Billy DeForrest Buckler
Billy DeForrest Buckler, 95, of South Boardman, formerly of Newberry, Michigan, passed away on July 26, 2021. He was born on July 14, 1926 in Atlanta, Michigan, the oldest son of the late Clarence and Margaret (Justice) Buckler. Billy went to Hallenius Country School in Elmira and eventually graduated from Gaylord High School at the age of 16. He then joined the Army in 1944, serving in the Philippines during World War II.
Prior to leaving for the war he began working for Mr. DelaMater, a land surveyor, and became registered in 1955. Billy enjoyed working as a land surveyor in the Upper Peninsula in Iron Mountain, Marquette and Newberry. He retired at the age of 55 from the Forestry Division of the DNR in 1981. Billy married the love of his life, Lois Nicholson on December 4th, 1954 and together they raised three sons. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and enjoyed traveling to Alaska and Texas where he and Lois spent the winters for over 30 years. They moved back to Michigan due to illness. Billy will be lovingly remembered by his wife Lois; three sons David (Joyce) Buckler, Paul (Sherry) Buckler and Lyle Buckler; grandchildren: Jennifer G, Logan, Gena, Jennifer L, and Kristina; great-grandchildren: Ella, Kenny, Joey, Jayden, Aiden, Owen, Cole, Grace and Gabby; and sister Nancy Peabody. He was preceded in death by his siblings: Betty Kelso, Mattie Lee Townsend, Clayton Buckler, and James “Benny” Buckler. The memorial service will take place Saturday, August 7, 2021 at 3:00 pm in the chapel of Kalkaska Funeral Home. The family will receive friends beginning at 2:00 pm until the time of service. There will be a gathering after the service at Paul and Sherry’s home where food and beverages will be provided. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to 1st Presbyterian Church, 113 W. John St., Newberry, MI 49868. Arrangements have been entrusted to Kalkaska Funeral Home and Cremation Services.
James Elmer Mortensen
James Elmer Mortensen, 69, of Newberry, died Monday morning July 26, 2021 at Helen Newberry Joy Hospital in Newberry. Born August 1, 1951 in Munising, son of the late Don and Edith (Hollister) Mortensen, James was employed as a sawyer in the forestry industry for several years. A resident of Newberry since the early 1970’s, James enjoyed the outdoors, hunting and fishing. In addition to his parents, James is preceded in death by his brothers Howard Roe and William Mortensen. Survivors include his nephew James (Pam) Gage of Newberry; siblings Matt Mortensen of Newberry, Linda Mortensen of Curtis, Don Mortensen of Curtis and Edie Englesen of Seney; several other nieces and nephews. Per his request, cremation services were accorded with no public services scheduled. Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com. Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
