current funeral services

Cassie Joy Newman, 39, passed away Sunday, February 16, 2020 at MidMichigan Medical Center – Alpena surrounded by her loving family. On November 27, 1980, she was born to Barry and Linda (Christian) Rondeau. Throughout a 13-year battle with cancer, Cassie smiled, laughed and lived every day to the fullest. She was truly a miracle that provided hope and inspiration to all. On August 25, 2012, Cassie married Thomas Newman. In true Cassie fashion, they were united in an outdoor ceremony...

Elbert Heath, 89, of Alpena passed away Saturday, February 15, 2020 at Turning Brook. Elbert was born November 11, 1930 to the late Elbert and Mildred (Johnson) Heath in Menominee, Michigan.  Elbert attended the Merchant Marine Academy in Mississippi.  He married Audrey Fretty in 1951 when they attended the Milwaukee State Teachers College. Mr. Heath is survived by his wife of 68 years; 5 children, Lee Stern of UT, Gary (Gwen) Heath of WI, Cory (Randy) Heath of MA, Heidi (Paul)...

James Mason MacConnell, age 68, a resident of Naperville, formerly of Glen Ellyn, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, February 12, 2020.  He was born June 19, 1951 in Alpena, Michigan to Lloyd and Norma MacConnell. Jim graduated from Alpena High School and then attended Alpena Community College. After earning a Bachelor's Degree at Central Michigan University he went on to earn a Master's Degree at Michigan State University.  He met Mary Stewart through a singing group...

Bert Sumerix, 88, of Lachine passed away February 4, 2020, at his home surrounded by his family. Bert was born into a hard-working farm family on April 8, 1931, to the late Ivan and Esther (MacMillian) Sumerix, staying on the farm until, he was drafted in the United States Army, being stationed in Korea. Returning to Alpena County, he married Eleanor Badgero on May 5, 1956, his wife of nearly 64 years.  He and his wife started Sumerix Implement Sales in 1960, which remains active today...

Gerald Thomas Carr, 82, of Posen passed away Tuesday, February 4, 2020, at MidMichigan Medical Center – Alpena. Gerald was born on May 15, 1937, in Detroit, Michigan to the late Daniel and Malvina (Soulliere) Carr. On October 3, 1959, he married Sandra Smith. Surviving are his wife, Sandy; three daughters, Bonnie (fiancé Rick Kuznicki) Orban, Brenda (Steve) Ludwiczak, Barbara (Donald) Mills; 8 grandchildren, Annia, Angel, Heather, Ashley, April, Scott, Jeremy, Craig; 18 great...

Joyce “Aunt Joyce” Ellen Benkert, of Alpena, Michigan, affectionately known as “The Afghan Lady” passed away February 3, 2020, just six days short of her 94th birthday, still using a cell phone and her computer to communicate with her nieces and nephews almost to the end. The daughter of Henry K. and Sybil O. Lutzke, she was born February 9, 1926 in Saginaw, Michigan, and she graduated from St. Charles High School in June 1943. She married Irving Benkert on February...

Mary Lou Glass, 66, of Alpena passed away Friday, January 31, 2020 at her home surrounded by her loving family. Mary Lou Hardy was born in Alpena on May 22, 1953 to the late Court and Rhea (LaCross) Hardy.  On April 10, 1982 she married Warner Glass.  She worked as a hairdresser her entire life retiring do to ill health in 2016.  Mary Lou enjoyed pencil coloring, playing Bingo and loved her fur babies. Surviving are her husband, Warner, 2 siblings, Jim and Barb Hardy, JoAnn...

Sharon Hyde, 80, of Alpena passed away Thursday, January 30, 2020. Sharon Sharlena Davis was born on June 27, 1939, in York Center, Ohio to the late James Davis and Kathryn (Davis) Taukert. On December 6, 1958, she married William Hyde. Sharon worked at Community, Family and Children Services. She was a member of First United Methodist Church.Surviving are her husband, William; two children, Lisa (Seth) Mindell, Brian (Cyndi) Hyde; 5 grandchildren, Heather, Danielle, Samantha, Max, Jack; and...

Patricia Anne Henry, 76, of Alpena passed away Thursday, January 30, 2020, at her daughter’s home. Patricia Anne Kirchoff was born on March 24, 1943, in Alpena to the late Robert and Dorothy (McDonald) Kirchoff. She married James Henry on February 8, 1964. He preceded her in death on November 25, 2010. Patricia was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church; also, TOPS and bowled with the Coffee Breakers. She enjoyed reading and sold Avon for many years. Surviving are her two daughters,...

Beatty – Paul Vincent, March 29, 1961 – died January 30, 2020 formerly of Alpena, Michigan, at MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, after a long courageous battle with cancer. Paul’s distinguished career in the United States Navy included years in Diesel Submarines and then on to Nuclear Submarines as a navigator. Paul was stationed in Oahu, Hawaii for many years. After his career ended, he spent his life in Argentina before settling in Asuncion, Paraguay, where he...