Roberta L. “Bobbie” Trombly, age 50, of Munising and formerly of Newberry and Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, died Sunday, August 15, 2021, at Medilodge of Munising. She was born on February 28, 1971, in Manistique, Michigan to Edwin and Arbutus (Brown) Trombly. Bobbie graduated from Newberry High School in 1989. She worked for many years as a cook at the Kewadin Casino in Sault Ste. Marie and enjoyed reading. She is survived by her siblings – Lawrence Downing, Linda Downing Metcalf, Yvonne Downing, Debra (Tom) Burton, Mary (Jim) Archambeau, Becky (Joe) Hank, and Alice Ann Trombly; and numerous nieces, nephews, great and great-great-nieces and nephews. Bobbie was preceded in death by her mother – Arbutus Trombly; father -Edwin Trombly; brothers – James and Donald Downing; and brother-in-law – Robert Metcalf. Private family services will be held at a later date. Bobbie’s obituary and online guestbook may be viewed and signed at bowermanfuneralhome.net.
Harry Thomas Craig, 60, of Newberry, died Tuesday morning August 17, 2021 at Hearthside Assisted Living in Sault Ste. Marie. Born November 11, 1960 in Newberry, son of Robert and Sally (Peterson) Craig, Harry was a 1978 graduate of Newberry High School. Harry worked at Allied Swiss as a CNC Machinist in San Diego, California in the early 1980’s. In 1987 Harry had a serious car accident which left him disabled, however, he bravely carried on in life living independently and with courage. Harry was an expert pool player and baseball player and acquired many trophies. He was also an avid hunter and loved to fish. He was an excellent cribbage player and liked golf. Harry was a beloved son, brother, uncle, cousin and friend. He was a gentle giant and will be sadly missed by all his family and friends. Harry is preceded in death by his father Robert Craig; nephew David Lynn and cousin Greg Dwyer. Harry is survived by his mother Sally Craig of Newberry, Michigan; siblings Debbie Baker (Gene) of Howell, Michigan, Brenda Shepherd (Richard) of Blue River, Oregon, Donnie Craig of Newberry, Michigan, Gary Craig of El Cajon, California and Denise Thompson (Kevin) of Temecula, California; Uncle and Aunt Jim and Marla Dwyer of Sault Ste Marie, Michigan; several nieces, nephews and cousins. Per request, cremation services were accorded. A celebration of life will be held at Zellar’s restaurant on Saturday, September 18, at 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. Photos and stories will be welcome. Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com. The Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
Longtime McMillan, Michigan resident Patsy Lou (Kirby) Wheeler, 80, died Monday morning, August 9, 2021 at home with her loving family. She was born December 7, 1941 in McMillan, Michigan to Frank Sr. and Viola (Priest) Kirby. Patsy was a cook at Columbus Township Hall for many years. She also helped with Hunter Suppers and Friday night fish fries. She enjoyed cooking, baking, knitting, crochet, spending time with her family and friends, and going out for lunch with her friends Patsy is preceded in death by her parents, husband Freeman, brother Frank Jr. (Bunk), sisters Muriel Crawford and Jane Wendt, and granddaughter Megan Wheeler. Patsy is survived by her children Randy (Jackie) of Newberry, MI, Jeffery (Marjorie) of McMillan, MI, Sara Doyle (Wheeler) of Philadelphia, PA and Michael of McMillan; several grand children and a few great-grandchildren. Services have already taken place.
Roger LeRoy Gager, 84, of Lakefield Township, died Monday morning August 16, 2021 in the presence of his loving family and the care of North Woods Hospice. Born January 30, 1937 in Curtis, son of the late Leonard and Veretta (McGahan) Gager, Roger was employed in the timber industry as a logger until his retirement. Roger served as constable for Germfask Township for nine years and also a member of the Germfask/Seney Lions Club for many years. Roger enjoyed camping, fishing, hunting, gardening, canning and was fondly referred to as the “Pickle Man”. He and his wife Iris loved to drive around watching the wild turkeys. He enjoyed knitting mittens, braiding his daughter’s hair and picking mushrooms with his grandchildren. Roger loved watching the Detroit Tigers and his dream was realized when he met, visited and had his picture taken with Ernie Harwell. In addition to his parents, Roger is preceded in death by his spouses Virginia and Iris; sons Steve, Alan and Leonard Gager; infant grandsons Lloyd and Cloyd Erbetta; siblings Marvin Gager and Wilma Morrison; in-laws Lloyd & Alice Fitzpatrick, James & Marjorie Moore, siblings in-laws Andew Swisher, Kenneth & Lola Bryant, Lloyd E. Fitzpatrick, Phyllis Gager, Irene Gager and son-in-law Harold Evans. Survivors include his children Shelly (Don) Gillespie of Holt, Debra (Daryl) Kalnbach of Lakefield Township, Alicia (Glenn) Kalnbach of Lakefield Township and Rebecca Evans of Canada; step-children Michelle Hayward and James Manalakis both of Munising; 17 grandchildren and 37 great- grandchildren; siblings Delores (Virgil) Monroe of Manistique and Darwin (Debra) Gager of Gould City; sibling-in-laws Linda Swisher of Escanaba, Delores Fitzpatrick of Newberry and Michael Fitzpatrick of Manistique; several nieces and nephews. A gathering of family and friends will be held Saturday August 21, 2021 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at the Curtis Baptist Church in Curtis. A memorial service celebrating the life of Roger will follow at 11:00 am at the church with Pastor Ray White officiating. Interment will take place at the Riverside Cemetery in Germfask. Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com. Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
Earnest “Ernie” Dayton Selby, 89, of Sandtown Road, Engadine, died peacefully Monday afternoon, August 23, 2021 at his home surrounded by his loving family. Born October 17, 1931 at a logging camp in Portage Township, Ernie was the son of the late George and Hazel (Chrisman) Selby. Ernie spent most of his life in the Engadine area with the exception of two brief time periods where he lived in the Lansing area early in his marriage. Ernie loved spending time with his grandchildren, taking them tailgating in the woods and fishing. He loved mushroom hunting, berry picking and attending senior meals. Ernie loved visiting with everyone he came across. In addition to his parents, Ernie is preceded in death by his wife Janice “Toots” on August 30, 2016; siblings Elizabeth Gage, Margaret Loehr, Dorothy Lesatz, Hester Dagenais, Hazel Allen, George, John, Wes and Art Selby; son-in-law Chuck Melton; granddaughter Michelle Selby. Survivors include children Trudy Melton of Engadine, Dennis Selby of Vermontville, Michael (Sue) Selby of McMillan and Ernie (Kim) Selby of Grand Ledge; grandchildren Gloria (Hakim) Al-hasanawi, Steven (Christa) Melton, Katie (John) Clark, Keri (Erik) Carpenter, Sarah Kissee and adopted grandson Marty Owen; great-grandchildren Derek, Laurel, Addie, Oliver, Killian, Jackson and Emmett; sister Mable Snyder of Waveland, Indiana; brother-in-law Douglas (Deb) Maxson of Cedar Springs; sister-in-law Sandy Selby of St. Johns; many nephews and nieces, and friends. The family would like to extend a special thank you to North Woods Home Care and Hospice and also to Pam and Frank “Spook” Lesatz. According to his wishes, cremation services have been accorded. A memorial will take place at a later date. Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com. Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
Robert Louis Hewitt, Jr., age 88, of Bancroft, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, August 10, 2021. Cremation has taken place. A graveside burial service will take place at 1 p.m. on Saturday, September 4 in Gould City. Bob was born September 21, 1932, in Gould City to Robert & Marion (Baker) Hewitt. He was a member of the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians and a lifetime member of the NRA.
He served for four years in the Air Force, reaching the rank of staff sergeant. He was a radar operator stationed in Alaska during the Korean War. He retired from Ford Motor Co., Rawsonville Plant after 30 years. He then bought a backhoe and an 80-acre spread of land with a hayfield on it and enjoyed working around there for another 23 years. Bob was a rock-solid, loyal, dependable man. He was the guy who didn’t ask if youneeded help digging, he just showed up with his shovel. He will be sorely missed by all who appreciated him. He is survived by sons, (Robert) Michael (Patty) Hewitt and granddaughter Crystal Hewitt, Kevin (Laura) Hewitt and grandsons Max and Alex Hewitt, daughter Julie Tucker and grandchildren Daniel (Nikki) Tucker, Michael (Candace) Tucker, David (Courtney) Tucker and Sarah Hewitt; great-grandkids Anakin, Emerson, Penelope, Mara, Lucy, Ian, Angelina, Jasmine and Aria. He is also survived by his sister and special brother-in-law Sam & Patsy McPherson of Engadine – whose home he called Home. He also cared a great deal for his many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by sister Sally Haley and brothers Dale, Donald, Wesley & Floyd Hewitt. Arrangements by McGeehan Funeral Home, Chesaning. Online condolences are welcome at mcgeehanfh.com.
Longtime Engadine resident, Walter Lee Polachek, 70, died Monday afternoon August 16, 2021 at Medilodge-Munising. Born May 17, 1951 in Fremont, son of the late Walter G. and Elizabeth (Schmucker) Polachek, Walter was a 1969 graduate of Engadine High School. Walter owned and operated Polachek Dairy Farm in Engadine for several years and later was a truck driver for Bill Burton and Sons and B. Line Express until his retirement. Walter was a member of the Calvary Baptist Church in Engadine and member of the National Rifle Association. Walter enjoyed hunting, riding his ATV and spending time with his family and friends. In addition to his parents, Walter is preceded in death by his wife Nancy on July 26, 2014. Survivors include his son Tracy (Autumn) Polachek of Engadine; grandchildren Caleb and Caitlynn Gehrett and Connor and Colton Polachek; siblings Daniel (Tracey) Polacheck of N. Hampton, MA, Judy (Kim) Sadler of Burton and Irene Clement of Ruston, LA; several nieces and nephews. Graveside services will be held Monday August 30, 2021 at 1:00 pm at the Engadine Cemetery with Pastor Tim Miller officiating. Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com. Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
