Mark John Tetu, 87, passed away Saturday, March 2, 2019, at the Villa at West Branch.

Mark was born June 10, 1931, in Grayling to Frank and Florence (Smith) Tetu. He lived in West Branch most of his life. Mark served in the Navy during the Korean War. On Jan. 15, 1966, Mark married Linda Lee Doane. Mark was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, the Moose Lodge and the Eagles Club. Mark was also a member of the West Branch Volunteer Fire Department for more than 25 years. He owned and operated Culligan Water Conditioning in West Branch for 48 years. During his retirement, he worked as a driver for Dean Arbour Ford. Mark proudly received his private pilot’s license at the age of 50, and he enjoyed flying with family and friends. Mark liked golfing, camping, snow skiing, water skiing, traveling and taking trips to Florida. He loved being part of the “table of knowledge” at Mac’s Place, where he is often referred to as “Mark: the man, the myth, the legend.”

Mark is survived by his wife of 53 years, Linda; his daughter, Lori Tetu; son, Mark Jr. (Whitney); and grandchildren, Imari Tetu and Tony Curtis, all of West Branch; sister-in-law, Marlene Tetu of Midland; and many nieces, nephews and a special niece, Michele Ahrent, with whom he had a very special relationship.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Florence; brothers, Robert (Juanita) and Frank; sisters, Mary Monica “Monnie” (Jim) Orr and Ann Tetu; and his best friend, John Artman.

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Donald R. Thompson Sr., 83, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2016, at his home in Jacksonville, Fla.

Don was born April 15, 1933, in Flint, the second son and last child of John and Ethel (Miller) Thompson. Don’s younger years were spent between Flint and Sault Ste. Marie. When he entered high school the family settled in West Branch. He was active in football, basketball and baseball, and was chosen co-captain with best friend Erik Kaas for his senior football team. Don graduated with the class of 1951.

After many short-term jobs, Don entered the U.S. Navy in February 1952. The Navy took him to many states and schooling. His final stint for the Navy was an assignment to Norfolk, Va., where he served as an electronic technician. There his primary duty was flying with combat air crews practicing anti-submarine drills over the Atlantic Ocean. He completed his Navy enlistment March 15, 1956.

Completing his Navy tour, Don had many jobs that took him around the world, including a three-year post in the Philippine Islands. In 1965 Don was back in the states working at a surveillance project for government. At that time he earned a Bachelor of Business degree from Southern State College in Arkansas, graduating cum laude. When that job was completed Don moved his family to Saginaw. During this time he was a jobber selling specialty chemicals and lighting.

In 1978 Don bought 40 acres in Clare, where he met his wife Katherine Archbold House. Together they established Thompson Sales, Inc. After a successful 30 years in business, Don retired at age 78. Don retired to Jacksonville, Fla., and became a “sunbird,” returning to Michigan to get out of Florida’s hot sun.

Don is survived by his wife, Katherine; children, Donald (Tuyet) Thompson Jr., Regina (Kirk) Hale, Richard (Tamara) House, Robyn (Mike) House-Guettler, Michael and William House; grandchildren, Donald (Heather) Thompson III, Erik (Jenessa) Thompson, Christopher (Martha) Thompson, Corey (Heather) Hale, Katie Hale, Trisha House, Leah (Andrew) Hernthiasong and Relin House; great-grandchildren, Saree, Grace, Leander and Violet; his godchildren, John Boyd, Amanda Boyd, Ava and Allen; his “favorite” niece, Susan Thompson Hull and her family; and special friends, Sharilyn Boyd along with Art and Edna Robinson.

Don was predeceased by his parents; son, John Thompson; and brother, Dr. John Thompson.

A memorial service will be held Dec. 3, 2016, at 11 a.m. at the Clare Chapel of Stephenson-Wyman Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family would be grateful for donations made to Haven Hospice, 8301 Cypress Plaza Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32256. An online guestbook is available at www.stephenson-wyman.com.

Frances Mae Piar, 81, of Highway M-35, Negaunee Township, went home to be with the Lord Friday morning, April 24, 2015, with her husband by her side and under the care of hospice at their vacation home in Apache Junction, Ariz.

Frances was born Aug. 5, 1933, in West Branch to Abraham Frank and Erma Mae (Embury) Moore and graduated from West Branch High School, class of 1951. Following high school, she met Junior JD Piar, and they married July 25, 1953. Together as a team they owned and operated Custom Asphalt Paving, with Frances overseeing all office operations, until retiring in July 1990.

Mrs. Piar was strong in faith and was a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church, Marquette. She was one of the founding members of the Hiawathaland Snowmobile Club and was a longtime member, and also belonged to the Gold Wing Motorcycle Club. Frances loved to travel, motorcycle and camp across country with both her husband and son, Kelly.

Surviving are her loving husband of 62 years, Junior JD Piar; son, Kelly Alan (Heidi) Piar of Chicago; two grandchildren, Madison Alena and JD Evan Piar; and their mother, Amy Piar.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and her daughter, DeanAnn Piar, on Dec. 7, 1971