Pauline Mary Veeser

Born on February 23, 1933, to Orin and Mary Stearns of Gladstone, she was the middle of five daughters. She is survived by her two older sisters, Leona McDermott of Milwaukee and Ethel Valiquette of Gladstone. Predeceased are her two younger sisters, Francis Alperovitz and Joan McDonough, both of Escanaba.

Pauline lived a life full of determination and grit. With a true entrepreneurial spirit, she carved her own path — developing a subdivision, building a small grocery store, and later, storage units on the Stonington Peninsula in Rapid River. She lived by her own words: “I’m going to do it anyway,” never letting others define what she could or could not accomplish.

Pauline found great joy in the outdoors, spending countless hours in her garden or mowing the grass in her beautiful, park-like yard on Garth Point. She loved crocheting, sewing, restoring vintage furniture, cooking for her family, and had a deep affection for her dogs — Sam, Bert, and Tux. She also enjoyed fishing and hunting. An avid bow hunter, she typically bagged a buck on the opening morning of deer season.

Pauline gave in quiet ways, never seeking attention or recognition. She crocheted and donated hundreds of cheerful hats to the oncology center at OSF St. Francis Hospital. It was a simple gesture that brought comfort and joy to many. Though she never expected thanks, the staff honored her with a bouquet and a message in the Daily Press expressing their gratitude, “The hats are beautiful and fun. You have put a smile on many faces. Thank you for thinking of our patients and friends.”

More than anything, Pauline was a proud mother. She always said that her ‘kids’ were the most important thing in her life. She is survived by her three children: Douglas (Judith Thirlby) Peterson of Ensign, Vickie (Gary) Micheau of Gladstone, and Cheryl (Michael) Davison of Yakima, Washington. She also leaves behind cherished grandchildren Robert (Meghan) Micheau and Angie Micheau, and great-grandchildren Bobby Micheau, Elleanor Micheau, and Vivienne Lewandowski.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Wilbert “Pete” Peterson, and later by her second husband and soulmate, Donald Veeser. Together, she and Don built a life and home rooted in love and shared dreams.

Pauline will be remembered for her fierce independence and tenacity that touched all who knew her.

Her children are deeply grateful for the compassionate care their mother has received over the past two years from the dedicated team at Lakeview Assisted Living and from Sarah Viau of U.P. Home Health and Hospice.

Family will receive friends on Thursday, May 22,

from 1:30 until 4:30 0 at Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. A funeral service will follow at 4:30 PM at Skradski

Funeral Home in Gladstone with Rev. Fr. Brandon Yanni officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests simply spending some time outdoors in her memory. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the Veeser family. To offer an online message of sympathy please visit www.skradskifuneralhomes.com