Robert Alfred Borak
October 20, 1926 – February 23, 2022
Robert Alfred Borak, 95, of Roscommon, died February 23, 2022, at his home.
Robert was born in Newberry, Mich., on October 20, 1926, to John and Anna (Marceny) Borak, immigrants from Ukraine and Germany, respectively. His father died young, leaving 9-year-old Robert with his mother and seven sisters. His mother remarried, to Wassil Koval, and an eighth sister was born.
Robert worked whenever possible, including delivering papers, helping in a bakery and stints in the nearby lumber camps. After graduating from Newberry High School, Robert joined the Army in late 1944. Discharged after the war, he used the GI Bill to earn his Bachelor’s in Forestry from MTU in 1952.
He married Julia Trombley in October 1953 and they settled in Gwinn, where he began his almost 40-year career as a forester with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. When he retired in 1990, he was the Region II Forest Supervisor.
Job promotions took Robert and his growing family from Gwinn to Alpena, Gladwin and Cadillac, before building his final home in Roscommon in 1972. He quit smoking not long after this, a habit he formed in his teens. Suddenly able to breathe he returned to sports, including biking and cross-country skiing. On the forestland down the road from his house he cleared trails for his new hobbies and Julia christened the trail system the Tisdale Triangle. It is now a groomed cross-country skiing and hiking pathway.
After buying land in Wexford County in the mid 1960s, Robert built a hunting cabin there and began making maple syrup. After retiring he spent many happy days there, as well as at the camp on the Tahquamenon River they inherited from his in-laws. He also somehow made time to be an avid bowler and volunteer for Mercy Hospital Grayling Auxiliary, coordinating their annual pasty sale.
Robert was preceded in death by his wife; his sisters Margaret (Ward) Hunter, Katherine (Al) Bourdo, Pauline (Kurt) Laarz , Bertha “Pat” (John) Paterek, Martha (Harry) Hoppe, Helen Fillman and Shirley Koval.
He is survived by his sister, Rose Gardella of Nevada, brother-in-law William Fillman of Escanaba, and his children; Paula (Roger) York of Andover, NY, Laura (Dave Basham) Borak of Cathlamet, WA; Al Borak of Roscommon, Linda (James) Mesler of Roscommon, Joseph (Kristen) Borak of Grand Rapids, and Irene Borak of Roscommon. He was also blessed with 10 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
William C. Schwab
September 2, 1923 – February 21, 2022
William “Bill” Schwab, 98, of Engadine, MI and Custar, Ohio, passed away Monday morning, February 21, 2022 in Bowling Green, Ohio.
Bill was born September 2, 1923, in Deshler, Ohio, to the late Frank and Mary “Mayme” (Hentges) Schwab. Bill graduated from Milton Township High School and attended the Davis Business College in Toledo, Ohio. In 1943, Bill enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served his country during World War II. He attended Navy Electrical School and was then stationed on the USS Eichenberger, a US Navy destroyer escort. He spent 18 months in the Pacific Ocean and was honorably discharged in April 1946.
Bill returned home and married Lois Rossow on June 15, 1946, in Bowling Green, Ohio. They have shared a marriage of over 75 years and served as a beautiful example of married life and companionship.
Bill was a self-employed farmer and electrician. Returning from the Navy, he farmed with his father. As his family grew, he entered into partnership with his friend, Jim Wensink in the former Custar Hardware. He eventually would own and operate his own business, Schwab Electric, providing service to his neighbors and community in the greater Custar area. He was a member of St. Louis Catholic Church, Custar; Norcross-Meyers American Legion Post #305, Custar; a former member and president of Patrick Henry Local School Board and Deshler Camera Club.
In 1951, Bill and Lois began going to Northern Michigan and they became permanent residents in 1981. They made the Hiawatha Sportsman’s Club in the Upper Peninsula their home and as a resident he was a member of St. Stephen Catholic Church, Naubinway, Michigan and a 3rd Degree member of the Knights of Columbus; VFW Post, Engadine, and a past president and member of the board of directors for the Hiawatha Sportsman’s Club, Engadine. Over the years, the Club became a second home to the Schwab family. They became owners of property and have endless family memories.
Survivors include his devoted wife, Lois; 6 children, Steven Schwab; Robert (Marcia) Schwab; Dennis (Mary) Schwab; Paul (Lynn) Schwab; Barbara (Jerry) Clink; Ellen (Scott) Boyer; 17 grandchildren and 27 great grandchildren.
A Funeral mass was celebrated on Saturday, February 26, 2022 at St. Louis Catholic Church, Custar. Burial with military honors took place at St. Louis Catholic Cemetery.
The family suggests memorials to St. Louis Catholic Church or St. Stephen Catholic Church.
www.feehanrodenbergerfuneralhome.com
Sharon Ann Fox
February 25, 1941 – February 24, 2022
Longtime Newberry resident, Sharon Ann Fox, 80, died Wednesday afternoon, February 24, 2022 at her residence surrounded by her loving family and the care of North Woods Home Care and Hospice.
Born February 25, 1941 in Sault Ste. Marie, daughter of the late Cecelia (Ranger) McGilvary, Sharon married George Fox on June 15, 1963 in Newberry.
Sharon was a devoted homemaker raising her family. She enjoyed playing cards, puzzles, going to softball games, spending time with her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and loved cooking for everyone.
In addition to her parents, Sharon is preceded in death by her husband George on December 19, 2016; siblings Eldora, Stella, Bernadine, Laurinda, Neica, Dan, Theresa and Althea.
Survivors include her children Brenda (William) Foster; “Skeeter” (Buddy Alexander) Fox; Jackie (Randy) Smithson; and George (Sally Hood) Fox all of Newberry; 10 grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.
Per request, cremation services were accorded. A gathering of family and friends celebrating the life of Sharon will take place Saturday, March 5, 2022 at 3:00pm at the American Legion Post #74 in Newberry. Interment will take place at a later date at Forest Home Cemetery.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com. Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
Christine Marie Rugar
March 5, 1930 – January 28, 2022
Christine Marie Rugar was born in Fenton, Michigan on March 5, 1930. The day was cold, with a high of 7 degrees, and it is believed that she decided on that very day that she would retire in Florida. Christine (fondly known as Teeny), a nickname she despised, was raised by her parents, Joseph and Bertha Handy, in Upper Michigan. A logging family, they lived in many small makeshift towns throughout Upper Michigan as the family grew. Christine was the oldest child with 3 younger brothers.
Christine graduated from Gould City High School as Valedictorian in 1948. According to her memories, she moved out of her parents’ house the next day and started her working life at Burns Department Store in Newberry, Michigan. She met and married Leslie Watson in 1949. Together they had 3 daughters. Christine spent most of her working career at Newberry Regional Mental Health Center.
True to her spirit of doing things her way, she moved her life in a different direction and, in April of 1973, married Robert Elsner. In 1995 Christine retired from her job and together, they traveled the world; from Asia, every Western European country, all of the U.S. (including Alaska and Hawaii), and Australia…where in her 70’s Christine was seen snorkeling at the Great Barrier Reef. They relished their time together and lived life to the fullest. In 2001, Christine lost Bob but continued to spend her winters in Riverview, Florida.
In 2003, Christine met and married Harold Rugar. They spent 9 years together between Riverview, Florida, Poughkeepsie, New York, and Newberry, Michigan. Their time was spent in content comradery living their best life. Christine lost Harold in 2013. She continued her travels to Florida for her winters where she had an active life teaching painting classes, swimming, daily walks and an active member of her senior community. Summers she returned back home to Newberry.
Christine was active in her Church Family and enjoyed immense support and friendship from the wonderful people at First Presbyterian Church. Industrious and talented, Christine leaves a legacy with her beautiful quilts, afghans, paintings and other crafts. She gifted many people with her beautiful creations, a treasure to all who hold them dear.
Always ready to assert her opinion, she lived her life her own way, often generous and caring. She was small in stature but large in personality. She lived a long and full life, and she lived it her way.
Christine is predeceased by her husband Robert Elsner, daughters Sandra Kay Laug and Kathy Sue Johnson, husband Harold Rugar, brothers Jerry and Terry Handy, and grandson Adam Michael Meehan.
Christine is survived by daughter Mary Jo Meehan (Steve), grandson Brian J. Meehan (Katrina), and great-grandchildren Madeleine and Brooks; granddaughter Erin Meehan-Amo (Joel) and great-grandsons Jamison and Lochlan; grandson Andrew S. Meehan (Heidi); grandson Jeffrey Laug (Lisa) and great-grandchildren Penelope and Davis; grandson Jon Johnson; step-daughters Judy Bryd and Gail Rugar; brother Larry Handy (Judy); several nieces and nephews; and loyal friends Mike and Jean.
A memorial service will be held during the warm months of summer in Newberry Michigan, the season Christine loved the most. Memorials may be made to The First Presbyterian Church of Newberry, Michigan.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com. Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
Fly high dear mother of mine,
to that place with yearned for endless sunshine,
where contentment is all you will ever know,
and love surrounds you wherever you go. (MJ Meehan 2022)
Lawrence P. Rubick
October 11, 1928 – February 23, 2022
Longtime Newberry resident, Lawrence P. “Larry” Rubick and affectionately known as “The Duke”, age 93 and most recently of Marquette, Michigan, passed away Wednesday evening February 23, 2022 at U.P. Health Systems-Marquette, with his loving family by his side.
Born October 11, 1928 in Manistique, Michigan, son of the late Frank and Amelia (Spelich) Rubick, Larry attended St. Francis DeSales Catholic School in Manistique. He then went to Butte, Montana, and worked in the copper mines for one year and on the iron ore carriers for three years traveling around the Great Lakes.
On November 9, 1950, Larry was drafted into the United States Army serving overseas during the Korean War until his honorable discharge on February 6, 1953 attaining the rank of Private E-2. Following his honorable discharge, he went to work for the Department of Natural Resources working with the Parks and Recreations Division at Indian Lake State Park until 1955, where he moved to Newberry and was a forester with Forestry Division until his retirement in 1984.
Larry was always very active in community organizations. A longtime member of St. Gregory’s Catholic Church, he also served as Grand Knight and District Deputy of the Knights of Columbus. He served as a council member of the Upper Peninsula Sports Hall of Fame from 1991-2013 and was President from 1994-1997. He also served as the Newberry Booster Club President from 1971-1974. Larry was the coach of the People’s Drugs Little League team for 18 years. He was also the President of Newberry’s Little League for 4 years. Larry gave 17 years of teaching Forestry and Outdoor Survival to the Newberry 7th grade camp program. Besides being a member of Newberry Council #2929 Knights of Columbus, he also belonged to the Newberry Elks #1705, D.A.V.’s and the American Legion Post #74.
Larry was an accomplished ski jumper dating back to his early days as a youth in Manistique and, during the Korean War, ski jumped in Japan continuing throughout his adult life stateside in Ishpeming, Ironwood and Iron Mountain until 1957. Larry was an avid hunter and fisherman, which he enjoyed with his family. Some of Larry’s favorite pastimes were metal detecting for 18 century artifacts in remains of old logging camps north of Newberry, tending to his small vegetable garden, and most importantly watching his children and grandchildren compete in sporting events. In 2014, in accordance with the State of Michigan Public Act 181, Larry was a graduate of Manistique High School receiving his diploma at the age of 85.
In October of 2021, Larry became a member of the D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans in Marquette until his death.
In addition to his parents, Larry is preceded in death by his four brothers, Sylvester, Francis, John and George and six sisters, Angela Burse, Mary Mattlin, Rose McGregor, Kathleen Nelson, Geraldine Henkel, and Anne Strukel.
Survivors include his loving wife, the former Celeste Villemure of Marquette, whom he married June 22, 1957 at St. Gregory’s Catholic Church; sons Lawrence Jr. (Tama Rae), of Jenison, Robin (Deborah) of Lapeer and Gregory (Michelle) of Gladstone; daughters Patrice (Charles) Pemble of Marquette, Paula Rubick (Douglas Logue) of Colorado Springs, Colorado and Annette (David) Enderby of Menominee; 18 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren and over fifty nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday June 24, 2022 at 11:00 am at St. Gregory’s Catholic Church in Newberry with Fr. Jacek Wytklo officiating. Rite of Committal with full military honors conducted by the American Legion Post #74 and the United States Army Honor Guard will follow at Forest Home Cemetery in Newberry. There will be a celebration of his life after the committal at the Newberry Elks Lodge.
Memorials may be directed to the Upper Peninsula Honor Flight, 7542 J Road Gladstone, Michigan 49837 (www.upperpeninsulahonorflight.org) or to D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans, 425 Fisher Street, Marquette, Michigan 49855 in his loving memory.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com.
Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
Charles David Dimmer
January 16, 1938 – February 20, 2022
Charles David “Dave” Dimmer, age 84, of Newberry, passed away Sunday, February 20, 2022, at UP Health System – Marquette, in the loving, comforting care of his family.
Born January 16, 1938, in Toledo, Ohio, a son of Charles L. and Marie Helen (Striker) Dimmer, Dave was raised in Toledo where he attended Central Catholic High School, graduating in 1956. He attended the University of Toledo and afterward began a long career as a Certified Dental Technician. For over 50 years, he owned and operated his own business, beginning in Toledo and continuing when he relocated to Newberry, Michigan, in 2000 with the establishment of Dimmer’s Dental Laboratory. Throughout the years, he developed several patents for his crown and bridge work. In his leisure, Dave enjoyed the great outdoors, boating, fishing, hunting, and snowmobiling. He was an avid collector of model trains and boats and was a historic vehicle enthusiast having restored many classic cars over the years. He also held a pilot’s license for personal craft.
Dave was a member of the Packard Club, American Dental Association, Aircraft Owners and Pilot’s Association, NRA, Tahquamenon Valley Cruisers, and the fraternal organizations Eagles, Shriners, and Moose Lodge.
Survivors include his daughters, Karen (Pete) Gerrity and Linda (Brook) Steingass; sons, Jim Dimmer and Bill Dimmer; eleven grandchildren; his sisters, Charlotte Herbert and Carolyn (Ralph) Scalzo; several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by sons, David and Charles Dimmer; and a grandson, Landon Dimmer.
A memorial Celebration of Life will be held in Newberry in the spring and will be announced. A funeral mass will be celebrated at Gesu Catholic Church in Toledo, Ohio with interment at Calvary Cemetery, dates to be determined.
Memorials may be directed to the American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org) or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org).
Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com.
Frances C. Clark
January 25, 1943 – February 23, 2022
Longtime Newberry resident, Frances Constance Clark, 79, died Wednesday afternoon, February 23, 2021 at Helen Newberry Joy Hospital.
Born January 25, 1943 in Newberry, daughter of the late Patrick and Ruth (Sheiding) Doyle, Frances married John Clark on October 21, 1961 in Newberry.
Frances was employed as a Certified Nurse Assistant for Helen Newberry Joy Hospital and North Woods Home Care and Hospice for several years. She was a member of Living Water Assembly of God Church, the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians and enjoyed arts, crafts, attending Tribal Pow Wows, card games, camping and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, Frances is preceded in death by her husband John on November 26, 2021; granddaughter Jessica Marie Clark; sister-in-law Barbara Mahn.
Survivors include her children John of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Michael of Newberry, Missy (Mike) Muscott of Newberry and Rose (John) Huffman of Newberry; four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; brother James Mahn of Marquette.
Per request, cremation services have been accorded. A graveside service will be held in the spring of 2022 at Forest Home Cemetery.
Memorials may be directed to Living Water Assembly of God Church in her loving memory.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com. Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
Latasha Betterly-Byrd
July 2, 1987 – January 31, 2022
Latasha Nichole Betterly-Byrd, 34, of Midtown-Denver, CO, passed away unexpectedly on January 31, 2022.
Born July 2, 1987 in Manistique, MI to Lori Ann Osterhout-Huntwork and Gerald Betterly Jr. She grew up in Newberry, Hulbert, and the northern Lower Peninsula. She participated in youth ministries through the Methodist church throughout her teenage years and traveled with her bonus grandparents Don and Billie Jean Bodi to numerous places performing hurricane relief work. Latasha graduated from Petoskey High School in 2006 and immediately joined the Marine Corp.
Latasha was previously married and had two sons, Patrick Scott Byrd in 2008 and Blair Nicholas Byrd in 2015.
Latasha loved learning and earned multiple degrees. In 2009 she earned a Bachelor of Science degree studying Escrow, Real Estate and Property Management. In 2014 she earned another Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from Macomb Community College and a Bachelor’s degree in Pure Mathematics and minor in Biology at Wayne State University. In 2017 she received yet another Bachelor’s degree, this time in Science with a minor in Psychology from Washington State University College of Agriculture, Human and Natural Sciences. In 2018 she earned an Associate’s degree in Criminal Justice and Criminology at Oakland University. In addition to her studies, Latasha worked as a statistician at the U.S. Census Bureau in Washington D.C. beginning in 2017, then moved on to work as a pretrial case manager in 2019. In July 2021 she joined the Denver Recruiting Academy. She graduated at the valedictorian in November 2021 and was employed as a deputy sheriff in the Denver County Sheriff Department. She was also active as a member of the Honor Guard.
Tasha was a caring, loving, self-motivated individual who was addicted to education and nature. Her charisma attracted all to love her instantly. She put 100% into all she did and all she loved.
She is survived by her sons Patrick Scott Byrd and Blair Nicholas Byrd; parents Lori Osterhout-Huntwork and Gerald (Pam) Betterly Jr.; bonus mom Angel (Josh) Bodi; grandmothers Cyndi (Norm) Dewitt of Hulbert and Josephine Betterly of Newberry; siblings Jacob (Aerianna) Betterly, Justin (Sam) Gugin, Charlie (Kristina) Huntwork, Christopher (Haley) Jollette, Rayme (Corrina) Jollette, Shayna (Devlin) Betterly, Dillion Betterly and Devon Betterly; several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and many friends.
She is predeceased by grandfathers David L. Osterhout Sr. of Curtis and Gerald Betterly Sr. of Newberry plus bonus grandparents Don and Billie Bodi of Newberry.
Public services will be held March 19 at 1 p.m. at the Hulbert American Legion Post 393. Any donations will go into an account for her sons, Patrick and Blair, in care of Cyndi Dewitt.
NEVER STOP LEARNING!!!
Jacqueline Jo Green
January 9, 1939 – February 21, 2022
Longtime Newberry area resident, Jacqueline “Jackie” Jo Green, 83, died Monday evening February 21, 2022 at Crawford Continuing Care Center in Grayling, Michigan.
Born January 9, 1939 in Detroit, daughter of the late Edwin and Barbara (Brenner) Knight, Jackie was a 1957 graduate of Brandon High School and attended the Flint School of Cosmetology receiving a license in cosmetology.
On September 13, 1958, Jackie married the love of her life, Charles, in Ortonville, Michigan and, together, moved to the Newberry area in 1969 raising five children. In addition to being a homemaker, Jackie owned and operated various businesses during her lifetime and enjoyed cooking, baking, cake decorating, gardening, canning, sewing, needlecraft, deer hunting and spending time with her family.
Jackie was a member of the Newberry United Methodist Church serving in the United Methodist Women, member of the American Legion Post #74 Ladies Auxiliary and member of Luce Chapter #364 Order of Eastern Star.
In addition to her parents, Jackie is preceded in death by her husband Charles on December 27, 2019; sister Kathleen Ainley and brother-in-law Walter Broker.
Survivors include her children Dawn Green (Larry Holton) of Waterford, Judith (Stephen) Haupt of Newberry, Robert (Janet) Green of Frederic, Barbara (Bruce) Fik of Manistique and Charlotte (Keith) Rovenko of Wolverine; eleven grandchildren, seven step-grandchildren and twenty five great-grandchildren with one to be expected; sister Barbara Broker of Waterford and brother Edwin (Sally) Knight of Aiken, South Carolina; close friends Cathy (Dan) Clementz and Melissa Fik-Ebright.
Friends may call at the American Legion Post #74 in Newberry on Saturday, April 30, 2022 from 10:00 am until 11:00 am. A memorial service celebrating the life of Jackie will follow at 11:00 am at the Post with Pastor Jackie Roe, of the Newberry United Methodist Church, officiating.
Memorials may be directed to the Mid-Michigan Honor Flight, P.O. Box 385, Mecosta, MI 49332 or at www.midmichiganhonorflight.org in her loving memory.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com.
Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
