Obituary (Updated): Alice Rastello

As received from the Ryan Funeral Home:

Alice May (Newman) Rastello

Alice was born in Calumet, Michigan on August 4^th, 1924 and passed away peacefully in her sleep on June 14^th, 2021.

Alice was the only child of the late Albert J. and Miriam B. (Bastian) Newman. She attended the local schools and graduated from Calumet High School – Class of ’42. Shortly after graduation, Alice met Charles Rastello. The two moved to Detroit where Alice became employed by Michigan Blue Cross Insurance company for 3 years as a cashier. While in Detroit, she and Charles were married on November 6^th, 1943. Shortly after their marriage, Charlie entered the service during WW2. Upon his return in 1945, Alice and Charlie returned to their hometown of Laurium. The couple were married for 73 years, had 3 children, 5 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-granddaughter.

Alice was an artistic person. At an early age, she had a passion for painting with watercolors and had her own collection. She also enjoyed crafts, loved fashion and created her own paper dolls and clothes set as a young girl. Later in life, her hobby was gardening. She was always happy to plant her flowers and decorate her porch and sundeck, work in her yard, and have cookouts. She also liked to read, and was a TV, movie and cooking channel fan. She liked to cook her favorite dishes and collect new recipes. Alice liked going on picnics, listening to Big Band music, shopping and keeping up with the style trends. Alice was a member of the United Methodist Church of Laurium. She and her husband were long-time members of the Calumet Elks Club and enjoyed dancing. The two also enjoyed traveling and took many memorable trips together. She enjoyed telling stories about her children, never missing a detail and loved to hear and share a good joke. She enjoyed the Sunday visits from Mark and Leanne, cherished the time spent with Esme` and little Stella, as well as other family members. She looked forward to the daily 7pm call from her son Reid and appreciated Leanne’s help and the many conversations they would have.

Preceding her in death are her daughter Robin Blough in 2015, her husband Charles Rastello in 2016, her nephew Robert Clouthier in 2018, niece Charlsie Clouthier-Antikainen in 2019, daughter-in-law Beverly Rastello in 2020 and granddaughter Esme` Johnson in 2021.

Surviving are son Reid Rastello of Copper City, daughter Julie De Paul Johnson of Calumet, son-in-law Mark Blough of Calumet, and sister-in-law Marjory Tavernini of Marquette. Grandchildren Leanne (Dave) La Bonte of Calumet, Lori Wuestnick (Shannon “Bernard”) of Linden, MI, Reid (Laura) Rastello Jr. of Copper City, and Vincent A. De Paul of Indiana, PA. Great-grandchildren Logan Rastello (Callie) of Calumet, Collin and Alayna Wuestnick of Linden, MI, Paige Rastello-Weber of Sheboygan, WI, Mikaylee Harri of Calumet and Stella May Johnson of Calumet. Great-great granddaughter Journee Rose of Calumet, as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins. Family member Keith Johnson and lifelong friends Caesar Zubiana and Mickey Grabig.

Alice and Charlie’s wish was to have their ashes buried together in a family plot at Lakeview Cemetery. Charles had a service at the Lighthouse in Hancock in September of 2016 with Reverend Toth officiating. Cremation has taken place and a graveside service will be announced at a later date. Alice would like to thank the staff of Mission Point of Hancock for their kind assistance and friendliness during her stay with a special thank you to Joan.

Alice will be remembered as a very classy lady with a great sense of humor and was as sharp as a tack to the very end. May you rest in peace “Bama”. Ryan Funeral Home is serving the family.

Graveside services for Charles and Alice Rastello and their granddaughter Esme Johnson are scheduled for Saturday, August 14th at 10:30 a.m. in the Lake View Cemetery Section K with Rev. Fr. Gracious to officiate. Ryan Funeral Home is serving the family.