The Obituary Section

Penny Kay Smith

, Michigan

October 6, 2026

Penny Smith, age 66, of Gaylord, Michigan, passed away peacefully on October 7th 2026 at home, surrounded by her family.Penny was born on July 10, 1960, in Saginaw, Michigan, the daughter of Donald and Bertha (Jean) Geitman. Throughout her life, she worked at Alpine Photo and later dedicated her time to being a caregiver, helping and caring for others.Penny will be remembered for her caring heart, her love for her family, and her unmistakable personality. She had a way of sharing her wisdom that those who knew her will never forget. One of her favorite sayings was “Show your class not your ass!” This phrase perfectly captured her unique spirit and will undoubtedly bring a smile to the faces of those who knew and loved her. It is one of those sayings that will live on, reminding everyone of Penny and the special person she was.In her free time, Penny…

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Kay Frances Schroeffel

, Michigan

September 22, 2026

Kay Frances (nee: Tyree) Schroeffel was born September 15, 1941, in West Virginia, and died September 23, 2026, in Conway, Arkansas.Kay was the cherished mother of her five children, Denise Lynn Phipps, Anthony John (Sarah) Schroeffel, Angela Lynn Schroeffel (deceased 2021), Kristine Frances Schroeffel (deceased 1987), and Shamane Marie Krueger; loving grandmother of Lucas Anthony (Tanya) Kooistra, Joli Rhianna Kooistra, Malcolm Anthony Krueger, Kaiden and Cheyenne Griffith; and great-grandmother of Charlotte Lee and Lucy Grace Kooistra.Kay married the love of her life, Anthony A. Schroeffel, in December of 1964, and provided him with all the love one person could ever ask for in this lifetime. If you knew Kay, you would have loved her desire to share anything of what she had with you.It was nothing for her to jump into the car and head wherever she felt at the time… whether it be to the corner store or 250…

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Eleanor Mary Rich

, Michigan

October 6, 2026

Eleanor Mary Rich age 97 died Wednesday October 7, 2026, at her home in Gaylord, Michigan. Eleanor was born February 14, 1929, in Flint, Michigan, the daughter of the late Henry Oliver and Ina (Turner) Oliver. Eleanor would marry Charles A. Rich on November 14, 1946, and the couple would be happily married for the next 63 years until Charles death in 2009. Eleanor and Charles made their home in Gaylord, Michigan where they raised their family.Eleanor is the dear mother of Randy J. (Toni) Rich, Russell J. (Jeri Kay) Rich, and Scott A. Rich. She was the beloved sister of Jean Figg. Mrs. Rich is further survived by her five grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren.Please share your stories and memories of Eleanor in the "Share a Memory" section above. Arrangements entrusted to Nelsons Cremation & Funeral Services, 135 N. Center Avenue, PO Box 1548, Gaylord, Michigan 49734. www.CarebyNelsons.com

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Patricia Ann Mead

, Michigan

September 19, 2026

Patricia Ann (Koronka) Mead, our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away at the age of 86 on September 20, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of love, kindness, and beautiful memories.She was a truly selfless woman who always put others before herself. She was kind, caring, generous, and loving. Her family was the most important part of her life. She was always there for people; she loved giving of herself without ever asking for anything in return.She was a devoted mother to Janet (Robert) Pruitt, Roger (Bridget) Goff, and Gregory (Mary) Goff. She was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Karen Christopher, whom she carried in her heart always. She was a loving grandmother to Ashley (Randy) Johnson, Jordan (Lindsey) Pruitt, Whitney (Matt) Shelters, Dwight (Stacey) Goff, Colin Goff, Taylor Christopher, Claire (Roy) Reagan, and Megan and Tyler Goff. She adored her great-grandchildren with all her heart:…

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Sr. Stanford Lacy Follette

, Michigan

August 29, 2026

Stanford Lacey Follette Sr., known to many as Stan, Dad, Grandpa, or Poppy, was born on April 4, 1937, in Melrose Township and passed away peacefully in the same community on August 30, 2026, at the age of 89, after a long life well lived and a journey completed with the grace of old age.Stan was a man who understood that a meaningful life is not measured only by the years we are given, but by the love we share, the work we do, and the example we leave behind. He lived with steady purpose, humble strength, and a heart that was deeply rooted in family, faith, and hard work. Those who knew him will remember a man who did not seek the spotlight, yet somehow always became the center of warmth, encouragement, and dependable presence wherever he went.He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Ruth (Gregware) Follette, whose companionship…

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Charles Goff

, Michigan

Charles Gary Goff died peacefully on Sunday evening.Charlie was a gentle and simple man who found meaning in the ordinary things of life. He never searched for fame or fortune, riches or recognition. He was simply Charlie—a child of God with nothing to prove and no desire to be anything other than himself.Some of Charlie’s fondest memories were of growing up on the family farm with his parents and siblings. Life on the farm was not always easy, and there was not much to spare, but there was family and there was happiness. Sticks became baseball bats, dried cow patties became bases, and somehow that was enough to make a good game and a good memory.Charlie had a gentle heart. He never wanted to be a bother to anyone, and he certainly never wanted to hurt anyone. Life was not always easy for Charlie, but through it all, there was…

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Anthony William Curia

, Michigan

September 18, 2026

Anthony “Tony” William Curia, age 33, of Grayling, Michigan, passed away on September 19, 2026.Tony was a devoted husband, loving father, and cherished son, brother, grandson, and son-in-law. Above all else, his family was the center of his world. He was the best and most devoted husband to his wife, Taylor, and a deeply loving father to his son, Carson, and daughter, Giselle “Ellie.”Tony will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Taylor Curia; his children, Carson Curia and Giselle “Ellie” Curia; his sister, Emalie Wagner and her family; his parents, Phil and Gloria Curia; his grandfather, Tom Hamlett; his in-laws, Ronnie and Barb Brown; and his brothers-in-law, Aaron Brown and Justin Brown and their families. He was preceded in death by his beloved grandmother, Carol Hamlett.Tony found joy in the simple things in life, especially spending time with the people he loved. He enjoyed woodworking and took pride in creating…

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Michael Robert Richards

, Michigan

September 10, 2026

Michael Robert Richards, known to many as Mike, passed away on September 11, 2026, in Mackinaw City, Michigan, at the age of 70, following a terminal illness.He was born on September 18, 1955, in Petoskey, Michigan, and spent his life rooted in the values of service, family, and hard work. Mike carried himself with a quiet strength and a warm sense of humor that touched everyone who knew him. He was a funny, loving, and generous man whose presence brought comfort, laughter, and steadiness to those around him.Mike proudly served his country in the United States Air Force and later in the Army National Guard. He spent many years as a firefighter/EMT, serving his community. His years of service reflected his deep sense of duty and commitment to something greater than himself. Those who knew him understood that he approached life with responsibility, integrity, and humility, and he carried those…

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Matthew Michael Smith

, Michigan

January 12, 1979 — September 1, 2026

Matthew Michael Smith, age 47, of Gaylord, Michigan, passed away Wednesday September 2, 2026, at Medilodge of Gaylord. Matthew was born on January 13, 1979, in Gaylord, Michigan, the beloved son of Gary R. Smith and the late Linda Lee Smith. He is also survived by his siblings and their families.Matthew graduated from Gaylord High School with the Class of 1997. Following high school, he continued his education at North Central Michigan College in Petoskey. Those who knew him best remember him as intelligent, interesting, and loving, a man whose presence could brighten a room and whose sense of humor and practical jokes were remembered over the years.After his studies, Matthew returned to Gaylord and purchased a home, reflecting his deep connection to the area where he was raised. He later moved to Florida, where he worked as a dispatcher and guard for a security service company. After three years,…

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Joseph Critchley Greenwood

, Michigan

September 28, 2026

Joseph Critchney Greenwood, age 97, passed away peacefully on September 29th, 2026, at his cherished home on the lake with his family by his side.Joseph was born in Detroit, Michigan, on April 12, 1929. He attended high school, however with his devotion to his country he enlisted in the United States Navy at 16 years old. Joseph served aboard the USS Antietam during World War II, attaining the rank of Gunners Mate 3rd Class.Following his military service Joseph returned home attended trade school where he learned the trade of tool making. He married his beloved wife LaVerne and the couple raised their family in Dearborn, Michigan. Following many years of working as a journeyman Tool Maker, Joseph retired in 1994 and moved north, where he and his wife made their cabin home on Bradford Lake.It was there on Bradford Lake, where LaVerne and Joe entertained frequent visitors, feeding friends and…

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