Helen Harrington, 92, of Rogers City passed away January 12, 2015 at Rogers City Tendercare.

She was born May 1, 1922 to Bruno and Frances (Karlak) Mikolojeski.

Helen is survived by a daughter, Sharon Graham of Rogers City; four grandchildren; and a sister, Dolores D’Ascenzo of Plymouth Township.

The Rev. Sylvestre Obwaka will conduct her graveside service at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, June 13, at Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery.

Arrangements are in care of the Beck Funeral Home.

Online condolences may be addressed through www.beckfuneralhome.org

John J. Lezer, 75, of Rogers Township passed away at home June 6, 2015.

He was born March 7, 1940 in Rogers City to John and Vera (Wagner) Lezer.

John is survived by his wife, Patsy; three children, John of Moore, Oklahoma, Jennifer Remus of Wolverine and Jamie (Paul) Morrison of Hillman; five grandchildren, Ashley Kent, Tyler Lezer, Kyle Wenzel, Jaena Morrison and Luke Morrison; and a sister, Yolanda Grulke of Rogers Township.

Visitation was at the Beck Funeral Home Tuesday, June 9, through time of his funeral with the Rev. Randy Waibel officiating. Rogers City Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 607 will accord military honors Immediately following.

Memorials may be given to the Lezer family for a charity that will be selected later.

Online condolences may be addressed through www.beckfuneralhome.org.

Donald John Hudak, 81, beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend passed away Tuesday, June 2, 2015 at Tendercare in Rogers City.

Don was born January 27, 1934 in Wood, Pennsylvania to John and Helen (Wengzen) Hudak. He graduated in 1951 from Barnesboro High School and then went to Kiskiminetas (“Kiski”) Springs Prep school in Saltsburg, Pennsylvania for one year. He leaves his wife of 53 years, Diana Kay (Green) Hudak; his sons, Stephen (Judith) Hudak and John (Christine) Hudak; daughters, Teresa (Nicholas) Armold and Ruth (Mark) Benner; nine grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters, Barbara (Robert) Springer and Monica (Jack) Maloy; and a brother, David Hudak; along with many nieces and nephews.

Visitation was at St. Ignatius Catholic Church Saturday, June 6, until time of his Memorial Mass with the Rev. Sylvestre Obwaka officiating. Rogers City Veterans of Foreign Wars accorded military honors following Mass.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Donald J. Hudak Manufacturing Scholarship at the Alpena Community College Foundation, 665 Johnson Street, Alpena MI, online @ http://discover.alpenacc.edu/about_acc/donate.php or a charity of your choice.

Arrangements are in care of the Beck Funeral Home.

Online condolences may be addressed through www.beckfuneralhome.org.

Marilyn A. Riley, 81, of Lake Nettie, died at home Wednesday June 3, 2015.

The daughter of Lee and Marion (Clark) Schuler, Marilyn was born in Millersburg April 10, 1934.

Surviving Marilyn is her husband of 36 years, Laurence “Larry” Riley of Lake Nettie; daughter, Lynn (Kevin) Price of Millersburg; son, Craig Wilson of Pontiac; five grandchildren, Ann Marie, Casey, Brea, Tristan and Trey; one great-grandson, Bryce; her sister, Carol “Yvonne” Baker of Waterford; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Visitation was held Friday, June 5, followed by a funeral service Saturday, June 6, all at the Chagnon Funeral Home in Onaway.

Marilyn’s nephew, David Schuler, will officiate. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a donation in memory of Marilyn to Hospice of the Sunrise Shore.

Condolences may be shared with Marilyn’s family at www.chagnonfh.com.

Paul Filarski, 68, of Hamtramck, a resident of Mercy Manor Nursing Home in Grayling, died Sunday, May 31, 2015 at McLaren Northern Michigan in Petoskey.

Paul was born July 1, 1946 in Posen to Vincent Sr. and Mary (Stoniski) Filarski. He married Barbara Szulkowski in Hamtramck.

Surviving are two daughters, Mary Filarski of Hamtramck and Ann (John) Bunker and Amber and Logan of Grayling; brothers and sisters, Albin (Marlene) of Hubbard Lake, Vincent (Audrey) of Posen, Lorraine (Orlan) Kortman of Hawks, Donald of Florida, James (Beverly) of Millington, and Pauline of Alpena.

He was preceded in death by sisters, Marie Lagacy and Gloria Wirgau; and his wife, Barbara.

Filarski had polio at a young age and died of those complications.

Interment was at St. Casimir Catholic Church Cemetery in Posen.

Shirley A. Morgan, 87, of Onaway, died at home Tuesday evening June 16, 2015. The daughter of Hans and Hazel (Kizer) Bloch, Shirley was born August 20, 1927 near Morley. On December 18, 1948, in Mt. Pleasant, Shirley Bloch and Sebe Morgan were united in marriage.

Surviving Shirley is her husband of 66 years, Sebe Morgan of Onaway; sons, Sebe David Morgan of Orlando, Florida and Jared D. Morgan of Dobbins, California; daughters, Marilee K. (John) Carman of Lawson, Missouri and Sharon (Darwin) Wendt of North Muskegon; nine grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren. Shirley was preceded in death by two sisters, Barbara Nelson and Carol Heintz.

Visitation was held at the Remnant Church of Jesus Christ Sunday June 21, and resumed Monday June 22, until the time of the funeral service beginning with Elder’s Denise Pauly and Faye Barrette, together, officiated Shirley’s funeral. Shirley’s final resting place will be at North Allis Township Cemetery. Those considering an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a donation in memory of Shirley to the Remnant Church of Jesus Christ. Condolences may be shared with Shirley’s family at www.chagnonfh.com.

Audrey Jean Schepler, 64, of St. Johns, passed away Saturday, June 13, 2015 at Sparrow Health Systems, Lansing.

A memorial service was held at Smith Family Funeral Homes, St. Johns, Saturday, June 20, with the Rev. Keith Whipple officiating. Visitation was held Saturday until the time of the service at the funeral home.

Audrey was born in Rogers City August 19, 1950, the daughter of John and Hazel (Richardson) Gordon. She graduated from Rogers City High School with the class of 1969. She married Mark Schepler August 21, 1971 in Rogers City.

She is survived by her husband, Mark Schepler; her children, Stacey and Dana Jones, Mark II and Jenifer Schepler, Eric and Tiffany Schepler, and Megan and Aaron Lomonaco; grandchildren, Whitney and Matt Knoll, Dylan Jones, Zackary, Madison and Abbygail Schepler, and Hayden and Harper Schepler; great-grandchildren, Emma and James Knoll; and a sister, Ruthella and George Deane.

Memorials may be made to Michigan Ovarian Cancer Alliance or Sparrow Cancer Center. Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com the family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes St. Johns.

Levi Travis Light, 23, of Lansing, died in a motorcycle accident in East Lansing Saturday June 20, 2015. The son of Edwin A. and Cindy D. (Smith) Light, Levi was born in Killeen, Texas October 4, 1991.

Levi honorably and courageously served our country in the Army National Guard. In 2013, he, along with his father, was deployed to Kuwait where they spent a year and Levi worked as a medic. Levi also served as a funeral honor guard providing military honors for our nation’s veterans.

Surviving Levi is his father, Edwin Light of Lansing; mother, Cindy Crapo of Salem, Oregon; sister, Aurora (Tyler) Williams of Mt. Pleasant; and brothers, Casey Light of Salem, Oregon, Seth Light of Pellston, and Lane Noe of Brackettville, Texas.  He also leaves his grandparents, Thelma and Aaron Curtis of Onaway, Mark and Marie Smith of Independence, Missouri, and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Levi was preceded in death by his grandfather, Charles Light.

Visitation was held at the Chagnon Funeral Home Wednesday, June 24, from 4 – 8 p.m. and will resume today (Thursday, June 25) from Noon until the time of the funeral service and military honors beginning at 1 p.m. Chaplain James Hall, Army National Guard will officiate. Condolences may be shared with Levi’s family at www.chagnonfh.com.

Suzanne “Sue” Kania, 66, of Metz Township passed into the presence of her Lord and the Blessed Mother peacefully from home surrounded by her family June 20, 2015 following her courageous battle with cancer.

She was born January 14, 1949 in Alpena to Louis and Virginia (Krajniak) Bruski.

Sue is survived by her husband, Gerald; four children, Connie (Matt) Kroll of Traverse City, Kim (Steve) Pugno of Grant, Jennifer (David) Rose of Arizona and Vicki (Steve) Paull of Hawks; four stepchildren, Rodney (Rachelle) Kania of Rogers City, Robert (Angie) Kania of Alpena, Branden (Brenna) Kania of Florida and Nicole (Andy) Peacock of Rogers City; nine grandchildren; four step-grandchildren; she is also survived by her Mother, Virginia Bruski; sister, Judy (Jerry) Skowronek; four brothers, Bill (Angie) Bruski, Gary (Lori) Bruski, Randy (Vicki) Bruski and Roger Bruski, all of Alpena.

Visitation was at the Beck Funeral Home Monday with rosary followed by the parish wake service with Sister Mary Michelz conducting. Visitation resumed Tuesday, June 23, at St. Dominic Catholic Church until time of Mass with the Rev. Arthur Duchnowicz officiating.

Interment will follow at St. Dominic Catholic Cemetery.

Memorials may be given to Friends Together in Alpena so that other families may be blessed by the generosity of Sue’s family and friends.

Online condolences may be addressed through www.beckfuneralhome.org.

Leonard L. Wozniak, 89, of Posen, passed away March 1, 2015.

He is survived by his loving wife, Margaret (Krajniak) of 64 years; children Deborah (Greg) Hill of North Olmsted, Ohio, and Gary (Marie) Wozniak of Posen; grandchildren Christopher Hill of Surprise, Arizona, Stacy  (Kyle) Kreis of Ave Maria, Florida, Lindsay Hill of Westlake, Ohio, Elizabeth Wozniak of Posen; great-granddaughter Kinley Kreis; siblings Anita (George) Tucholski, Sister Lois Wozniak, the Rev. Anthony Wozniak, Sally (James) Mulka and Sister Tereska Wozniak.

A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Casimir Catholic Church in Posen Thursday, July 2, 2015, at 11:00 am. Posen VFW will accord military honors following Mass.

Interment took place at St. Casimir Catholic Cemetery April 24th.

Arrangements are in care of the Beck Funeral Home.

Online condolences may be addressed through www.beckfuneralhome.org

Henrietta M. Burkart, 103, of Mendota, Illinois died June 14, 2015, in Heritage Health, Peru, Illinois. Mass of Christian burial was at 10 a.m. Saturday in Holy Cross Church, Mendota, with the Rev. Joel Phelps officiating. Burial will be at Holy Cross Cemetery, Mendota. Visitation was Friday in Merritt Funeral Home, Mendota.

She was born June 11, 1912, in Eagle Center, Iowa, to Wilhelm and Anna (Metzen) Schmitz. She married Elmer Burkart March 31, 1937; he preceded her in death on November 17, 1982 She was a member of Holy Cross Church and was a branch manager for Beeline Fashions for many years before her retirement.

She is survived by four daughters, Jeanette Flint of Lady Lake, Florida, Mary (Tom) Becker of Rogers City, Bonnie Barkman of Arlington and Cynthia Burkart of Princeton, Illinois; one son, Robert (Sandy) Burkart of North Port, Florida; 13 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her husband November 17, 1982; one daughter, Alice Salmon; one granddaughter, Deb Morgan; and four brothers and six sisters.  Memorials may be directed to Mendota Area Senior Services or Gateway Services Inc., Princeton.

Benjamin J. Kuznicki, 78, of Rogers Township passed away at home  June 28, 2015.

He was born September 29, 1936 in Rogers City to Joseph and Blanche (Nowicki) Kuznicki.

Ben is survived by his wife, Judy McFalda; four children, Benjamin (Natalia) Kuznicki II of Jupiter, Florida, Anthony Kuznicki of Alpena, Randal (Margaret) Kuznicki of Canton and Brenda (Doug) Lee of Evansville, Minnesota; nine grandchildren, Alexandria, Benjamin III, Jessica, Jacquelyn, Autumn, Lucas, Andrew, Hugo and Vanessa; 11 siblings, Richard (Louise), Edmund (Joyce), Donald (Sally), Michael (Beverly), Francis (Karen), Dean (Sandy), Gerald, Robert (Veronica), Joan Zemblowski, Janice (Art) Rasche and Donna (Richard) Goupell; two sisters-in-law, Donna and Dawn; and his faithful K-9 companion, Frank.

Friends may visit at the Beck Funeral Home Sunday, July 12, from 1 until 4:30 p.m. with rosary at 4 p.m. Visitation will resume Monday, July 13, at St. Casimir Catholic Church in Posen from 9 a.m. until time of Mass at 10 a.m. with the Rev. Arthur Duchnowicz officiating.

Inurnment will take place at Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Association of Life Long Learners, c/o Alpena Community College, 665 Johnson St., Alpena, Michigan 49707

Online condolences may be addressed through www.beckfuneralhome.org.

Sarah A. Schwartz, 75, of Black Lake, died Monday June 29, 2015 at McLaren Northern Michigan hospital in Petoskey. The daughter of Raymond and Irene (Donovan) Byam, Sarah was born March 10, 1940 in Detroit.  She married Norman E. Schwartz in Detroit February 23, 1968.

Surviving Sarah is her husband of 47 years, Norman Schwartz of Black Lake; sons, Michael (Melissa) Schwartz of Romeo and their children, Samantha, Matthew and Luke, and Paul (Melissa) Schwartz of Sterling Heights and their daughter, Emily Rose as well as several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held Friday July 3,  from 9 a.m. until the time of the funeral Mass at 11 a.m. at St. Paul Catholic Church in Onaway. The Rev. Peter Eke will officiate. Sarah’s final resting place will be at St. Paul Cemetery in Onaway. In lieu of flowers Sarah’s family has suggested donations to St. Paul Catholic Church or to your favorite charity. Condolences may be shared with the Schwartz family at www.chagnonfh.com.

Justine Theresa Witucki, of White Lake, formerly of Posen,  passed away peacefully June 26, 2015 at the age of 83. Wife of the late Stanley; dear mother of Robert (Barbara) Witucki, Diane (James) Yarch, Barbara (Mark) Boshaw and Doris (Jessie) Breece. Also survived by two brothers and three sisters. Loving grandmother of eight and great-grandmother of four.

Memorial Mass Tuesday, July 14, 11 a.m. at St. Casimir Catholic Church in Posen. The family will receive friends at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of Mass. The burial at St. Casimir Catholic cemetery and a luncheon at St. Casimir Catholic School gymnasium will follow the Mass. Justine’s family suggest contributions be made to Season’s Hospice and Palliative Care (27355 John R. Road, Madison Heights, MI 48071). Funeral arrangements entrusted to Coats Funeral Home – Waterford.

To send a condolence to the family, go to www.CoatsFuneralHome.com/Obituaries.

Mr. Paul A. Swett, 76, of Concord, passed away Wednesday June 24, 2015 after an extended illness. He was born May 13, 1939 in Michigan to the late Clifford Edgar Swett Sr. and Evelyn Domke Swett.

Survivors include his wife, Sherry Swett; sons, Brian Swett (Allyson) of Concord and Steve Swett (Peggy) of Belmont; a daughter,  Sharlott Williams (Matthew) of  Fayette, Georgia; two sisters, Kathleen Weir (Neil) of Onaway and Matha Guthrie (Dan) of Indian River; nine grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Memorial services were held Wednesday July 1, at McGill Baptist Church, Concord with Dr. Steve Ayers officiating.

There will also be a memorial service in Onaway in late August.

Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Western Carolinas Chapter, 3800 Shamrock Drive, Charlotte, N.C. 28125-3220

Online condolences may be left at www.whitleysfuneralhome.com.

Stephanie “Tess” Kierzek, 71, passed away Wednesday morning July 1, 2015 at her home.  Cremation arrangements are in care of Hentkowski Funeral Home.… Read Full Story

Donald Pynnonen, 88, died January 12, 2015. He was a longtime resident of Black Lake. A graveside memorial service will take place at the Waverly Cemetery, Onaway, at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 11. A college scholarship fund has been established for graduating Onaway Area High School seniors.

Memorial donations can be made to: The Friends of Bonz and Stewart Beaches Scholarship Fund P.O. Box 362, Onaway, Michigan 49765 or the charity of friend’s choice.

Lucy Caroline (Heileman) Nutter died unexpectedly in Petoskey May 28, 2015.

Caroline was born in East Jordan November 18, 1929.  Eldest daughter of Walter and Lucy Glyde (Mayhew) Heileman.  Caroline is survived by her sisters Nandean (James) Niswander and Virginia (Gene) McPherson.  Preceded in death by first husband, William G. Holzschu and second husband, Donald M. Nutter.  Mother of Michael (Dorothy), Carol, Ronald (Linda) and Donna Jean.  Grandmother to T. Adrienne (Arnie), Jon (Bethany), Marjorie (Marc), Heather, Stephanie, Alexander, Samantha and great-grandmother to Cameron, Bryce, Julia, Poppy and Millicent.

A casual remembrance service and lunch will be served Saturday, July 25, at 11 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 501 E. Mitchell Street, Petoskey, MI  49770.

Contributions in the memory of Caroline may be made to the Salvation Army, American Red Cross or any children’s charity that you support.

Dean L. Johnston, 58, lifelong resident of Waverly Township, died Monday July 13, 2015 at McLaren Northern Michigan in Petoskey.  The son of Chester H. and Dorothy M. (Skuse) Johnston, Dean was born in Cheboygan January 16, 1957.  He married Kathleen A. Bishop in Onaway June 28, 1980.

Surviving Dean is his wife of 35 years, Kathy Johnston; brothers, Chet and Dennis Johnston; brothers-in-law, Scott Bishop (Judy Tribisondi) and Jess Reutter, all of Onaway; sisters-in-law, Shannon Courtney of Helena, Montana and Wendy (Donnie) Lee of Mikado; father-in-law, Vern (Cindy) Bishop of Onaway; mother-in-law, Arla Gable of Black Lake; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Visitation will be held at the Chagnon Funeral Home Friday July 17, from 10 a.m. until the time of the funeral service beginning at 1 p.m.  Elder Denise Pauly will officiate.  Dean’s final resting place will be at Waverly Township Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please make donations in memory of Dean to his family to help with expenses.  Condolences may be shared with Dean’s family at www.chagnonfh.com.

Ernest “Ernie” Irvin Blake, 88, of Rogers City, passed away September 3, 2014 at Alpena Regional Medical Center.

He was born January 3, 1926 in Detroit to Theodore and Marie (Lazawicz) Blake.

Ernie is survived by his wife, Susan; three children, Kathy (Todd) Rose of San Jose, Claifornia, Susann (Louis) Nordrum of Corte Madera, California and Robert Blake of San Jose; six grandchildren, Jacqueline (Nick) Howe, Keith Rose, Blake Rose, Susanna Nordrum, Josephine Nordrum, and Christina Nordrum; a sister, Geraldine “Gerri” Kobierski of South Gate; and many nieces and nephews.

Friends may visit at St. Ignatius Catholic Church Tuesday, July 21, from 9 a.m. until time of his Memorial Mass at 10 a.m. with the Rev. Sylvestre Obwaka officiating. Rogers City Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 607 will accord military honors immediately following Mass.

Inurnment will follow at Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to Alpena Regional Medical Center’s hospice wing or St. Ignatius Catholic School in memory of Ernie Blake.

Arrangements are in care of the Beck Funeral Home.

Online condolences may be addressed through www.beckfuneralhome.org.