Donald Lee Berg, affectionately known as "Doc" by his family, was found dead on February 26, 2021 in his Otsego County home by his best friend, Jack Parker. Donald came into this world December 11, 1943, along with his twin sister, Donna (Friedeberg), who survives him. He is also survived by his daughter, Myriah Cummings, and his siblings, Betty Smith (James), Mary Ann Chew (Vince), and Daniel Berg. He was preceded in death by his father, Leo Berg, and his mother, Ruth Struthers Berg. Doc grew up on the family farm on Old 31 North in Hayes Township, Charlevoix. In 1962 he graduated from Charlevoix High School where he had played football and other sports. Soon after his graduation,...

Donald Lee Berg, affectionately known as "Doc" by his family, was found dead on February 26, 2021 in his Otsego County home by his best friend, Jack Parker. Donald came into this world December 11, 1943, along with his twin sister, Donna (Friedeberg), who survives him. He is also survived by his daughter, Myriah Cummings, and his siblings, Betty Smith (James), Mary Ann Chew (Vince), and Daniel Berg. He was preceded in death by his father, Leo Berg, and his mother, Ruth Struthers Berg. Doc grew up on the family farm on Old 31 North in Hayes Township, Charlevoix. In 1962 he graduated from Charlevoix High School where he had played football and other sports. Soon after his graduation,...

Jack Abeare, 58, passed away Thursday, February 18, 2021. Arrangements were entrusted to Nelson Funeral Home, PO Box 1548, Gaylord, MI. 989-732-1770

Shirley Ellen Russ, 88, of Vanderbilt, formally from Flint, passed away February 17, 2021. She was born to Lyle and Mabel (Ferrett) Reid in Royal Oak, Michigan, on April 14, 1932. Shirley graduated from Vanderbilt High School and moved to Flint, Michigan in 1955 where she was an avid Westminster Presbyterian Church parishioner. In her free time, she enjoyed making quilts, sewing, knitting, and crocheting. She was preceded in death by her husband Henry W. Russ Jr. in 1986, and son, Bill in 2016. Shirley is survived by her children, Nancy Paige of Midland, MI, Sally Stepulkoski of Oakley, MI, Barbara Snider of Gaylord, MI, and Dan Russ of Flushing, MI; ten grandchildren; 19...

Shirley Ellen Russ, 88, of Vanderbilt passed away February 17, 2021. She was born to Lyle and Mabel (Ferrett) Reid in Royal Oak, Michigan, on April 14, 1932. Shirley graduated from Vanderbilt High School and moved to Flint, Michigan in 1955 where she was an avid Westminster Presbyterian Church parishioner. In her free time, she enjoyed making quilts, sewing, knitting, and crocheting. She was preceded in death by her husband Henry W. Russ Jr. in 1986, and son, Bill in 2016. Shirley is survived by her children, Nancy Paige of Midland, MI, Sally Stepulkoski of Oakley, MI, Barbara Snider of Gaylord, MI, and Dan Russ of Flushing, MI; ten grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren, and 3...

Madeline Elaine "Madge" Smith passed away Monday, February 15, 2021, at her home in Waters, Michigan. Madge was born Madeline Elaine Lemeron on February 16, 1942, in Detroit, Michigan, to Robert and Emily Lemeron. She served as a Sergeant in the United States Army from 1974 until 1994, retiring with full honors. In 1979, she married Samuel J. "Sam" Smith. Madge enjoyed many years of community service and was named "Volunteer of the Year" in Gaylord, Michigan. Madge is survived by her husband, Sam; daughters, Maddie Jene? Podvin of North Branch, Michigan, Melody Elaine Laxton of Centerville, Tennessee; sons, Robert (Ron) Smith and David (Vicky) Smith, both of Bay City, Michigan;...

Madeline Elaine Smith passed away on February 15, 2021, in Gaylord, Michigan. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Nelson Funeral Home, PO Box 1548, Gaylord MI.

Susan Louise Smethurst, age 73, loving wife, mother, sister, "Nana", and friend, passed away suddenly, Wednesday, February 10, 2021, from acute myeloid leukemia. She was born November 9, 1947, in Trenton, MI to Harvey "Bill" and Marge Morrison. Susan was raised and attended school in Hillman, MI. On September 1, 1968, she married David Robert Smethurst. They raised two children, Brooke and Ross. Susan dedicated her life to her family and the communities of Hillman and Gaylord, MI. She had a passion for sea glass, rock hunting, quilting, bird watching, loose leaf tea, Jamaican Me Crazy wine coolers, gardening, reading, traveling, and researching her family ancestry. She is...

Susan Louise Smethurst, age 73, loving wife, mother, sister, "Nana", and friend, passed away suddenly, Wednesday, February 10, 2021, from acute myeloid leukemia. She was born November 9, 1947, in Trenton, MI to Harvey "Bill" and Marge Morrison. Susan was raised and attended school in Hillman, MI. On September 1, 1968, she married David Robert Smethurst. They raised two children, Brooke and Ross. Susan dedicated her life to her family and the communities of Hillman and Gaylord, MI. She had a passion for sea glass, rock hunting, quilting, bird watching, loose leaf tea, Jamaican Me Crazy wine coolers, gardening, reading, traveling, and researching her family ancestry. She is...

On February 2, 2021, Louise Barnard celebrated her 100th birthday with friends and family. On the evening of February 3, 2021, she peacefully passed away, in her home, in Waters, MI., and went home to be with her Lord and take part in the "ultimate celebration". She was born February 2, 1921, in Huron County, MI, to William James and Ruth (Lewis) McKay. On March 25, 1939, she married Gordon Arthur Barnard of River Rouge, MI. They raised one son, Robert Barnard (deceased), and six daughters, Elaine McPherson (Bourbon, IN), Linda Popp (Waters, MI), Donna Carmean (Climax, MI), Anita Verlinde (Grayling, MI), Bonnie Miller (Grayling, MI), and Barbara Sewell (Gaylord, MI). In 1939, Louise...

Rhna White, 60, formerly of Gaylord, passed away Friday, January 29, 2021, in Clarkston, MI. She was born July 8, 1960, in Little Rock, Arkansas, to Brenton and Carole (Atcheson) Curl. One of Rhna's greatest joys was working with children. She owned and operated Teddy Bear Daycare for more than 22 years, doing what she loved. When she was not working, she enjoyed reading, crafting, and planning her next adventure. The family would spend their vacations at their cabin on Manuka Lake. Rhna was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Paul; and brothers, Russell and Mitchel Curl. She is survived by her children, Benjamin (Melissa) White of Harrison Township, MI, and Valorie White of...

Frances Pauline Tuszynski, 93, of Gaylord, passed away Tuesday, January 26, 2021. She was born to Frank and Pauline (Mankowski) Koscielniak, on February 19, 1927, in Detroit, Michigan. Fran will be affectionately known for her love for family and friends and led an active life. She walked over 3,000 miles at the Sportsplex, walked the Mighty Mac twice, and at 89 years old went zip lining at Boyle Mountain. Her family will remember her for all the wonderful cooking she did and making sure everyone was well fed. They have many wonderful memories of her care for them. She faithfully kept a Rosary with her and lottery scratchers. She wrote that her greatest accomplishments were being a wife,...

Yvonne Marie Keshick passed away on January 23, 2021. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Nelson Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Gaylord, Michigan.

Edward Henry Steinman, a Coast Guard veteran of WWII, died suddenly on January 21, 2021, at the age of 97. He lived his entire life with fierce independence, determination, honesty, and integrity. He was generous, kind, and smart. Born in Wyandotte, Michigan in 1924, he grew up to marry his high school sweetheart, Virginia Herrmann (Shelley's mother), and was embraced by the Herrmann family. Virginia died in August 1950. In June of 1953, he married a widow, Edith Todd, with 3 children of her own; Mark, Paul, and Nancy. They blended their family together, built a home, and along came Claire. They both enjoyed long teaching careers in Belleville, Michigan. Edward started out as a math...

Janet Marie Sanders, 83, of Gaylord, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 20, 2021. She was born the daughter of Alton and Margaret (McMillan) McNett on July 17, 1937. She married the love of her life, Tommy Sanders, on October 6, 1956, and together they raised five children. Janet was known for her infectious smile and zest for life. She was small but mighty. Most days she could be found at the Sportsplex where over the years, she walked more than thirteen thousand miles. Janet volunteered throughout the community wherever and whenever she could. She was everyone's favorite lunch lady and a cheerleading coach at Gaylord Community Schools. Janet had a love for Heart Lake...

Karen Lee Heide, of Wolverine, passed away on January 4, 2021. Arrangments were entrusted to Nelson Funeral Home of Gaylord, Michigan.

Irene May Blahut, 93, of Gaylord, MI, passed away peacefully on January 2, 2021, at Meadow Brook Medical Care Facility in Bellaire. She was born in Detroit, MI, the oldest of two children, to Ray and Julia (Komornik) Miller. Irene met her husband, Henry Blahut, when she was asked by her future mother-in-law to be her son's pen pal during the second World War. Those letters turned into love letters, and they were married in 1947. In 1956, Henry and Irene opened their own upholstery business and had their daughter, Nancy. Thirteen years later, their family relocated to Gaylord, where they raised their daughter and grew their business, Style Center Upholstery, providing beautifully...

Teri Kirk, 52, of Gaylord, passed away Friday, January 1, 2021. She was born to Gary and Hazel (Dunham) Harding in Petoskey, Michigan October 27, 1968. She enjoyed trips to the casino, or just playing poker with friends. Teri made it a regular event to attend a Lions game and was a huge fan no matter their standings. When she wanted to unwind she would look up jewelry paparazzi's newest addition or with unveiling a ring bomb. Most of all she enjoyed her time with her grandchildren. Teri was preceded in death by her grandparents, Theodore and Thelma Dunham, Ollie, and Eloise Harding. She is survived by her husband, Roger; parents, mother Hazel (Rick) Barringer, father, Gary (Helen)...

Judy Nizzola passed away on December 30, 2020. Arrangements were entrusted to Nelson Funeral Home in Gaylord, Michigan.

Pearl Geneva Myers, age 94, of Sterling Heights, Michigan, passed away Monday, December 28, 2020. Geneva was born on January 10, 1926, in Cleveland County, Arkansas to Charley and Inez (McKenzie) Parker. On August 23, 1941, Geneva married Austin Leo Myers. In 1953 they moved from Arkansas to settle in Garden City, Michigan. She was the housewife who had her hands full with nine children and later became a foster parent to many more. In 1973, the family settled in Johannesburg, Michigan. She was a member of the Older American Fiddler Jamboree and loved dancing. She was known for her sassiness and was the last of her generation. Geneva IS survived by her children, Jerry (Collen)...

Henry "Hank" Siwecki, 76, of Vanderbilt, passed away with his family by his side Sunday, December 27, 2020. He was born the son of Joseph and Anna (Balients) Siwecki, in Grayling Michigan, on April 12, 1944. Henry loved to be outside, hunting, or just being on the farm hanging out with the goats. He was a simple man who never needed the glitz and glamour of fancy new things. During his downtime, he enjoyed keeping up on the stock market. Most of all he cherished time with his family. He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years Marie; children, Cheryl Horsell, Hank (Allyson Kaly), and Lisa Keczmer; grandchildren, William (Stacie) Horsell, Elise (Taylor) Carey, Hunter and Tanner...