affectionately known as the “St. Gregory’s stripper”. She also served on the McMillan Township Election Board, the Chippewa-Luce-Mackinac Community Action Agency Board and member of the Red Hat Society. Joanne enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, picking blueberries, cooking, baking and spending time with her family.
In addition to her parents, Joanne is preceded in death by her grandson Kent Robert Bodi in 2000 and brother Frank Quinlan in 2006.
Survivors include her loving husband, Bob, of Newberry; daughters Michelle “Shelly” (Bill) Rushford of Curtis and Melissa “Missy” (Gary “Stuey”) Olivier of Marquette; grandchildren Jamie (Dustin Auge) Rushford, Brett (Kassie) Rushford, Marissa Rushford, Blake (Bill) McAlpine and Kraig (Alanah Saldana) Bodi; great-grandchildren Camden Auge, Cooper Auge, Hadley Auge, Kaiden Rushford, Bristol Rushford, Carson Kennedy, Aubrey McAlpine and Mallory McAlpine; siblings Tim (Donna) Quinlan of Newberry and Barbara (Lou) Bennett of Newberry; sister-in-law Alice Quinlan of Newberry; several nieces and nephews.
A gathering of family and friends will take place Tuesday June 3, 2025 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at St. Gregory’s Catholic Church in Newberry. A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating the life of Joanne will follow at 1:00 pm at the church with Fr. Jacek Wtyklo officiating. Rite of Committal will follow at Forest Home Cemetery.
Memorials may be directed to St. Gregory’s Catholic Church or to annual kids tackle party in care of the Luce County Community That Cares coalition in her loving memory.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com. Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
Joyce Marie Neumann
July 18, 1938 – May 31, 2025
Joyce Marie (Fralick) Neumann of Newberry was a devoted mother, grandmother and great grandmother and friend who was known for her kindness, generosity, love, and playing a good game of cards. She went to her Lord and Savior on May 31, 2025.
Joyce was born in Detroit on July 18, 1938, to parents Norman and Hulda (Lenz) Fralick. She graduated from Concordia University of Chicago where she met her future husband. She was married to Ronald G. Neumann on June 27, 1959, in Rochester. They were the proud parents of four children Doug, Dianne, Donna, and David.
Joyce worked at Newberry State Hospital for 22 years, retiring in 1986. After retiring, she assisted in organizing Northwoods Nursing Home and worked there until 1994. Shortly after that, they purchased the Newberry Florist shop where she worked for many years alongside daughter Donna until 2019.
Joyce enjoyed knitting, crocheting, doing diamond dot art, puzzles, reading, card playing and a good cup of tea. She could play a mean game of pinochle, cribbage and euchre and enjoyed her friends at card club and cribbage league.
Left to cherish her memory are her children, Doug Neumann, Dianne (Wendell Comer) Neumann, Donna (Rick Scott) Neumann, Daughter in law Meredith Neumann all of Newberry.
Grandchildren-Sara of Trois-Rivieres, Canada, Michael (Megan) Held of Plum, Pennsylvania, Danielle (Sean) Neill of Charlevoix and Jessica (Ashton) Howard of Harrisonburg, Virginia; Great grandchildren, Alexander and Anastasia Held, Haven, Kalan and Coast Howard. Her dear first cousin, who is just like her sister, Joan Kuhne of Frankenmuth and her favorite four-legged girl, Tish.
Joyce is preceded in death by her husband Ron of 43 years; son David; her parents Norman and Hulda Fralick, and brother Donald.
In keeping with her wishes, cremation has taken place with a celebration of life to follow at a later date. Interment will take place at Forest Home Cemetery, where Joyce will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband Ronald.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made “In memory of Joyce Neumann” sent to God’s Country Community Ministries, PO Box 141 Newberry, MI 49868.
Please share memories of Joyce for the family to keep and cherish at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com
Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
Bernice Townsend
Died May 30, 2025
Bernice Townsend, 97, went home with the angels on Friday, May 30, 2025, while under the care of the wonderful people at Golden Leaves Living Center. Her daughter Bonnie and son-in-law Steve were able to spend a lot of time with her during her final days.
Bernice was the seventh of eight children born to Addie Mae and Henry Bartrum. Her younger brother, Alton, is the only surviving sibling. She married Clare R. Townsend Sr. and together had eight children.
Bernice worked for 11 years at Wolverine World Wide Shoe and Glove Factory in Ithaca. She became a Licensed Practical Nurse in 1972/1973, working at Gratiot Community Hospital in Alma for 17 years, a nursing home in San Antonio, Texas for 1-2 years and at Schnepp’s Nursing Home in St. Louis, Michigan for six years until her retirement.
Bernice’s free time was spent knitting, crocheting, quilting, reading and doing regular embroidery and punch needle embroidery. She rarely just sat and did nothing.
Bernice is preceded in death by her parents and siblings Margaret, Gerald, Nelson, Henry, Addie Mae and Kenneth; husband Clare R. Townsend Sr.; children Cheryl (Larry) Hale, Terry (Carol) Townsend, Peggy (Jerry) Orange, Jackie (Jerry) Craycraft and baby Bernard Townsend; grandchildren Marshall Lombard and Greg Stoner Jr.; plus all her husband’s brothers, sisters-in-law and parents.
She is survived by her brother Alton of Brighton; children Clare R. “Ray” Townsend Jr. and wife Pat of Clare, Jill (Greg) Stoner of White Cloud and Bonnie (Steve) Wolfgang of Newberry; grandchildren Melony (Sam) Wrath, Christine (Richard) Reinsmith, Barry (Leigh Ann) Laux, Brent (Cinnamon) Laux, Michael (Brandi) Craycraft, Jodi (Tom) Chappuies, Anique Times, Chenon Times and Ethan Times; numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and great grandchildren.
Interment services will take place at the North Star Cemetery in Gratiot County at a later date.
Memorials may be directed to Alzheimer’s Disease Research, 22512 Gateway Center Drive, PO Box 1950, Clarksburg, MD 20817-1950 or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, PO Box 50, Memphis, TN 38101-9929.
If you prefer the memorial to be directed locally, please consider Luce County Pet Pals Inc., PO Box 525, Newberry, Michigan 49868 which Bernice was a member of for several years.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com. Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
