All Obituaries

Sheila I. Gustafson, 56, of Ishpeming, passed away on Saturday, May 21, 2022 at her home. Sheila was born on February 2, 1966 in Marquette to the late Martin and Marilyn (Corbine) French. She was a graduate of Marquette Senior High School. Sheila was employed throughout the years with the Mining Journal, Kountry Korners and the Landmark. She enjoyed journaling, the outdoors and nature and spending time with her grandchildren. Sheila also loved music and enjoyed participating in karaoke...

Helen “Dolly” P. Ensign, 95, of L’Anse, died peacefully Tuesday afternoon, May 10, 2022 at Bayside Village Nursing Home in L’Anse where she had been a resident for several years.    Helen was born on July 20, 1926 in Pequaming, Michigan to the late Edward P. Rock Sr. And Sarah J.(LaParche) Rock.   She married William C. Ensign in 1945 in Saginaw, MI. Her husband, William, preceded her in death on Dec. 6, 1996.   They had three children, two...

Jacqueline Ann “Jackie” Ripp, 70, of Ishpeming, passed from this earthly realm on March 26, 2022 at her home. Jackie was born in Detroit, MI in 1951 to Myron J. and Mary (Howe) Ripp.  She was the wild child that all parents worry about, as her lack of fear and sense of adventure led her into exciting escapades on playground equipment, neighborhood games and her bike.  Although born a city girl, after graduating from Cooley High School in 1969 she moved north to attend...

Jay Leonard Bierlein, 64, passed away at his home in Ishpeming on March 25th, 2022. Jay was born on April 16th, 1957 to Leonard and Audrey (Malzahn) Bierlein, who have preceded him in death. Jay is survived by his son, Tobin James (TJ) and his only grandson, Tobin James Jr. along with TJ’s significant other, Faith Plankey. Also, Jay’s stepmother, Ramona Bierlein; sisters, Jan Sanregret, Jill Rankinen and husband, Michael; stepsisters, Bonnie Matterand, Elaine Zentheofer and...

Donald C. “Sam” Racine, of Ishpeming Township, passed away Saturday, January 8, 2022, at Norlite Nursing Center in Marquette at the age of 94.   He was born September 14, 1927, in Ishpeming, the youngest child of Samuel and Jennie (Perrault) Racine.    Sam worked for CCI at the Cliffs Shaft as a young man while working part-time for Bjork and Zhulkie Funeral Home.  Following a layoff from the mine, he began working full time at the funeral home and later...

Dianne K. Treloar, 66, of Ishpeming, died Friday afternoon, November 19, 2021 at Marquette County Medical Care Facility with her loving daughter and granddaughter by her side.   She was born February 22, 1955, in Ishpeming, a daughter of the late Jack and Ellen (Niemi) Harvala.  She graduated from Ishpeming High School and was a lifelong area resident.   Dianne worked as a care giver for many years.   She had always had a love for the beauty of nature. ...

Karen Lynd (Kranz) 76, of Harvey passed away on November 11, 2021 and joined her family in heaven and is having a cold PBR and playing poker.  Karen was born on December 27, 1944 in High Wycombe, England, to Ruby (Gibbons) and Phillip Kranz, the second of six children. She came to America on the Queen Mary with her mother and brother Rod.  She attended Norway High School and was a lifetime Yooper. She went on to get her nursing certificate and worked many years in various nursing...

Gary Clinton Hedberg, 69, of Ishpeming, went home to his Creator, Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Wednesday evening, October 6, 2021 at UP Health System-Bell. Gary was born August 5, 1952, in Newberry, Michigan, to the late Clinton and Margaret (Swanson) Hedberg. He graduated from Newberry High School in 1970 and went on to earn a Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering as well as 2 Associate Degrees in Mechanical, Draft & Design Engineering from Lake Superior State University. On...

Clifford B. “Farmer” Trudell Jr., 83, passed away Wednesday, September 15, 2021, at home in his wife’s arms.   He was born January 16, 1938 on Mitchell Hill in National Mine to Clifford Sr. and Maude (Dymond) Trudell.  He graduated from National Mine School and shortly after went to work at the bowling alley at the Miracle Center and later at his uncle’s store in Lower Michigan.   Returning to the UP, he married his wife, Ann and they had 5...

Nancy Trudell Armata passed away March 4, 2021 in West Valley, Utah due to leukemia and COPD related causes.   She was born July 10, 1960 to Clifford and Ann Trudell.  She grew up on the family farm and raised farm animals, particularly a Brown Swiss that garnered many ribbons at the fairs.   She attended National Mine School for the elementary grades and was in the first class to graduate from Westwood High School.  Early on, she joined the Blue Notes Drum and Bugle...