Obituaries

Aug 15, 2024

Aug 13, 2024

Duane D. Heffner, 89, of Mancelona, MI, passed from this life on August 13, 2024. Duane was born on April 16, 1935, in Gladwin, MI, to Edwin and Gladys (Eagleson) Heffner. While serving in the United States Army as a Military Policeman in Lawton, OK, he met Betty Lou Keck. They were united in marriage on September 6, 1959, and...

Aug 11, 2024

Thomas V. Reed, 60 of Gaylord, passed away Sunday, August 11, 2024, at home. Born November 30, 1963, in Toledo, Ohio, he was the son of Robert and Patricia (Pacynski) Reed. 

Tom coached the Youth Bowling League in Gaylord for many years. He worked at Cooper Standard for 10 years where he made automobile parts. He loved to write poetry and...

Aug 8, 2024

Louis Abner Smith, 74 of Vanderbilt, passed away Thursday, August 8, 2024, at his daughter’s home in Wolverine.

Born in Grayling, Michigan on July 8, 1950, he was the son of Abner and Gwen (Leese) Smith. He was a lifelong area resident.

Lou will be remembered for his skill in construction as a mason. In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing and...

Aug 7, 2024

Valerie Ann Walker, 91 of Petoskey, passed away Wednesday, August 7, 2024 at home.  Her family has chosen to remember her privately.

Aug 6, 2024

Barbara Mae Duda, 97 of Gaylord, Michigan passed away at home on Tuesday, August 6, 2024.

Born in River Rouge, Michigan on June 3, 1927, she was the daughter of Hershel and Rosebud (Rose) Daly.

On June 27, 1951, Barbara married Joseph W. Duda. They lived in Allen Park then Detroit, Michigan and later on in West Palm Beach, Florida. After the...

Aug 6, 2024

Terri Lea Fisher, 73 of Vanderbilt, passed away Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at home.  In keeping with her wishes, her family will remember her privately.

Aug 6, 2024

Christine Joan Ritchie, 73 of Gaylord, passed away Tuesday, August 6, 2024, at home. She completed life’s journey surrounded by her loved ones. 

Born in Bethesda, Maryland on January 31, 1951, and raised in Wayne, Michigan, she was the daughter of Larner and Joan (Friend) Peak. 

Chris dedicated her life to her family. A hard-working mother of four, Chris never complained about...

Aug 5, 2024

Mervyn James "Bing" Farrar 89 of Harbor Springs, passed away at the Charlevoix American House on Monday, August 5, 2024. His family will remember him privately.

Please share your memories or personal messages with the family on his guestbook below.

Aug 5, 2024

Sharon Ann Sloan 78, of Atlanta Michigan, passed away Sunday, August 4, 2024 at home.

The family has chosen to remember her privately.

Please share your memories or personal messages with the family on her guestbook below.

Aug 4, 2024

Michael C. Stevens, 50 of Gaylord, passed away Sunday, August 4, 2024 at home.

The family has chosen to remember him privately.

Please share your memories or personal messages with the family on his guestbook below.

Aug 3, 2024

Gaylord R. Alexander, 92 of Gaylord, passed away Saturday, August 3, 2024, at Medilodge. Born June 8, 1932, in Lansing, he was the son of Joseph Gaylord and Leona Henrietta (Brenke) Alexander. 

Gaylord married the love of his life on August 29, 1953, Jane Amsbaugh. Together they had three children and created a beautiful life. He obtained his Master’s degree in...

Jul 30, 2024

Sandra M. “Beanie” Whitmire, 71 of Gaylord, passed away Tuesday, July 30, 2024, at Munson Healthcare Otsego Memorial Hospital. Born in Mt. Clemens, MI on September 21, 1952, the daughter of Louis and Nancy (Williams) Marsack.

Beanie was simple and a no fuss kind of person who truly loved life to the fullest. She was the most unique, positive and selfless...

Jul 29, 2024

Michael S. Stachurski, 75 of Boyne City, passed away Monday, July 29, 2024 at McLaren Northern Michigan. 

The family will remember him privately. 

Please share your memories and personal messages with the family on his guestbook below. 

Jul 27, 2024

Louis Kozler, 86 of Johannesburg, passed away at home on Saturday, July 27, 2024.  His family will remember him privately.

Jul 24, 2024

Dennis R. Passow, 66 of Gaylord, passed away Wednesday, July 24, 2024, at home. Born July 10, 1958. in Long Beach, California, the son of Robert and Norma Passow.

Dennis proudly served his country in the United States Army for 7 years. For over 35 years, he was an electrician, skilled in the trades. He enjoyed fishing, camping, the outdoors, staying...

Jul 23, 2024

Peggy Sue Thomas, 76 of Mancelona, passed away Friday, August 23, 2024 at home.

The family has chosen to remember her privately.

Please share your memories and personal messages with the family on her guestbook below.

Jul 23, 2024

Diane Jean Wilber, 80 of Ellsworth, passed away Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at The Brook in Boyne City.

Born in Durand, Michigan on September 25, 1943, she was the daughter of Melvin and Lelah (Pritch) Kieffer.

On September 13, 2002, Diane and Daniel F. Wilber were married and have made their home in Ellsworth ever since.

Diane enjoyed gardening and working around her...

Jul 23, 2024

John “Tony” Tripp, 81 of Gaylord, passed away Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at home, with his wife by his side. Born February 12, 1943, in South Haven, the son of Nyman Anthony and Rosella (Burrows) Tripp.

On March 16, 2000, Tony married the love of his life, Nancy. For over forty years, he worked in the oil and gas industry. He...

Jul 22, 2024

Bette Gene Burgett, 75 of Atlanta, passed away Monday, July 22, 2024, at Medilodge of Alpena.

Born in Ypsilanti, Michigan on February 20, 1949, the daughter of Grant and Betty (Dunk) Oelke, she grew up in Belleville, graduating from Belleville High School in 1967.

On April 25, 1970, Bette was married to Jack Burgett in Belleville, where they lived and raised their...