John Arthur Davis
June 18, 1939 – May 21, 2022
Master Electrician and Avid Aviator John Arthur Davis passed away on May 21, 2022, at the age of 82, after a battle with Dementia and a short stay at the Laurels of Galesburg.
He was born June 18, 1939, to LeRoy “Bud” Davis and Audrey (Miller) Davis of Newberry, Michigan, where he graduated High School in 1957. After High School, John enlisted in the U.S. Army where he served in the Military Police until his honorable discharge in 1960. Following the Army, John became an electrician in 1965 and later established John Davis Electric. He successfully ran his business in the Portage area for over 40 years serving his customers.
In his spare time Flying was his passion he enjoyed immensely. He became a pilot in the late 60’s and enjoyed flying to see his family in the UP, to any pancake breakfast throughout Michigan and just getting up in the sky to enjoy the sites. He also became a Certified Flight Instructor to help others achieve their goal of becoming a pilot. His beloved plane of choice was a Cessna 140.
John was preceded in death by his parents and brothers James H. Davis and George Jay Davis. John did not have any children of his own but is survived by six nieces and nephews that live throughout Michigan. Linda Ladd was his dedicated partner that shared many memories and life’s adventures with John for over 23 years.
John’s wishes were to be cremated and laid to rest at Fort Custer National Cemetery. Friends may gather with the family for military honors at Fort Custer Nation Cemetery on June 21st at 2:00 PM. Please visit John’s memory page to share memories at www.langelands.com
Leonard Brown
August 28, 1933 – June 8, 2022
Leonard “Len” Brown was born August 28, 1933, in Lawton, MI and died June 8, 2022, in Mt. Pleasant, MI.
He graduated from Lawton High School in 1951, where he was a scholar-athlete excelling in basketball and baseball. He enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving from 1953 to 1956. Len attended college on the G.I. Bill at Western Michigan University, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude in 1959.
In 1952, Len married his high school sweetheart, Mary Crosby Lamoreaux. Following the birth of their second daughter, the couple moved to the Upper Peninsula, where they raised their three children. Len began his teaching career in 1959 at Newberry High School where he was employed to teach English and Civics. He coached many sports including football, basketball and golf. After he completed his Masters at NMU, he began administrative duties at the district as the Principal of the new Middle School. Len was also transportation director of the second largest bussing district east of the Mississippi. He was up early every winter morning for 18 years, making the call of whether it was safe for buses full of children to be on the snowy roads.
After retiring from the Tahquamenon Area Schools in 1986 after 26 years, Len began a second career in mental health administration. He served as Director of Community Mental Health in Newberry and Battle Creek. He was chosen by his peers to be the President of the Association of Mental Health Boards and in this capacity was a signer of Michigan mental health legislation. He was part of a group who accompanied Governor Blanchard to China in a cross-cultural exchange mission on mental health outcomes in residential treatment programs. He observed the civil uprising in Tiananmen Square just days before the government massacre.
Len lived a life of service to others and participated in many non-profit service organizations, including Kiwanis and Habitat for Humanity. He volunteered as a conflict resolution negotiator and in teaching adult literacy. Later in life, he lived in Marshall, MI, where he worked with others in his church to secure medical services for the disadvantaged. In recent years, he served on the board of the Wesley Foundation of central Michigan.’
Len enjoyed playing bridge, live theater, travel, horse races, gardening and U of M football. He was an avid golfer and won the club championship on multiple occasions at the Newberry Country Club.
Leonard’s remains will be interred at the Oak Grove Cemetery in Lawton, Michigan in a ceremony in August. Memorials can be made in his name to the Wesley Foundation and Habitat for Humanity
Leonard is preceded in death by his parents, Leonard W. and Mary A. (Stratton) Brown. He is survived by his three children, Sharon L. Brown (John Fishback) of Newberry, W. Jay Brown (Lori) of Midland, Katherine Brown Rosier of Mt. Pleasant, six grandchildren, Jessica Price and Sarah Briggs, Mary Schwarz and Glen Parker, Paige and Janna Brown and 2 great-grandchildren, Finnigan and Norah Price, as well as his sister Madelyn Randall, niece Kathy McGuire, and special friend Sandy Zantello.
His life was an expression of the best of the American dream – from the son of a self-made farmer and factory worker, Len tended an acre of asparagus to help finance college and became the first person in his family to attend and graduate from college. His progeny include a college professor, two attorneys, a school social worker, three public school teachers, an environmental engineer and an aspiring writer.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com. Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
Gary Lee Martis Jr.
September 28, 1958 – June 11, 2022
Gary Lee Martis Jr., 63, of Manistique, died Saturday morning June 11, 2022 at the New Delta Homes Assisted Living surrounded by his loving family.
Born September 28, 1958 in Lansing, son of Gary Sr. and Bonnie (Cassiday) Martis, Gary has been a resident of the Upper Peninsula since 1975.
Gary was a resident of the New Delta Assisted Living in Manistique for several years where he had many friends. Gary was an avid fan of first responders spending time with the law enforcement and fire department personnel in Manistique. He enjoyed collecting baseball cards, crafts of all kinds and flower/vegetable gardening, Gary was an avid Green Bay Packers fan and an active participant in the Special Olympics.
Gary is preceded in death by his father Gary Sr. on March 9, 1998.
Survivors include his mother, Bonnie, of Naubinway and Midland, Michigan; siblings Lynn (James) Marshall of Ontario, Canada, Tony (Alice) Martis of Naubinway and Troy Martis of Midland; several nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.
A gathering of family and friends will take place Thursday June 16, 2022 from 10:00 am until 11:00 am at the Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry. Funeral services celebrating the life of Gary will follow at 11:00 am at the funeral home with Pastor Melinda VanderSys officiating. Interment will take place at the Maplewood Cemetery in Rexton.
The family of Gary extends their heartfelt appreciation to the staff and all his friends at New Delta Homes Assisted Living for the loving care he received over the years.
Memorials may be directed to the Special Olympics Michigan-Area 1, P.O. Box 275, Wells, Michigan 49894 in his loving memory.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com.
Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
James Donald Ennis
May 19, 1966 – May 23, 2022
TSgt James Donald “Jim” Ennis, United States Air Force, Retired, 56, of Crestview, Florida passed away May 23, 2022. Jim was born on May 19, 1966 in Battle Creek, Michigan to Michael B. Ennis and Lorna “Bunny” McMillan Ennis.
In 1967, the family moved to Newberry where Jim grew up learning the joys of camping, fishing, hunting, playing card games, and riding any vehicle with a motor—motorcycles, snowmobiles, and boats. He especially enjoyed outdoor activities at family cottages on Round Lake and Camp Succotash north of Newberry. He played varsity basketball and football at Newberry High School, and after graduating in 1985, he joined the Air Force as a tactical aircraft maintenance specialist. While stationed in Okinawa, Japan for a few years, he developed a passion for deep-sea fishing. He transferred to Elgin Air Force Base and moved to Okaloosa County in 1991 and has been a resident ever since. Jim retired from the United States Air Force in 2006 after 20 years of honorable service and received numerous commendations: Air Force overseas Long Tour Ribbon, Air Force Training Ribbon, Air Force Longevity Service Award, Korean Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, and Air Force Good Conduct Medal. He also received an award for inventing a tool for aircraft maintenance. After retirement in 2006, he rejoined the aircraft maintenance unit as a civilian, and he delighted in sharing stories about teaching a new generation of maintenance specialists to take care of the aircraft and the people who fly them.
Jim took advantage of sea and forest in Florida’s Panhandle to camp, build bonfires, fish, hunt, and cook outdoors. He also became an avid gardener and he enjoyed taking care of fish in two aquariums—salt water and fresh water. He remodeled and added to his house largely by himself, drawing on his creativity and attention to detail.
He shared a loving home with his partner Shannon Walker and their dog Smokey, an incredibly affectionate, smart rat terrier. Jim is also survived by: his parents, Michael B. Ennis in Grand Marais, Michigan and Bunny Ennis in St. Petersburg, Florida; siblings Michael C. Ennis-McMillan in Saratoga Springs, New York, Patrick J. Ennis in St. Petersburg, Florida, and Colleen “Kelly” Ennis in Escanaba, Michigan; a niece, Mikel A. Ennis Dyer; and several uncles, aunts, and cousins. Jim also will be remembered by special people who shared his home when they were children: Takuya Oshiro (son of Sy Wilkins) and Ashley Powell, Stephanie Sauder, and Kellie Hartwick (daughters of Mel Bialorucki). Jim was also preceded in death by grandparents, Mike and Marge Ennis and Chet and Althea McMillan; an uncle, Joe Murphy; an aunt Kathleen Ennis Doyle; and Stranger, a beloved family dog.
Per his wishes, cremation has taken place. Arrangements were handled by Brackney Funeral Service in Crestview, Florida. A private celebration of life has already taken place. You may leave your condolences at www.brackneyfuneralservice.com.
Nora Lynne Sisson
April 5, 1951 – June 4, 2022
Former Newberry resident, Nora Lynne Sisson, 71, died Saturday, June 4, 2022 at Spectrum Health Blodgett in East Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Born April 5, 1951 in Newberry, daughter of the late Herbert and Phyllis (Sutts) Miller, Nora was a 1969 graduate of Newberry High School.
On June 14, 1969, Nora married Lyle Sisson Jr. in Newberry. Nora held several employments during her lifetime including the Dairy Isle and Fyvie’s Flower Shop both in Newberry and Kovar’s Marathon in Engadine. Nora was a member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Newberry and enjoyed crafts, holidays (Christmas), bonfires, cooking, scary movies and spending time with her family.
In addition to her parents, Nora is preceded in death by her husband Lyle Sisson Jr.
Survivors include her son Lyle (Kacy) Sisson II of Big Rapids and step-children Nancy (Scott) Weimann of La Grange, North Carolina and Edward (Dawn) Feigel of Fort Wayne, Indiana; grandchildren Hailey Sisson, Lyle Sisson, Willy VanDuyne, Lauren (Dave) Walters and Bella Feigel; siblings Joe (Jeanie) Miller of Newberry and Annie Knifong of Gold Hill, Oregon; special friend Carl Feigel of Engadine.
A gathering of family and friends celebrating the life of Nora took place Friday, June 10, 2022 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church. Interment will take place at a later date at Forest Home Cemetery.
Memorials may be directed to the family in care of Beaulieu Funeral Home, P.O. Box 67, Newberry, Michigan 49868 in her loving memory.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com. Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
Shirley Bonnie Wood
February 22, 1939 – June 1, 2022
Shirley Bonnie Wood, age 83, of Newberry, made her journey to heaven on June 1, 2022, surrounded by all four of her children. Shirley devoted her life to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was always there to encourage, support and offer a shoulder to lean on. Week after week throughout the decades of her children’s lives, Shirley provided a foundation for life and a welcoming place known as “mom’s house”, where life’s worries and burdens could be left behind.
Shirley was the daughter of Pauline and Julius Zibart and grew up on the Zibart farm in Engadine where she learned the value and satisfaction of hard work, and where she developed her lifetime fondness for plants and animals, all of which she passed on to her children. Shirley very much liked planting and gardening, and especially enjoyed her flowers, including many types of tulips and lilies. Shirley also learned the value of good cooking from her mother and spent a lifetime always having plenty of homemade food made from scratch whenever any one of the family came to visit. Her homecooked meals were so tasty that one of her grandchildren was once heard to say that: Nana Wood could make a shoe taste great.
Shirley is survived by her four children (Rock, Gina, Shan and Chad), seven grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and by her siblings, Jim Zibart, Darlene Moisio, Betty Sadler and Thelma Pentland, and by many nieces and nephews.
Shirley’s life will be celebrated by a service at Trinity Lutheran Church in Newberry, Michigan on Saturday July 9, 2022 at 11:00 am with Pastor Kyle Kuehl officiating (For those unable to attend in person, service live-streamed on the church’s Facebook page: (www.facebook.com/tlcnewberry/live_videos). There will be a burial service immediately thereafter at Forest Home Cemetery in Newberry and, following the burial, lunch will be served at the church, and those wishing to bring a dish to pass are welcome to do so.
Cards and condolences may be sent and expressed by mailing to Rock Wood, PO Box 419, Cedar Springs, Michigan 49319, by delivery to the Trinity Lutheran Church in Newberry or by posting on the Beaulieu Funeral Home website. Those wishing to send flowers may have them sent to the Trinity Lutheran Church in Newberry for the July 9, 2022 service.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com. Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
~~~
Thank you for watching over me,
All those many sleepless nights,
Thank you for teaching me,
To be someone who could make you proud
Thank you for each and every steppingstone
And for knowing that I was never alone
Thank you for being there day or night
So that I always had a friend in life
There is no power like it on this earth
No treasure equal to its worth
The gift of a mother’s love.
