R. Galer Funeral Home

Betty Charlyne Petitjean, 77, of Goetzville passed away at home on Wednesday, November 25, 2020, surrounded by her loving family after bravely fighting a battle with multiple myeloma. She was born in Henryetta, Oklahoma to Ima Jean (Jeanne) and Ernest A. Morrison on June 30, 1943. She was lovingly raised by her stepfather, Col. John F. Mullaney, and as an adult, she came to know and love Ernest (Rose) and their children. Betty leaves behind a legacy of generously given love, kindness, and support, especially with her family. She was deeply devoted to her husband and loved him fiercely. Betty genuinely cared for people and ALWAYS made time for anyone who needed her. She had a smile that...

Sonia Vartanian, age 97, of Mackinaw City, Michigan, died on October 19, 2020. She was born to Aharon and Alice (Papazian) Egigian on July 1, 1923, in Highland Park, Michigan. Sonia grew up in Detroit and later moved to Farmington Hills, Michigan. She graduated high school in the Detroit area where she met and fell in love with George Krikor Vartanian. The high school sweethearts married July 20, 1946 in Detroit after George returned from his service during World War II. Together they raised three children. Sonia kept the house running for most of her life, although she did work in the retail industry for a few years while George worked as a craftsman making furniture. In 1977, they moved...

George William (Bill) Mindel, age 85, of Goetzville, MI, died September 9, 2020 at War Memorial Hospital in Sault Ste. Marie, MI. Bill was born on December 14, 1934, in Petoskey, MI, the son of Frank and Ruby Mindel. He went on to meet and marry Edna Lorraine Kaufman in 1951. The couple moved to Wayne, MI where they raised their four children. After moving to Wayne, Bill worked for General Motors Hydramatic Division. He was active in the union and ran for union vice-president. He later worked for the Kelsey Hayes Plant until his retirement in 1996. After the death of his wife, he moved to Goetzville. He loved to hunt and fish and was an avid historian. Bill is survived by three...

A 60-year romance has sadly come to an end... It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Virgie Kay Lewis (nee Polus), 83, beloved wife, mom, sister, aunt, grandma, and cousin to many. She passed on September 22, 2019, after a hard-fought, 5-year cancer battle she faced with grace, dignity and positivity. Virgie was born in Elmira, Michigan on July 17, 1936, to Casmer B. and Dorothy M. (Moffett) Polus. She married Daniel H. Lewis on June 13, 1959, though Dan's crush on her started when they were 10 years old. After being gone from the area for five years, they returned in 1964 to make Gaylord their home. In 1992, when Dan retired, they moved to the Upper Peninsula, where...