Iona M. Shoemaker
November 28, 1929 – February 4, 2024
Iona M. “Dolly” Shoemaker, 94, of Naubinway, died Sunday morning February 4, 2024 at the Schoolcraft Medical Care Facility in Manistique.
Born November 28, 1929 on the family homestead in Engadine, daughter of the late Emmet Sr. and Genevieve (Belleville) Vallier, Dolly was a 1948 graduate of Engadine High School.
Dolly worked at the family business, Vallier’s IGA, in Naubinway until she was hired at the First National Bank of St. Ignace/Naubinway branch employed for several years, retiring as manager.
Following her retirement, Dolly spent her summers in Naubinway and wintering in Lake Placid, Florida. While living in Lake Placid, Dolly joined the Sweet Adalaides chorus of Highland County singing in competitions. She also enjoyed photography, cross stitch, ceramics and riding the backroad trails of the Sportsman’s Club.
Dolly was a longtime member of St. Stephens Catholic Church, the VFW Ladies Auxiliary and the Hiawatha Sportsman’s Club
In addition to her parents, Dolly is preceded in death by her husband’s Leon “Tony” King and Carl Shoemaker; sons Russell “Rusty” King and Dewey King; grandson Shawn King; sisters Yvonne Reichmann, Lois Wachter and Genevieve Wachter.
Survivors include her loving children Yvonne (Dale) St. Andre of Naubinway and Kent (Kathy) King of North Street; 11 grandchildren, 23, great-grandchildren and the recent arrival of her first great-great-granddaughter, Cameron Grace Mortz; siblings Betty (Richard) Wachter of Petoskey, John (Rita) Vallier of Naubinway and Oliver (Donna) Vallier of Ypsilanti; numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
A Memorial Mass celebrating the life of Dolly will be held in the spring of 2024 at St. Stephens Catholic Church in Naubinway. Rite of Committal will take place at the Naubinway Cemetery.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com.
Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
James Edward Painter
October 14, 1940 – January 13, 2024
Lifelong McMillan resident, James Edward Painter, 83, died Saturday morning January 13, 2024 at Schoolcraft Medical Care Facility in Manistique.
Born October 14, 1940 in Newberry, son of the late Lyle and Muriel (Ney) Painter, Jim was a graduate of Newberry High School.
Jim was employed as an Attendant Nurse at the former Newberry Regional Mental Health Center for several years until his retirement. Jim attended the McMillan United Methodist Church and enjoyed hunting, fishing and trapping.
In addition to his parents, Jim is preceded in death by his former wife Marie, sons James and John and brother William Painter.
Survivors include his siblings Janet Painter Brennan of Ann Arbor and Rick (Leta) Painter of Beaverton; several nieces and nephews.
Per request, cremation services were accorded. A gathering of family and friends celebrating the life of Jim will be held at a later date with interment at the Columbus Township Cemetery in McMillan.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com.
Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
Jerry Ray Klein
September 2, 1944 – February 2, 2024
Pastor Jerry Ray Klein passed away peacefully on February 2, 2024, in his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born on September 7, 1944, in Saginaw, MI. He graduated high school from Brimley Area Schools in 1963. He was married to the love of his life Jocelyn Klein on February 7, 1965. Together they went on to build a beautiful family.
To know Jerry was a blessing in itself. Jerry was a shining light in this dark world. There isn’t a photograph of him that doesn’t show the love he had. He was a jack of all trades. He worked for General Motors, Gray Iron Foundry, he was a carpenter, he worked in the woods, and most of all his passion was ministry. Before Jerry’s health issues he could always be found outside. He loved planting flower beds, gardening, cutting grass, and he stacked some of the most perfect wood piles. You would pull into the yard, and everything was in place and beautiful, it looked like something out of a magazine. He was a perfectionist.
Jerry spent many years in the carpentry business building many things. Just to name a few- shelves, birdhouses, chairs and of course his beautiful cabin that was so much more than just four walls. There was so much love- love for family, friends, and most of all love for the Lord. He loved sitting at the table watching the birds, deer, and all of God’s creations.
Jerry was ordained as an Elder into the priesthood on December 7, 1994. In his time, he officiated several weddings and funerals. He was a pastor in Eckerman at the Orthodox Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Every conversation you had with Jerry simply involved Christ. That was how he lived life, following the Lord and sharing the Lord’s word. He was the perfect example of faith, hope, and love; but the greatest is love. If Jerry knew you, he loved you. He had several favorite bible verses and quotes. One he quoted frequently was “Faith does not make things easy; it makes them possible.”
Jerry is survived by his wife of 59 years Jocelyn Klein, and his children: Patricia (Al) Klein, Mark and Traci Klein, Sherry and Brian Mills, Brian (Jeff) Klein, Rachel and James Randolph, his eight grandchildren: Christopher Klein, Jessica Mills, Alicia Klein, Nathon Mills, Darrell Klein, Joshua Mills, Miles Randolph, Elliot Randolph, his six great grandchildren: Malina, Keigan, Davyn, Kade, Everleigh, Makoa, several nieces and nephews, brother in laws, sister in laws, and special friends.
Jerry is preceded in death by his parents John and May Klein, his brothers: Marlin, Marvin, and John Klein, his grandson: Brandon Mills, five brother in laws, and six sisters in laws.
Donations can be made out towards funeral expenses at Family Life Funeral Homes, 24945 S. M-129, Pickford, Michigan 49774.
Services will take place in Eckerman at the Orthodox Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (34219 W M 28) on February 24, 2024, at 11:00 am. Luncheon to follow the service at Chippewa Townhall (30014 W M28 Eckerman, MI).
Family Life Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements. Condolences may be left to the family at www.familylifefh.com.
As submitted by family
