Obituaries

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.

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.

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.