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Obituaries

Joseph “Pepper” VanLandschoot

MUNISING, MI - Joseph "Pepper" VanLandschoot, age 83, of Munising, died early Friday morning, August 21, 2026 at the D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans in Marquette with the love of his life by his side. Pepper was born on January 24, 1943 in his childhood home in Brown’s Addition in Munising to Joseph and Lois âDidiã (Forgette) VanLandschoot. He grew up in a fisherman’s family and graduated from Sacred Heart School and then Wm. G. Mather High School in 1961. Pepper went to work at Hartho after graduation. He served in the U.S. Army from December 1, 1964 until September 12, 1966. ...

Diana (Sandberg) Ziomkowski

MARQUETTE, MI- Diana (Sandberg) Ziomkowski, 74, of Marquette, ended this part of her journey on August 25th, 2026, at her home, surrounded by her family and friends. Diana was a loving wife and an exceptional mother and grandmother. Her family believe her to be one of the most free spirited and patient people to visit this earth. She spent her life as an adventurer, a pursuer of knowledge, a nurturer, and an activist for social justice. Diana completed a bachelor degree in Archaeology at Grand Valley State University and never stopped being fascinated by history, genealogy, culture, ...

Donald “Pappy” Syrjala

REPUBLIC, MI ­ Donald "Pappy" Syrjala, age 76, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, August 24, 2026. Don was born in Negaunee, MI, on April 26, 1950, to Arnie and Florence (Maki) Syrjala. He was raised in Diorite, MI, and attended Ishpeming High School. On May 6, 1972, Don married the love of his life, Marie (Isaacson) Syrjala, at Bethany Lutheran Church in Republic, MI. Together they had two daughters and moved to West Palm Beach, FL, where they resided for 12 years before eventually moving back to the U.P. While in Florida, Don acquired various certifications while working ...

Michael L. Barry

MARQUETTE, MI- Michael L. Barry, 78, of Marquette, passed away on August 24, 2026, at U.P. Health System­ Marquette. Michael was born on March 23, 1948, in Marquette to Harris M. and Ilona R. Maki. He was a graduate of Marquette Senior High School. Following high school, Mike enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he served from 1966 until his honorable discharge in 1970. He was very proud of his military service and the time he spent serving his country. In 1968, Mike married Ardith "Ardie" Winslow in Marquette. Mike worked at various places throughout his career, including Larson and ...

Jayson J. Dutiel

GWINN, MI- Jayson J. Dutiel, 50, of Gwinn, passed away unexpectedly on August 20, 2026. Jayson was born on January 27, 1976, in Wiesbaden, Hessen, Germany, to Bruce and Frances (Sherer) Dutiel. He graduated from Midland Senior High School and attended Alpena Community College where he graduated as an RN. On August 8, 2014, Jayson married Rebecca R. Rautio in Gwinn. They loved each other, their children, their life together, and their pets immensely. Jayson worked as a registered nurse at various locations throughout his career, including Marquette General Hospital in the Medical ...

William “Bill” Stephen Hatch Jr.

ISHPEMING/GWINN, MI- William "Bill" Stephen Hatch Jr., of Ishpeming and Gwinn, passed away peacefully on Wednesday August 26, 2026, at the D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans. Bill was born May 16, 1934, in Ishpeming to Steve and Beulah Hatch. He grew up in Ishpeming and was a proud graduate of Ishpeming High School, Class of 1952. Bill made Ishpeming his home with his wife, Sandy, in 1959, where they raised their two daughters, Nadine and Brenda. After Sandy passed away in 1996, Bill met Nancy and, in 1999, they made their home in Gwinn, where they continued to build a life filled with ...