LAKE GOGEBIC, Mich. – Laverne J. "Pete" Bailey, 86, a long-time resident of Lake Gogebic, passed away Friday afternoon, Aug. 26, 2016.

Laverne was born on Nov. 28, 1929, in Dexter, son of the late George Herman Bailey and Geraldine (Ward) Thurston. He attended Roosevelt High School in Dexter and graduated in 1948.

On March 26, 1949, Laverne was united in marriage to D. Joanne Bell in Dexter. They celebrated more than 65 years of marriage before her passing on Aug. 9, 2014.

Laverne was inducted into the U.S. Army on Jan. 3, 1952. After basic training, he was stationed in Thule, Greenland. Laverne was honorably discharged as a corporal on Dec. 14, 1953, and received the National Defense Service Medal.

Returning to downstate Michigan, he was employed as a journeyman's plumber in Ann Arbor, and was a member of UA Local 190.

In 1972, Laverne, his wife, and their two sons moved to beautiful Lake Gogebic, where they owned and operated Bailey's Rustic Resort until 1992.

He enjoyed all sports, especially fishing and hunting.


Laverne is survived by two sons, Douglas, Lake Gogebic, and Gary, Lenexa, Kan.; two half sisters, Helen Clow, Dexter, and Barbara (William) Pruett, Westland; his close friend, Louis Ceriani, Dexter; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

At Laverne's request, there will be no formal services held.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Jerald Rocco, owner-manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield. Condolences may be expressed online at lakesidememorialchapel.com.