Reynold Robert Cox
April 14, 1964 – December 17, 2023
Reynold Robert Louis Cox, 59, of Duncan passed from this life Sunday, December 17, 2023 in the Encompass Hospital in Wichita Falls, Texas.
He was born April 14, 1964 in Saint Ignace, Michigan, the son of Robert James and Dorothy Ann (Smith) Cox. He and Lois “Marie” Nubby were married in Newberry, Michigan on February 21, 2003. He was an avid coin collector and enjoyed collecting dragons and working on cars. He was a member of the St. York Baptist Church.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents.
Survivors include his wife Marie Cox of the home in Duncan, Oklahoma; son Daniel Cox and wife Sharla of Duncan, Oklahoma; stepdaughter Jennifer Dutton of Rush Springs, Oklahoma; grandchildren Stephanie Dutton and Sarah Dutton; sisters Juliana Cox and Georgana Cox both of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan; brother James Cox of Newberry, Michigan as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Cremation services were under the direction of the Bailes-Polk Funeral Home.
Julius “Butch” Parkis
October 31, 1942 – January 4, 2024
Julius “Butch” Parkis, age 81, of Eckerman, Michigan, died on January 4, 2024, at the Ball Hospice House in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. He was born on October 31, 1942, to John and Julia (Olson) Parkis.
Butch grew up in Trenton, Michigan, until his family moved to Lincoln Park, Michigan. He met Dianne in Lincoln Park, and they were married on October 8, 1966, for 57 years.
In the 1970’s, Butch and Dianne moved and settled in Eckerman.
Butch was a volunteer for the Whitefish Township Fire Department.
Butch enjoyed hunting, fishing, snowmobiling and being outdoors.
Per Butch’s wishes, he will be cremated with no services. Family Life Funeral Homes is serving the family. Condolences may be left to the family at www.csmulder.com.
Ruben C. Hollingshead
June 7, 1935 – January 5, 2024
Ruben C. Hollingshead died after a long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease in his home surrounded by his loving wife Faith and their three children. Ruben grew up with many siblings in Seney and went on to raise his own family in McMillan. He retired after many years on the Luce County Road Commission. He also belonged to the Columbus Township Fire Department. He worked as hard as he played and loved being surrounded by family and friends. An obituary is far from sufficient enough to describe the amazing character that was Dub Hollingshead.
Ruben and Faith’s home will be open from 12-6 on 1-16-24 for anyone who would like to pay their respects. In lieu of flowers, please give to the Columbus Township Fire Department.
Kenneth H. Feneley
December 10, 1936 – December 26, 2023
Kenneth Howard Feneley, of Clare, Michigan, passed on peacefully December 26, 2023, at Midland Hospital’s Compassionate Care Suite surrounded and supported by his daughters.
His wonderful life on earth began December 10, 1936, when he was born at home in Engadine, Michigan (Millecoquins Lake), to Douglass and Emma (Krause) Feneley. Youth and childhood found him playing baseball, working at the family lumber mill, and the Krause family farm, fishing, and hanging around with his 2 younger brothers, older sister, and friends. He joined the school band, choosing the trombone where he found his love, passion, and direction that led to his fabulous career.
Ken graduated from Engadine High School in 1954 then attended Northern Michigan University for 2 years and transferred to Central Michigan University where he obtained his Bachelor of Music Education degree in 1958. His first teaching position was in Mackinaw City where he met the vivacious Judith Strong McCarthy, and they married on April 30, 1960.
After teaching for one year in his hometown of Engadine, he returned to CMU as a graduate assistant to Norman C. Dietz, Director of Bands, and completed his Master of Arts degree in 1961, and then taught one year in Gladwin. From 1962-67, Ken led wonderful young bands at Mt. Pleasant Junior High School. In 1967, he was recruited by Lloyd Conley to take on the role of High School Band Director in Clare, where he had a distinguished 26-year career.
Ken’s bands consistently achieved Superior ratings at both the District and State levels and were honored to perform at the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association’s annual Midwestern Conference in 1973 and 1974. In 1974, he was voted by the MSBOA membership to be its Teacher of the Year, a prestigious honor. Statewide, Ken was well-known and respected as an exemplary musician, teacher, and adjudicator. Over the years, he mentored dozens of CMU student teachers who went on to have successful careers of their own. His humor and humanity endeared him to his students, colleagues, friends, and everyone he encountered.
Post-retirement he traveled throughout Northern Michigan working as a school service representative for the Marshall Music Company and, in this capacity, he continued to touch the lives of teachers and students. He was “instrumental” in the formation of the Gateway Community Band, which he directed for several years. Most recently, he could be found performing as a member of the trombone section.
Throughout his life, Ken maintained close relationships with neighbors, band parents, former students and student teachers, as well as his entire family. He was truly loved by all, and cherished the visits, letters, and emails that he received. He certainly has left the world a better place and will be missed by all.
Ken is survived by his daughters, Margaret (Mark) VanHoose of Lake Ann, Betsy Feneley (Mark Malanyn) of Barton City, Jennifer Feneley of Ypsilanti, and his beloved canine companion, Cassie. His grandchildren are Sydney (Chris) Sawyer, Emily Parrish, and Dan Parrish, and his great grandchildren are Andersen and Isabella Sawyer. He is also remembered by his in-laws Theresa Feneley, Ginny McCarthy, and Kenneth St. Charles, as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Judy Feneley, along with his parents, Doug and Emma Feneley, and sisters and brothers, Joanne and brother-in-law Ted Kisabeth, Patrick Feneley, Ross Feneley, and Peggy St. Charles.
Visitation will be Friday, January 12, 2024, at the Clare Chapel of Stephenson-Wyman Funeral Home from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. His Celebration of Life will be held at the Clare United Methodist Church on Saturday, January 13, 2024 at 1 pm. In lieu of flowers, his family requests that you consider a donation to the Clare Public School’s Band Program. Online condolences may be left at www.stephenson-wyman.com
Velda M. Arciszewski
November 11, 1925 – December 30, 2023
Former lifelong Engadine resident, Velda Marcella Arciszewski, 98, recently living at Evergreen Living Center, Mackinac Straits Hospital, died Saturday morning December 30, 2023 at Evergreen Living Center.
Born November 11, 1925 in Engadine, daughter of the late Gustave and Aurelia (Lehman) Fillman, Velda was a 1943 graduate of Engadine High School and attended Davenport-McLachlan Institute in Grand Rapids attaining certification in Business English.
On August 17, 1946, Velda married Raymond Arciszewski and made Engadine their home. Velda was employed as a secretary/bookkeeper at Engadine Consolidated Schools for 37 years until her retirement in 1997.
Velda was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church and serving on the Ladies Aide, member of the VFW Post #8372 Ladies Auxiliary serving as secretary/treasurer and secretary for the Engadine Historical Society.
In addition to her parents, Velda is preceded in death by her husband Raymond Arciszewski, son Jack Arciszewski and siblings Edward Fillman and William (Billy) Fillman.
Survivors include two grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
Velda Arciszewski, affectionately known by family and friends in the Engadine area as Velda Archie, was very lovable, friendly and had such a generous heart. She loved to dance, especially when it was to a band that played the tunes of a good ole polka and waltz. Velda bowled on the Monday Night Woman’s League at the Tahqua Lanes Bowling Alley in Newberry for many years, receiving a High Score Series Award of 605. Velda was always willing to try something new. She loved to travel and visited Europe, Australia, Alaska and Florida many times to visit relatives during the winter months. She always kept in touch with family and friends over her lifetime. Velda loved to bake and donated many desserts to whatever occasion within the community.
Graveside services will be held in the spring of 2024 at the Bethlehem Lutheran Cemetery in Engadine with Pastor Kyle Kuehl, of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, officiating.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com. Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
