Obituaries
William J. Walper
Jan 14, 2025
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of William J. Walper, age 84, who passed away unexpectedly on January 14, 2025.
Bill was born on November 28, 1940 in Windsor, Canada to Glenn and Helen (Blackburn) Walper. He was a highly intellectual man who enjoyed deep intellectual conversations, going to the library, and solving puzzles. He enjoyed spending his time outdoors...
Mary Ellen Metiva
Jan 11, 2025
Mary Ellen Metiva, age 88, of Bear Lake Twp, MI passed away peacefully with family by her side on January 11, 2025.
Mary Ellen was born to Cordon and Mildred (Ross) Crosby in Akron, MI on May 15, 1936. Mary Ellen’s passion was quilting. She sewed over 15,000 hours making lap quilts for the Veterans hospital. She went to classes at...
Allyn "Kelly" Elaine Schwarzkopf
Jan 8, 2025
UPDATED SERVICE INFORMATION
Allyn “Kelly” Schwarzkopf, 73, of East Lansing, passed away peacefully on January 8th. Allyn was born on May 19, 1951, a birthday she would later share with her son, to Guy and Doris “Susie” Kellogg in Saginaw, MI. After Allyn graduated from Lakeview High School in Battle Creek in 1969, She went on to study Education at Western...
Elsa Ronata Knutson
Jan 7, 2025
Elsa Ronata Knutson, age 104, of Grayling, Michigan passed away peacefully on January 7, 2025 at Mission Point Nursing Home in Roscommon, Michigan.
Elsa was born to William and Mary (Pleckenpole) Diedrich in Chaska, Minnesota on September 8, 1920. She married Leonard Knutson on February 19, 1941 in Chaska, Minnesota. She was a member of Mt. Hope Lutheran Church in Grayling,...
Peter Lee McCann
Jan 5, 2025
Peter Lee McCann, 54, of Grayling, MI passed away peacefully on January 5, 2025 with his significant other, Debbie Smith and mother-in-law Rebecca Ray by his side along with his sons Zackary and Jacob McCann.
Pete was born on October 12, 1970 to Bradley and Wanda McCann in Pontiac, MI.
He is survived by his sons Zachary and Jacob McCann, daughter-in-law Lindsey...
Glenn Eugene Fugate
Jan 5, 2025
Glenn Eugene Fugate, 44, of Grayling, Michigan, passed away unexpectedly on January 5, 2025, at Munson Healthcare - Grayling Hospital.
Born on November 18, 1980, in Clearwater, Florida, to Dale and Virginia (Shreve) Fugate, Glenn was a devoted father, loving husband, and cherished son. His children were his greatest joy, and he embraced fatherhood with warmth and unwavering love.
A gifted poet...
Marlynne Lou Crawford
Jan 3, 2025
October 21, 1935 – January 3, 2025
Marlynne Lou Crawford age 89 has joined her parents in heaven on January 3, 2025.
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Marlynne Lou Crawford, a beloved wife, teacher, and friend, who entered eternal rest on January 3, 2025, at the age of 89. Marlynne was born on October 21, 1935,...
Mardean E. Hess
Dec 31, 2024
Mardean E. Hess
August 26, 1948 – December 31, 2024
Mardean E. Hess, age 76, of Roscommon, MI, passed away at the Munson Healthcare - Grayling Hospital on December 31, 2024.
Mardean was born August 26, 1948, to Deyo Dean and Marjorie Bertha (Romine) Hess, Mardean lived a life full of dedication, kindness, and love for her family and community.
She is survived by...
Brian Dale Ashton
Dec 30, 2024
Brian Dale Ashton, age 81, of Grayling, MI passed away on December 30, 2024 in Saginaw, MI.
Brian was born on September 7, 1943 to Kenneth and Dorothy (Buddy) Ashton in Cheboygan, MI. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping. Also, he liked to ride his Harley Davidson motorcycle, spend time with family, play the guitar and sing solos in different bands...
Joan Eva Rasmussen
Dec 25, 2024
Joan Eva Rasmussen
"Grandma Bubbles"
1.15.1932 - 12.25.2024
Joan was the 4th of 12 children born to Willard and Helen (SanCartier) Harwood on January 15, 1932 in Grayling, Michigan. Her life with husband, John Rasmussen, began on February 23, 1952. Together, they raised 4 children: Joy, John II, Joel and Jason. Joan loved to work, spending nearly 30 years at The Bear Archery...
Duane Lawrence Mayball
Dec 24, 2024
Duane Lawrence Mayball, age 64, of Grayling, MI entered into God's Kingdom on December 24, 2024.
Duane was born on January 2, 1960 in Flint, MI to Howard L. and Mary Lou Mayball. Duane was an avid outdoorsman. He loved to hunt and fish and enjoyed sharing his knowledge of the outdoors with young first time hunters and fishers and anyone...
Betty Jean Millikin
Dec 19, 2024
Betty Jean (Failing) Millikin of Grayling, MI passed away peacefully on December 19, 2024 at The Brook of Grayling. Betty was born on October 9, 1922 in Detroit, MI to Otto and Mona (St. John) Failing. She married her high school sweetheart Floyd G. Millikin on August 31, 1947 in Roscommon, MI.
She is survived by her children, John (Sylvia) Millikin...
William Nelson Woodman, IV
Dec 18, 2024
William Nelson Woodman, IV, age 71, of Grayling, MI passed away peacefully on December 18, 2024 at his home in Grayling surrounded by his family.
He was born on May 25, 1953 to William Nelson Woodman, III and Freda Yensena (Atkeson) Woodman in Almont, MI. He enjoyed hunting and many other outdoor activities. He was quite a character and the life...
Thomas Albert Dean
Dec 17, 2024
Thomas Albert Dean, 55, of Grayling, MI passed away unexpectedly on December 18, 2024 at his home.
Tom was born on April 22, 1969 in Grayling, MI to Bruce and Mary Lou (Denno) Dean.
He is survived by his son, Thomas A. Dean, Jr.; sister, Ellie Dean of NC; brother, Bruce Dean of FL; step-sister Tammy Ledesma; several nieces and nephews; and...
Mary Ellen Coy
Dec 14, 2024
Mary Ellen Coy, age 89, of Maple Forest Twp, MI passed away peacefully at Munson Healthcare Grayling Hospital on Saturday, December 14, 2024.
Mary was born on October 18, 1935 to John and Helena (Carter) Millard in Maple Valley Twp. While holding the title as family matriarch she wore many other hats over the years as well. She was a chairman...
Ceriel Morris VanDeCasteele
Dec 10, 2024
Ceriel Morris VanDeCasteele, age 95, of Grayling, formerly of Wacousta, MI, passed away peacefully on December 10, 2024 in St. Joseph, MI.
Ceriel was born on January 3, 1929 to George and Marie (Meganck) VanDeCasteele in Detroit, MI. He worked at Motor Wheel for many years until his retirement. He had a knack for cooking. He and his wife Emogene ran...
Helen Southgate Nicholas
Dec 2, 2024
Helen Southgate Nicholas
October 7, 1936 – December 2, 2024
Helen Southgate Nicholas, 88, of Grayling, Michigan passed away peacefully on December 2, 2024 with her adoring family at her side surrounding her in love, music and storytelling.
Helen was born on October 7, 1936 in Pontiac, Michigan to her beloved parents, Robert and Ruth Southgate. She, along with her older brother...
Donald Albert Stokes
Nov 30, 2024
Donald Albert Stokes, 81, of Grayling, MI and formerly of Lapeer, MI passed away unexpectedly at home on November 30, 2024.
Don was born to Manford and Alice (Shook) Stokes in Lapeer, MI on October 1, 1943. He married the love of his life, Linda Loomis, in June, 1964. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Linda Stokes; children,...
James "Jamey" Richard Owens
Nov 29, 2024
James "Jamey" Richard Owens, age 51, of Frederic, MI passed away suddenly on November 29, 2024.
Jamey was born on March 21, 1973 in Grayling, MI to Conrad "Buck" and RoseAnn (Armstrong) Owens. He worked for 25 years at the Frederic Fire Dept. Jamey had an adventurous spirit. He enjoyed kayaking, scuba diving, hunting, photography, and hiking around the National Parks....
Ashley Micah Nylund
Nov 27, 2024
Ashley Micah Nylund (TURBO), age 40, of Grayling, MI, passed away unexpectedly on November 27, 2024 at his home.
Ashley was born on February 28, 1984 in Iron Mountain MI.
Ashley enjoyed hard work and getting out in nature. He was a free spirit, would do anything for anyone and loved deeply and unconditionally. He enjoyed waving the American Flags on street...