Obituaries

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. He had been diagnosed with cancer two years previously and was cared for by Linda through his illness.

Patricia Ruth Negilski Daulton, 88, passed away Saturday, January 6, 2024. She was born in Munising, Michigan to Henry and Irene (Rutherford) Negilski on July 15, 1935. In the mid-1950’s she moved to Washington, DC to work for the CIA and then moved to Louisville to attend U of L where she was president of her sorority, Delta Zeta.

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.

Randy Gatiss, age 63, of Munising, died unexpectedly Saturday, December 17, 2023 while in Franklin, Wisconsin. Randy was born February 1, 1960 in Munising, MI the fourth of eight children to Robert Bruce and Lois Marie (Mellin) Gatiss.

Charles E. “Chuck” Riley, Sr., age 79, of Shingleton, entered eternal life early Tuesday morning, December 12, 2023 at the Trillium House in Marquette surrounded by his loving family. He was born on January 6, 1944 in Manistique, Michigan, and was lovingly adopted by Ernest and Hazel (Simmons) Riley. He grew up on the family farm raising horses and enjoying the outdoors hunting and fishing. Chuck left school early and worked hard at the farm and in the woods. He eventually started working at CCI in the sawmill and became head sawyer. Chuck retired from Timber Products after working there over forty years. In retirement, he obtained his captain’s license and started Riley’s Charter. Chuck guided countless people on Lake Superior and always knew where to find the fish. Chuck had a passion for the outdoors and living from the land. He hunted and fished, picked morels in the spring and berries in the summer, and he worked countless hours in his bountiful garden. He made homemade wine and beer, canned and pickled his vegetables, made sausage and smoked fish in his homemade smoker. And with all of his hard work and creations, he could make the best meals, fresh bread, and delicious apple pancakes. Chuck married Colleen Tyner on June 26, 1982, and they enjoyed spending time together and watching the birds. Chuck also enjoyed snuggling up in his chair with his cat Bubba.

Barbara Jean Feldhusen, 71, died Wednesday, November 28, just six weeks after being diagnosed with cancer. She was under the care of her goddaughter and Vantage Hospice in Katy, Texas, where she’d wintered for the last eight years.