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Obituaries

RHODA MARIE RENAUD

June 25, 1938 - July 16, 2023 With deep sadness, we announce the death of Rhoda Marie Renaud, nee Gross. Our beloved Rhoda passed peacefully on July 16, 2023, of natural causes at The Porches in Gaylord, Michigan, after a long life lived fully and well. She loved life and shared her endless capacity to love unreservedly. Rhoda Marie Renaud was born on June 25, 1938, to Adolph and Gertrude Gross in Rogers City, Michigan. In 1956, she graduated from Rogers City High School with honors. After high school, she studied to become a teacher, but her mother’s early death from cancer ...

DEBRA LYNN SAMP

Aug. 17, 1957 - July 17, 2023 Debra Lynn Samp, 65, of Alpena, passed away at her home with her devoted companion at her side on Monday, July 17, 2023. She was a kind and loving mother, grandmother, sister, and friend whom will be dearly missed by many. Debra was born on Aug. 17, 1957 to the late Melvin and Lois (Means) Samp in Alpena. She was a graduate of Alpena High School and enjoyed her life here in Alpena. Debra was a fierce competitor that was very proud of the many trophies that she earned while competing in pool, softball, golf, and bowling. Debra fought a 30-year battle with ...

KATHERINE SUE COLE

May 31, 1959 - July 16, 2023 Katherine Sue “Kate” Cole, 64, of Spruce passed away Sunday, July 16, 2023. Born May 31, 1959, to Sherrill and Donna (Rose) Allen in Huntington, WV, she was raised in Charlotte, Michigan. On Nov. 21, 1981, she married Kenneth Cole in Charlotte. Kate worked as a legal secretary at Miller, Canfield, Paddock, and Stone Law Firm for 34 years. She retired in 2017 and moved to Hubbard Lake. Kate loved her cats, watching the wildlife and sunsets. She was an avid Detroit Red Wings fan. Kate is survived by her husband, Kenneth, her mother, Donna Allen, her ...

IRENE SOPHIA DONAJKOWSKI

May 17, 1932 - July 17, 2023 Irene Sophia Donajkowski, a woman of faith, unwavering love, and boundless energy, passed away peacefully on the 17th of July, 2023, in Alpena, Michigan. Born on May 17, 1932, in Krakow Twp., she was the cherished daughter of the late Walter and Josephine (Kuznicki) Chrzan. Irene was a woman with a deep-rooted love for her family. She tied the knot with her beloved husband, Lloyd, on Nov. 18, 1950, and their love story was a testament of enduring companionship and mutual respect. Together, they brought into this world, Floyd, Roy, John, Mary Brewer, ...

ROBERT DWIGHT LAKIN

Sept. 1937 - July 17, 2023 Robert Dwight Lakin, 85, of Alpena passed away Monday, July 17, 2023, at home. Robert was born Sept. 6, 1937, in Detroit to the late John and Lucille (Curry) Lakin. He served in the United States Air Force. Robert worked at Lafarge, retiring in 2000. He served on the board for HPC Credit Union for 40 years, Blue Horizon board member, was an active member of Trinity Episcopal Church, and Alpena Genealogy Society. Robert enjoyed coin and stamp collecting. Surviving are his wife, Margaret; two children, Michael (Penny) Lakin, Lisa (Brent Palmer) Lakin; three ...

GERALD (JERRY) NEWHOUSE

Nov. 27, 1940 - July 15, 2023 Gerald (Jerry) Newhouse passed away peacefully at the Avalon of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan on July 15, 2023, after a long struggle with vascular dementia. He was 82. Jerry was born in Alpena, Michigan to the late Clarence and Frances (Raniszewski) Newhouse on Nov. 27, 1940. He graduated from Alpena High School, attended Alpena Community College, and graduated from the Detroit Barber College when he was 20 years old. Being a talker, Jerry loved being a barber for over 60 years and always made a point to learn one new thing from every customer. He served ...