Paul E. Niedzwiecki, 85, of Posen, died January 2, 2014 at his home.

He was born March 22, 1928 in Posen to Stefan and Agatha (Wisniewski) Niedzwiecki.

He is survived by his children, Agnes (Jonathan) Tobias of Wixom, Gene (Kathy) Niedzwiecki of Battle Creek, Julie (Mark) Sokoll of Clarkston, Paulette (Michael) Stempky of Rogers City, Jerome (Anne) Niedzwiecki of Belmont, Carl (Susan) Niedzwiecki of Waterford, Thaddeus Niedzwiecki of Traverse City, Gary (Amy) Niedzwiecki of Freeland, Angela (John) O’Brien of Waterford, Toni Lee (Dave) Thomas of Traverse City, Steve Niedzwiecki  of Gowen and Jan (Andre’) Neumann of White Lake. He was also cherished by 43 grandchildren; and 38 great-grandchildren.  Also surviving are his brother, Leo Niedzwiecki of Utica; many nieces and nephews; and sister-in-law, Virginia Niedzwiecki of Alpena.

Visitation was at the Beck Funeral Home Sunday where the fourth degree Knights of Columbus led the rosary followed by the parish wake service. Visitation continued at St. Casimir Catholic Church Monday through time of Mass with the Rev. Arthur Duchnowicz officiating.

Memorials may be made to St. Ignatius Catholic School or St. Casimir Catholic Church in memory of Paul Niedzwiecki.

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

Veronica A. Middleton, 75, of Coleman died at her home Monday January 6, 2014.  She was born in Rogers City July 2, 1938 the daughter of the late Victor and Anna (Dost) Filipiak.  Veronica A. Filipiak married Clinton J. Hooch Middleton August 22, 1959 in Metz.

Survivors include her sons, Matthew (Anda) Middleton of Coleman and Patrick (Karen) Middleton of Kingsley; six grandchildren, Bryce, Timeea and Jennis (O’dell) and Codey Hintermeister, Danielle, Zachary and Jenna Middleton; brothers, Arthur, Joseph and Nicholas Filipiak all of Rogers City; a sister, Barbara Saville of Munising; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were Friday, January 10, at St. Philip Neri Catholic Church, with Rev. Daniel J. Fox, OFM Cap. Officiating.  Burial will take place in the Warren Township Cemetery, Coleman.  Visitation was at the O’Laughlin Funeral Home, Inc. Thursday and at the church Friday until the time of services.  Memorials may be made to Our Lady of Grace Parish.

Wendy Lee Knight age 64 of Posen, passed away January 11, 2014 at Rogers City Tendercare.

She was born November 26, 1949 in Pontiac to Charles and Marjorie (Grimshaw) Bell.

Wendy is survived by four children, Ray Hincka Jr. of Posen, Bill (Christine) Knight of California, Mike Knight and Tina Armstrong both of Kentucky; 10 grandchildren; a great-granddaughter; a sister, Candy (George) Sheperd of Hillman; and a brother, Rick (Maggie) Seymour of Colorado.

Friends may visit at the Beck Funeral Home today (Thursday, January 16) from 3 until 8 p.m. with the parish the wake service at 7 p.m.  Visitation will resume Friday at St. Casimir Catholic Church from 10 a.m. until time of Mass at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Stan Bereda officiating.

Interment will take place at St. Casimir Catholic Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to St. Casimir Catholic Church in memory of Wendy Knight.

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

James Thomas Connelly, 76, of Rogers City passed away January 10, 2014 at Rogers City Tendercare.

He was born September 22, 1937 in Detroit to James and Senora (Penhall) Connelly.

Mr. Connelly is survived by three sisters, Mary Ruth Leonhard of Canton, Margaret (Les) McIvor of Sterling Heights and Kathleen (Gerald) Ruffi of Warren.

Arrangements are in care of the Beck Funeral Home. No local services are planned.

Burial will take place at Roseland Park Cemetery in Berkley.

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

Bonnie H. Parsons, 82, of Rogers City, passed away January 7, 2014, at Rogers City Tendercare.

She was born September 3, 1931 in Poughkeepsie, New York to Irving and Esther (Ross) Haynes.

Bonnie is survived by her husband of 62 years, Bob; two children, Bob Jr. (Barbara) of Clinton Township and Diane Thoma of Mill Creek, Washington; six grandchildren, Anne, Katie, Rachel, Jessica, Matthew and Mike; and a brother, Donald.

Beck Funeral Home will announce a complete obituary when the date is set for her memorial service.

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

Robert John Niester, 45, known as “R.J.” to all who knew him, died Saturday, January 11, 2014 in Cheboygan County. The son of Robert E. and Joanna (Pinegar) Niester, R.J. was born in Mt. Clemens February 2, 1968. He married Charlotte Patricia “Patty” Merritt August 28, 1999 in Royal Oak.

Surviving are R.J.’s wife of more than 14 years, Patty Niester; his son, Robert, II; his daughter, Rhiannon; and his mother, Joanna Niester, all of Onaway. Also surviving are two sisters, Joanna (Ed) Dudek of Shelby Township and Robin (Jeff) Falbo of Warren; a brother, James (Phyllis) Niester of Shelby Township; two brothers-in-law, John Merritt of Roseville and William (Jane) Merritt of Ferndale; a sister-in-law, Margaret (Kevin) Smith of Rockford; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins; and several aunts and uncles. R.J. was preceded in death by his father, Robert E. Niester in 2011.

A memorial gathering of family and friends was held Thursday, January 16, 2014 at the Forest Township Community Hall in Tower. Donations to honor the memory of Robert John Niester should be made to his family. Your condolences and memories of R.J. can be shared with his family at www.chagnonfh.com. Cremation arrangements were in care of the Chagnon Funeral Home.

Donald B. DeFeyter Sr., 73, of Onaway, died at home Sunday, January 12, 2014. The son of Francis and Orpha (Saunders) DeFeyter, Don was born March 24, 1940 in Atlanta.

Surviving Don are his longtime companion, Marian Hoffmeyer of Onaway; his son, Don (Theresa) DeFeyter Jr. of Elmira; his daughter, Vicki (Bob) Younger of Mulberry, Florida; his stepsons, Tony (Sandi) Hoffmeyer of Onaway and Don (Chris) Hoffmeyer of Millersburg; 12 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Also surviving are Don’s sister, JoAnn (Lynn) Hayner of Onaway; his brother, Tom (Loraine) DeFeyter of Edwardsburg; and many nieces and nephews. Don was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Mary Alice VanArsdale.   A memorial gathering will be held at the Chagnon Funeral Home on Friday (today) January 17, 2014 from 1 – 3 p.m. Donations to honor the memory of Donald DeFeyter Sr. should be made to the Onaway Ambulance Equipment Fund. Share your condolences or a memory of Don with his family at www.chagnonfh.com. Cremation arrangements were in care of the Chagnon Funeral Home.

Michael E. Sevcik, 61, of Onaway died at home Saturday, January 18, 2014. Born in Monroe August 26, 1952, Michael was the son of Michael R. and Doris (Miller) Sevcik. Michael married Deborah Lee Frank July 19, 1986 at his parent’s home on the Black River in Onaway.

Surviving are Michael’s wife of more than 27 years, Deborah Sevcik of Onaway; two daughters, Krysten (Mike) Hood of Flat Rock and Karri (Eric) Kvalevog of Southgate; a son, Michael (Erica) Sevcik of Onaway; six grandchildren, Mikaila, Austin, Jesse, Tyler, Luke and Victoria; and his brother, David (Paige) Sevcik of Wyandotte. Michael was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation was at the Chagnon Funeral Home in Onaway Wednesday, January 22, 2014. Michael’s funeral service was held Thursday at Holy Cross Lutheran Church with burial at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Tower.  The Rev. Josh Ketelsen officiated.

Michael’s family has suggested donations to honor his memory be given to the Onaway Goodfellows, c/o Terry Materna.  Send a favorite memory of Michael or a condolence to his family at www.chagnonfh.com.

On January 21, 2014, after a long battle with heart disease, Jane Marie Schebella (Fall) passed away at the age of 73 years.

Janie was born June 4, 1940 in Onaway. She is survived by her husband, Gary Schebella, a graduate of Onaway High School.

In addition, she is survived by her four children, Natasha Schebella of Leesburg, Virginia, Steven Schebella of Eagle River, Wisconsin, Gary Schebella II of Herndon, Virginia and Tiffany Schebella of Leesburg; and a grandchild, Shelbi Lynn Schebella of Hollywood, California.She will be interred in the Ocqueoc family cemetery a few miles from Millersburg.

Phillip Dane McCreery, 66, of Levering, passed away at home on January 21, 2014.

He was born July 4, 1947 in Onaway to Andrew and Evelyn (nee Swett) McCreery. Mr. McCreery is survived by his wife, Kathy McCreery (nee Rose); two sons, Patrick (Tammy) McCreery and Cory McCreery; six grandchildren; two brothers, Andrew McCreery and Edgar (Beverly) McCreery; and a sister, Edna Mideaugh.

Cremation arrangements are in care of the Beck Funeral Home.

No services are planned at this time. Online condolences may be addressed through www.beckfuneralhome.org.

Sally Yarch, 81, of Rogers City passed away Thursday, January 16, 2014 at Rogers City Tendercare.

Daughter of the late John and Francis (Pieczynski) Stepaniak was born August 16, 1932 in Posen.  On February 2, 1951 she married Louis Yarch, together they moved to Rogers City, and made their home.  Sally enjoyed playing bingo. Surviving are two sons, Joe of Rogers City and Tom (Lou) of Salberg, Indiana; three grandchildren, Jeffery, Chrissy and Matthew.She was preceded in death by her husband, Louis on March 18, 1995; a son, Mark in 2012; a brother, Florence Stepaniak; and a sister, Esther Romel.

Arrangements are in care of Hentkowski Funeral Home, and a  memorial service in honor of Sally will be held in the spring.

Gladys A. Kavanaugh, 89, began her life in Heaven on Sunday, January 19, 2014.  She was born to Alfred and Anna Frohriep April 28, 1924.

Gladys married Thomas F. Kavanaugh June 18, 1949.  The Frohreip’s enjoyed life in Rogers City for many years.

She is survived by her sons, Thomas A. (Catherine) Kavanaugh and Michael (Martha) Kavanaugh; a daughter, Kathryn (Dr. Steven) Ledtke; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Services were held in St. Clair and burial at Lakeside Cemetery in Fort Gratiot January 21.

Online condolences may be addressed through www.lcfandson.com.

Hazel Margaret Russell, 95, a lifelong resident of Onaway, died at Nash Manor Tuesday January 28, 2014. The daughter of Emil and Etta (DeYoung) Walters, Hazel was born April 20, 1918 in North Allis Township on the family farm where she lived for most of her life. She married Leigh William Russell in Pellston May 20, 1972.

Surviving are Hazel’s husband of nearly 42 years, Leigh Russell of Onaway; two daughters, Carleen Widajewski of Onaway and Diane Centeck of Johannesburg; a stepson, Lee (Margaret) Russell of Traverse City; a stepdaughter, Lynn (Bob) Schell of Black Lake; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  Hazel was preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Helen Chenette.

Cremation arrangements are in care of the Chagnon Funeral Home with a memorial service to be held in the spring. Please make memorial donations to the family of Hazel Russell to be distributed to the Onaway United Methodist Church and Hospice of the Straits. Your condolences may be shared with the family at www.chagnonfh.com.

Virginia May Mason, 76, of Plant City, Florida, formerly of Onaway, died Friday January 24, 2014 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa. The daughter of Edward and Irene (Robere) Beaudry, Virginia was born in Onaway August 8, 1937.  On August 7, 1953, Virginia Beaudry and Earl Mason were united in marriage at St. Paul Catholic Church in Onaway and were married 49 years at the time of Earl’s death.

Surviving Virginia are her two daughters, Carolyn Saarela of Marquette and Linda (Dave) Webster of Black Lake; her two sons, Robert (Bonnie) Mason and Kenneth Mason, both of Tower; as well as 12 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are three sisters, Lois Jean (Donald) Parrott of Fort Myers, Florida, Marie (Mike) Carr of The Villages, Florida, and Betty Campbell of Naples, Florida; two brothers, Edward Jr. (Shirley) Beaudry of Texas and Joseph Harry Beaudry of Cheboygan; and many nieces and nephews.

Cremation arrangements were in care of the Chagnon Funeral Home. A memorial service is being planned for the end of June (2014). Virginia’s final resting place will be in Tower at Fore http://demo.piadvance.com/wp-admin/post-new.php st Lawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to the Onaway Ambulance Equipment Fund. Your condolences may be shared with the family at www.chagnonfh.com.

Philip O’Connell, 89, of Onaway, died Friday January 24, 2014 at Otsego Memorial Hospital in Gaylord. The son of Philip and Nettie (Sparka) O’Connell, Philip was born in Allis Township on the O’Connell family farm June 15, 1924.  He married Alice Cole July 5, 1947.

Surviving Philip are his daughter, Carlyn M. O’Connell of Onaway; brother-in-law, John Dreffs of Onaway; and two sisters-in-law, Dorothy Sigsby of Onaway and Delores Gauth of Bay City. He was preceded in death by his wife, Alice; son, Randall “Randy”; two sisters, Ann and Mary Dreffs; and six brothers, Andy, Mike, John, Frank, Sam and Harry.

Cremation arrangements were in care of the Chagnon Funeral Home. Donations to honor the memory of Philip O’Connell should be made to any veterans’ organization. Your condolences may be shared with the family at www.chagnonfh.com.

Alice M. Schoolcraft, 62, of Cheboygan passed away Tuesday, February 4, 2014 at her home.

She is survived by a daughter, Mary E. Schoolcraft of Hillman; a son, John Schoolcraft of Afton; a stepson, Thomas Schoolcraft of Columbus, Ohio; a sister-in-law, Sarah (Ronnie) Vallance of Cheboygan; and a grandson.

Cremation arrangements were in care of the Chagnon Funeral Home.

A graveside memorial service will be held in the spring at Walker Township Cemetery in Afton.

Geneva A. Fountain, 80, of Rogers City, passed away February 4, 2014 at Rogers City Tendercare.

She was born January 16, 1934 in Onaway to Charles and Millie (Davis) Shimel.

Geneva is survived by two sons, the Rev. Daniel (Mary Cassidy) Bowman of Rogers City and William (Glenda) Bowman Jr. of Onaway; four grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; three brothers, Morrie Shimel, Frank Shimel and John (Darlene) Coenen; and a sister, Sharlene (Bill “Jack”) Bowler.

Cremation arrangements are in care of the Beck Funeral Home. Private services will take place at a later date.

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

Jacqueline Ann Koseba Blumeyer, 56, of Rogers City, formerly of Alpena, passed away suddenly Wednesday, January 29, 2014 at Tendercare Health Center in Rogers City

Jackie was born June 9, 1957 in Alpena to Joseph and Julia (Pilarski) Koseba.

Jacqueline is survived by her daughter, Rachel Blumeyer of Nashville, Tennessee; sister, Barbara (Mal) Oswalt of Presque Isle; a brother, Robert (Laura) Koseba of Alpena; nieces and nephews, Amy (John) Holloway of Petoskey, Rob (Kathi) Neumann of Indian River, Jason Seguin of Toledo, Ohio, Gabriel (Vegas) Seguin of Pierson, Aaron (Candace) Koseba of Carmel, California, Angela (Brad) Luring of Toledo, Ohio, Jessica and Kayla, Tracie (Chuck) Taylor of North Branch, and Lisa Elletson of Winter Garden, Florida; great-nieces and nephews, Blaise, Cassie, Andrew, Kayla, Jersey Mae, Harrison, Eden, Audra and Lily;  and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Beck Funeral Home will announce her memorial service in the spring when the date and time are set. Memorials may made to Rogers City Tendercare Resident Council or Linda Neumann Nursing Scholarship Fund at Alpena Community College, c/o Barbara Oswalt, P.O. Box 34, Presque Isle, Michigan 49777.Online condolences may be addressed through www.beckfuneralhome.org.

Bertha Jane “Betty” Brege, 81, of Belknap Township, passed away at Rogers City Tendercare January 29, 2014.

She was born October 24, 1931 in Metz Township to Max and Beatrice (Taylor) Kowalewsky. On December 25, 1950 she married Carl Brege at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Metz. Mrs. Brege is survived by three daughters, Paulette (John) Trapp and Kathleen (Lindsay) Berg of Rogers City, and Christine Brege of Alpena; two sons, Charles Brege and Richard (Rita) Brege of Rogers City; 10 grandchildren, Stacy, Michael, Corey, Joe, Cassy, Kari, Kelli, Adam, Travis and Luke; eight great-grandchildren; a sister, Marion Brege; and two sisters-in-law, Lois Kowalewsky and Lucille Kowalewsky.

Visitation was at the Beck Funeral Home Friday with a prayer service that evening.  Visitation resumed Saturday at St. Michael Lutheran Church through time of funeral with the Rev. Keith Schneider officiating.

Interment will take place at St. Michael Lutheran Cemetery.

Memorials may be given to St. Michael Lutheran Church or St. John Lutheran School.

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

Kathryn Grace Beard “Katie”, 90, of Onaway, died Monday, February 10, 2014 at Tendercare Health Center in Cheboygan. Katie, the only daughter of Frank and Muriel (Dean) Jones, was born September 7, 1923 in Onaway. Surviving Katie are her brother, Clifford “Kip” (Hattie) Jones of Waterford; and many nieces, nephews and friends. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Bud (Ardist) and Richard (Merledean) Jones.

Katie’s family will receive friends at the First Baptist Church in Onaway tomorrow (Saturday) February 15, from 11 a.m. until the time of the funeral at noon. The Rev. Denver DeKeyser will officiate. Katie’s final resting place will be at Elmwood Cemetery in Onaway. Donations to honor Katie’s memory should be made to the First Baptist Church or to Hospice of the Straits. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.chagnonfh.com.