Obituaries for the week of 9/16/2026

Auna Mae Kirkpatrick
March 25, 1933 – September 12, 2026

Longtime Newberry resident Auna Mae Kirkpatrick, 93, died Saturday evening, September 12, 2026, at Helen Newberry Joy Hospital.

Auna Mae was born March 25, 1933, in Newberry, the daughter of the late Toivo and Ethel (Stevens) Aho. She graduated from Newberry High School, and on May 12, 1954, Auna Mae married Gordon Wesley Kirkpatrick in Newberry.

Auna Mae lived in Lincoln Park and Taylor, Michigan, where she was a homemaker and raised her daughters. Later in life, she worked as a real estate agent for Red Carpet; her vivacious nature made her well-suited to working with the public. In the early 2000s, Auna Mae returned to Newberry, where she had made her home ever since.

Auna Mae was a gifted artist, particularly talented in painting. She took great joy in sharing her artwork with family and friends, often giving her paintings as cherished gifts. Her creativity and generosity brought beauty and special memories to those around her.

In addition to her parents, Auna Mae was preceded in death by her husband, Gordon, on September 12, 1986, and her brother, Melvin Aho.

Survivors include her daughters, Linda (Rodney) Thomas of Cornell and Terre Kirkpatrick of Gwinn; grandchildren, Meagan Schinella of Tecumseh and Trevor (Kristina) Bray of Negaunee; great-grandchildren, twin toddlers Thalia and Ila Bray; close cousins Marvin (Elaine) Aho of Grosse Ile, Michigan, and Jean Routhier of Loveland, Colorado; and special friends Jean Cameron, Diane McMullin, and Laura Willis, who provided care and joy in her final years, as well as her beloved Yorkie, Baby.

Per Auna Mae’s request, cremation services were accorded. A gathering of family and friends celebrating Auna Mae’s life will be held at a later date.

Condolences may be shared at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com

Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.

Wilton Dean Trinka
May 1, 1945 – September 19, 2026

Wilton Dean “Wilt” Trinka, 81, of McMillan, passed away peacefully Saturday morning, September 19, 2026, at U.P. Health Systems-Marquette.

Wilt was born May 1, 1945, in Adrian, Michigan, the son of the late William and Margaret (Hinshaw) Trinka. Wilt graduated from Blissfield High School in 1964 and, on January 18, 1965, he answered the call to serve his country, enlisting in the United States Army. He proudly served overseas during the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged on January 17, 1968, having attained the rank of Specialist Fourth Class.

After returning home, Wilt continued his education at Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, earning his bachelor’s degree in education. Teaching became more than a career for Wilt-it was a way to make a difference in the lives of young people. From 1972 to 1975, he taught on Mackinac Island before continuing his career with Tahquamenon Area Schools. He dedicated many years to the school and its students, eventually retiring in 2001 as an administrator. For 20 years, he also taught driver’s education, helping countless young people take one of their first steps toward independence.

While Wilt was proud of his career, those who knew him best will remember him for the life he built outside of work. He was a man who appreciated the simple pleasures of life and the beauty of the outdoors. Every summer, he took great pride in his garden, enjoying the time and care that went into watching it grow. He loved camping, fishing and hunting, and treasured the many years spent as a snowbird in Florida. These were the places and pastimes where memories were made and time was spent with the people he loved.

Above all, Wilt was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. His greatest legacy is found in the family he loved so deeply. He shared more than 61 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Gail, the former Gail Myers, whom he married on March 21, 1965, in Blissfield. Together, they built a life filled with love, family, adventures and countless memories.

Wilt is survived by his loving wife, Gail; daughter, Missy (Adam) Pedzich of Largo, Florida; grandchildren, Colbi Pedzich and Jax Pedzich, both of Largo, Florida; sister, Charlotte Nine of Blissfield; and sister-in-law, Susan Moreno of Lehigh Acres, Florida.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Margaret Trinka, and his beloved sons, Nicholas and Colby.

Wilt will be deeply missed by his family, friends, former students and the many people whose lives he touched throughout his years. His memory will live on in the stories shared, the lessons he taught, the gardens he tended, the places he loved and, most of all, in the family he cherished.

A gathering of family and friends will be held Thursday, October 1, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon at Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry. Funeral services celebrating Wilt’s life will follow at 12:00 noon at the funeral home, with Pastor Paul Williams officiating.

Interment, with military rites rendered by the United States Army Honor Guard and American Legion Post #74, will take place at East Lakefield Township Cemetery.

Memorials may be directed to the Tahquamenon Education Foundation in Wilt’s honor.

Condolences may be shared at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com. Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.

Gerald William Galor
May 28, 1944 – September 18, 2026

Gerald “Jerry” William Galor, age 82, passed away unexpectedly and peacefully on Friday morning, September 18, 2026 at U.P. Health Systems-Marquette, surrounded by his loving family.

Jerry was born May 28, 1944 in Detroit and moved to Newberry at a very young age. He attended Newberry High School and shortly thereafter met his future wife, Janice Kay Ketola while playing in the Stokes band, where he was the drummer. They were married on June 25, 1966 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Newberry where they both became lifetime members.

Jerry found happiness in the simple things in life – listening to country music, spending time with his grandchildren, attending a good sale or auction, and sharing a good story. He had a special love for animals, especially dogs. Jerry was always willing to lend a helping hand and would bend over backwards to help someone in need. He was a quiet man who didn’t have a lot to say at first, but once you got him talking about the things he loved, his stories and conversations could go on for hours. He could and would talk cars with anyone who would listen.

Those who knew him will remember his kind heart, his sense of humor, generous spirit and the genuine joy he found in the people, animals and interests that meant the most to him.

Although Jerry spent most of his working career in the automotive and car sales industry, he held a variety of jobs throughout his life. He began his working career at Michigan Pole and Tie Company (Zagelmeier’s) before becoming a parts salesman at Newberry Automotive and at A&A Auto Supply. He later worked as a delivery driver for both Bancroft Dairy and for Copper Country Dairy. He was a car salesman for Knauf Chevrolet for many years. He enjoyed spending weekends with his friends – building roads north of Newberry and building fire tankers with Bill Knauf, a close friend of 60 years. He hauled snow with Mike Aho and built trailers with John Bergman, both lifelong friends. He operated his own landscaping and snow removal business for 20 years. Jerry also served as a Forest Fire Officer II with the Michigan DNR, first stationed at the Roscommon Field Office before transferring to the Newberry Field Office. He went on to work as a salesman for Hyde Equipment before beginning what would become his longest and most cherished career.

For the last 24 years, Jerry worked in sales and served as the used car manager at Newberry Motors. During those years he built many treasured friendships and formed relationships that went far beyond the workplace. The people he worked with became more like family. For many years, he would make an annual trip to lower Michigan to pick up corn, peaches and baked goods for friends and family.

Jerry devoted much of his life to serving his community. He served as a first responder for the ambulance and volunteered for many years at the motocross track in Newberry. During the summer months, he and his wife could often be seen watering the flowers along Main Street. Jerry also served on the Newberry Village Council and Water and Light Board for more than 20 years. The most fulfilling was his 30 years as a volunteer fireman for the Newberry Fire Department. He took great pride in serving alongside his fellow firefighters, many of whom were lifelong friends. He loved his time with the department and serving his community.

He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Janice; daughters Carolyn (Daren) Johnson of Alma and Colleen (Scott) Duflo of McMillan; grandchildren, Destyni Schmuckal, Morgan Johnson, Sydney and Peyton Duflo; great-grandson, Timothy (T.J.) Loya; brother Richard Galor of St Ignace; uncle Francis “Punk” (Sharon) Stephenson of Sault Ste Marie, aunt Donna Stephenson, aunt LaVonne Stephenson and by many in-laws, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Jerry was preceded in death by his mother, Thelma Deloria; grandparents William and Mabel Stephenson; brother Robert Stephenson; sisters Nancy Josephson, Janice Conway and Doris Frazier; uncles George Stephenson, Albert “Buck” Stephenson, Melvin Stephenson, Edward Stephenson and Kenneth Stephenson.

Jerry will be missed by so many. He touched the lives of everyone he knew, leaving behind countless memories and cherished stories. His sudden passing is incredibly difficult to process and leaves an emptiness felt deeply by his family, friends and community.

A gathering of friends and family will take place Monday, September 28, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry and also Tuesday September 29, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Trinity Lutheran Church. Memorial services celebrating the life of Jerry will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the church with Pastor Kyle Kuehl officiating.

Internment will take place at the Forest Home Cemetery with a luncheon to follow at the American Legion.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family for future designation.

Condolences may be shared at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com. Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.