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Obituaries

Richard Andrews

PAINESDALE — Richard A. "Dicky" Andrews, 85, a resident of Painesdale, passed away Thursday, September 24, 2026, at the UP Health System- Portage Hospital shortly after being admitted. Richard was born on October 5, 1940, in Trimountain, to the late Thomas and Irene (Raisanen) Andrews. He was raised in Painesdale and was a graduate of Jeffers High School with the class of 1958. Following high school, Richard joined the United States Army and honorably served until 1961. When he returned to the Copper Country, he met Jean Rashleigh. The couple were married on January 25, 1964. Mr. ...

James Grasseschi

HANCOCK — James "Jim" R. Grasseschi left us to be with the Lord on September 17, 2026, at the age of 85. Jim was born on August 3, 1941, in Hancock, Michigan, to Dorino and Irene Grasseschi. He was the eldest of six children. Following high school, Jim proudly served his country in the ...

Robert Boyce

HANCOCK — Robert Crawford Boyce, 82, of Hancock, passed away Sunday, September 27, 2026, at his home. He is preceded in death by his wife, Jean; mother, Peg & step-father Arlo. Surviving are: his daughter Sherrie and her children Brandi and Sonya and his son Rob and his children Tanner and Trey. To send condolences to Robert's family, please visit www.memorialchapel.net. The Memorial Chapel Funeral & Cremation Service - Hancock Chapel is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Doris Velduis

CHASSELL — Doris J. Veldhuis, 85, a resident of Chassell and former Toivola resident, suddenly passed away Sunday, September 20, 2026, at UP Health System - Portage Hospital shortly after arriving. She was born on March 14, 1941, in Detroit, MI, a daughter of the late Harry and Mae (Van Hartesveldt) Veldhuis. Doris was raised in the Detroit area and was a graduate of Cooley High School with the class of 1958. She then attended Wayne State University and received her bachelor's degree in Education. Ms. Veldhuis taught in the Detroit area for a few years before beginning a career as a ...

Steven Kneebone

PAINESDALE — Steven Kneebone, 65, a resident of Painesdale, unexpectedly passed away Friday September 25, 2026, at the UP Health System - Portage Hospital following a short illness. He was born on April 1, 1961, in Hancock, MI, a son of the late James and Jeannette (Silvola) Kneebone. Steve ...

Lawrence (Buzzy) G. Butala

CALUMET — Buzzy Butala passed away peacefully at home on September 23, 2026. Buzzy was born March 16, 1946 to Joseph and Elizabeth (Riederich) Butala. He attended Charles Briggs school where he was affectionately known as Lawrence of Laurium and graduated from Calumet High School with the ...