Obituaries
Caroline Susan DixonCaroline Susan Dixon passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 19, 2021, and is “free at last” after a long struggle with cancer. She was born in the small community of Blue Lick, Ohio, where her parents, Gladys and Paul, owned a grocery store.
She was a cheerleader for the football team in her high school as well as being salutatorian of her graduating class. She was an accomplished singer and piano player, playing and directing music at her church. Caroline went to Manchester College in Indiana and majored in Elementary Education. In addition to meeting her lifelong friends there, Jim and LouAnn, she met her husband of 61 years, Lugh. She and Lugh returned to Ohio where Caroline taught Elementary Education and developed a class for students who needed extra help. They proudly raised two daughters, Jill (Brian) and Laura (Ricky). Caroline was a self-taught quilter and was very successful at selling them. In her later years, she worked at a chain of sewing/craft stores where she was nationally recognized as a supreme salesperson. She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Becky; and sisters-in-law, Bev and Karen. While she is home with the Lord, Caroline leaves behind her husband; two brothers, Lynn (Lisa) and Steve; her daughters; grandchildren, Stephen, Jake, Ian (Megan), Madelon (Isaac), and Amelia; great-grandchildren, Trenton, Kensley, and Pearl; nieces and nephews; and her dear friend, Cricket. Thank you to the staff at Munson Hospice and the Hospice House for their tremendous support and good humor during Caroline’s final transition over the past eight months. A private service has taken place. To honor Caroline’s life, hand-make something for a stranger or do that project that you’ve been thinking about for years! A life well-lived! Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Covell-Elk Rapids Chapel, is in charge of arrangements. www.beaconfh.com |
Joann Rose Mayer
Joann Rose Mayer peacefully went to the embrace of our Lord this 19th day of September 2021. Being on our beloved Torch Lake since 1960, Joann enjoyed 72 years of marriage with her husband, Jack (Myron John), who predeceased her on October 6, 2019. Joann was born in Merrill, Michigan, where she graduated with her high school sweetheart, Jack. Her parents, William and Carrie Gagne, and brother, Junior Gagne, were all farmers who loved their land.
Being a wonderful homemaker and mother, Joann developed a successful career in real estate, starting in the Saginaw Valley in the late 70s and continuing on in Elk Rapids after permanently moving to their residence on Torch Lake in the 80s. Her simple honesty and forthrightness along with the asset of having a general contractor husband to consult with kept her in high demand. Always ready for competitive exchange, Joann was an avid card and game player. Somehow, she more often than not found herself winning to the puzzlement of those around her. She enjoyed entertaining with Jack as her co-host, and they enjoyed rich relationships with so many friends and neighbors. Joann was not natural to water, but learned to become an avid swimmer, sailor, water skier and partner to Jack on the Wave runner. Joann was predeceased by her husband, Jack; Jack’s sister, Joyce (Mayer) Warner and husband Bert Warner; Jack’s parents, Myron and Lucille Mayer; and her parents and brother, William, Carrie and Junior Gagne. Joann is survived by her children, Gregory John, Michelle Ann, Grant David, and Carrie Marie; grandchildren, Ryan, Renee, Michael, Morgan, Wesley, Allyson (deceased), Austin, and Connor; great grandchildren, Paisley, Jackson, Jacob, Senri and Mason; niece, Amy (Warner) Charlton; nephews, Allen and Douglas Warner, their spouses; 10 children and 2 & 1/2 grandchildren; nephew, Robert Gagne; Jaquie and children Robert Jr and Joey. Memorial services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m., Friday, September 24, 2021, at the First Presbyterian Church, 404 Spruce St., Elk Rapids, MI 49629 231-264-8167. Sandwiches and coffee to follow in the fellowship hall. Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Covell-Elk Rapids Chapel is in charge of arrangements. www.beaconfh.com |