Obituaries

David Eric Elwing, age 46, of Munising, died following a lengthy illness on Friday afternoon, February 23, 2024 at Medilodge in Munising. Dave was born December 12, 1977 in Wauwatosa, WI to Robert “Bob” and Sandra “Sandy” (Swajanen) Elwing. The family moved to Eben, where he attended Superior Central School for a short time, and then to Munising. He graduated from Munising High School in 1996 where he excelled at cross country running and track and field. People often commented that they “saw Dave out running again” when he was doing his daily 10-15 miles all over Munising. Dave held many school records and is still a member of the record holding 3200-meter relay team. His talents and hard work earned him a full running scholarship to the University of Toledo.

Harriet On the evening of February 3rd, 2024, in Mason, Michigan, this world lost the indomitable spirit of Harriet Marie “Teri” (Courter)Yale as she left to join the last wisps of sunset fading from the horizon. She was 63 years old.

Ken Fulcher passed away unexpectedly on February 15, 2024. Born on August 28, 1949 to parents Truman Fulcher and Mary Louise Chartier in Munising, MI, Ken spent his childhood on the shore of Lake Superior with his 10 siblings in a room surrounded by his father’s radio equipment. The youngest of seven sons, Ken skipped an inevitable draft notice and enlisted in the army to serve his country in Vietnam upon graduation from Munising High School. Not one for school, Ken showed an aptitude for working with his hands and all things mechanical. He rode that aptitude through tests he always said he “had no business passing” and was given a Military Occupational Specialty as a uh-1 “Huey” helicopter mechanic.

Margaret “Maggie” Goss Meiss Margaret “Maggie” Goss Meiss passed away on February 14, 2024 at Marquette County Medical Care facility in Ishpeming where she had been a resident for four years. She was born on July 22, 1944 in Stuttgart, Arkansas to George and Kathleen Goss.

Leslie Newlin, 94, of Wallace, Mich. Passed away at home following a brief illness surrounded by his family on Saturday, February 10, 2024. He was born to late Otto and Elsie (Miller) Newlin in Wallace. Leslie graduated from Stephenson High School in 1947. In 1951 he was drafted into the United States Army, where he served in the Korean War until 1953 when he was honorably discharged at the rank of Corporal.

Brian Keith Mellon, 62 of Menominee passed away on Monday January 8, 2024 at his home. Brian was born on June 5th, 1961 in Iron Mountain, MI to David and Beverly (Gering) Mellon. Brian graduated from Munising High School and went on to Northern Michigan University where he was a member of the football team, he was proud of his 1981 Northern Michigan football team being inducted into the Northern Michigan hall of fame. He worked for Waupaca Foundry as an electrical foreman until his retirement in 2023. Brian was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting, fishing and being out on the lake. He loved all sports, especially football. Brian further enjoyed cooking, gardening, and spending time with his family and dogs. He was especially excited and happy upon becoming a recent grandfather to Ava who he loved very much.

Donald Henry Cromell of Wilmington, Ohio entered the presence of the Lord Nov. 17, 2023. He passed at age 81 at home surrounded by loving family including his wife of 60 years, Linda, and sons Mark and Tim.

Shannon A. Kee, age 52, of Munising, died under the loving care of her family and North Woods Hospice on Saturday morning, January 6, 2024. She was born in Munising on March 5, 1971, the daughter of Kay C. Kee. Shannon grew up in Munising and started attending Bay Cliff when she was around three years old. Between the youth and adult camps, Shannon participated at Bay Cliff for over forty- three years. She met lifelong friends with the campers and the staff. Shannon was a pioneer in the special education program in Munising, and she taught a lot of adults and children compassion for people with disabilities. Shannon was a bit of a rockstar. She graduated from Munising High School in 1993 and had been with her aide, Dot Mitchell, from elementary school through adult education. Shannon communicated through her Bliss Board and eventually Dot and Mrs. Essinger put together her book. Nothing could stop her from visiting and talking to people as she flipped through those pages at a super speed. When Shannon saw someone she knew, she would get so excited and demand a hug. Her smile and mischievous grin were priceless. Now, let’s not forget to acknowledge that she did have a bit of a stubborn streak, she sometimes lacked patience and she would let you know her disapproval through sign language. As Shannon grew into adulthood, she spent several years with the Pathways Day Group and with Commission on Aging. She was a huge fan of the Detroit Pistons, Tennessee Volunteers, and NASCAR. Shannon was a lover of animals – living and her stuffed snuggle buddies. On Saturday, January 6th, “The Princess” traded in her wheels for wings.