Obituary: Catherine Sarah Velmer

Catherine Sarah Velmer, age 46 of Zeba, MI passed away on Sunday, August 4th, 2019 at Baraga County Memorial Hospital.

She was born December 5, 1972 in L’Anse, MI daughter of Virginia (Emery) and Frederick Shelifoe. Catherine married Lawrence Velmer on October 28, 2011 and they have been together over 24 years. She graduated from L’Anse High School in 2018. Catherine worked in house keeping at the KBIC, Ojibwa housing, and the casino.

She was an avid Packers fan, and enjoyed walking, partying, and having fun. She loved taking care of her grandchild, nephews and nieces.

Surviving are her husband Lawrence Velmer of Zeba; father Frederick (Margaret) Shelifoe of Baraga; children Clifford Durant Jr of IL, Victoria Marie Durant of L’Anse; granddaughter Lexa Cathleen Johnson; siblings, Victoria (Brandon) Dakota of Baraga, Kelly Shelifoe of Zeba, Jeanne Emery of Baraga, James Frederick Shelifoe of Grand Rapids, MI, Mino Sandman Shelifoe of Zeba, Waba Shelifoe of L’Anse, Wausau Sandman Shelifoe (Brandon) Newomb of Alaska, Bahgi Sandman Shelifoe of L’Anse; step siblings, Jaime Jager of Iron River, MI, Kathleen Gude of Green Bay, WI, Kristen Gude of Iron River, MI Megan Gude of Baraga; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Preceding her in death are her mother Virginia “Ginger” Shelifoe; siblings, Frederick Donald Shelifoe Jr, Allen Shelifoe, Steve Coffin, Bridget Shelifoe, and Gerald Shelifoe.

Visitation will be at the KBIC Zeba Hall on Wednesday, August 7th starting at 6:00 p.m. and continuing throughout the evening. A traditional Native American service will be on Thursday, August 8th at 11:00 a.m. at the KBIC Zeba Hall. Burial will be in the Pinery Cemetery. Jacobson Funeral Home is assisting the family.

There will be a feast following the Wednesday evening wake and a luncheon following the Thursday ceremony.

Friends may sign Catherine’s guest book or send condolences at www.jacobsonfuneralhome.com