Dwayne Iver Ingebrigtsen

Dwayne Iver Ingebrigtsen, 78, of Gladstone, MI, passed away peacefully at the VA Community Living Center in Iron Mountain on March 12, 2026, following a courageous battle with COPD. A man of quiet strength and deep conviction, Dwayne lived a life defined by service to his country and devotion to his family.

Born on June 17, 1947, Dwayne was one of seven sons born to Iver and Virginia (Larson) Ingebrigtsen. He was a distinguished veteran who dedicated over two decades to military service. He first served four years in the U.S. Marine Corps as an artilleryman, including a tour in Vietnam. He then transitioned to the U.S. Army, where he served for over 20 years as a Huey pilot. On November 8, 1969, he married the love of his life, Freddie Leighton. Together, they navigated the adventure of military life, residing in Germany, Texas, Alaska, and Alabama before finally returning home to Gladstone.

Following his military retirement, Dwayne continued his service to the community for another decade at the Gladstone Post Office and as a member of the Escanaba Township Planning Commission. Though retirement was sweet, it was marked by the profound loss of his precious Freddie to cancer in 2012, after 43 years of marriage.

Dwayne was a true patriot and a man of many adventures. He loved driving cross-country, but his heart always remained at "Moose Camp" in Alaska. For over 20 years, he hunted moose there with his son, D.J., family, and friends. Over the last decade, he found renewed joy in traveling with his patient companion, Cathy Lawlor, embarking on many more adventures together. A devout Detroit Red Wings fan, Dwayne rarely missed a game; he passed away peacefully shortly after watching the Red Wings play on March 12th.

Dwayne is survived by his son, Dwayne "D.J." (June) Ingebrigtsen of Alaska; granddaughters, Ava (Collin) Naspinski, Emmy Ingebrigtsen, Denali Ingebrigtsen, and Danaki Ingebrigtsen; step-grandsons, Cole and James Moore; and brothers, Darrell (Karen) and Dean (Lisa) Ingebrigtsen. He also leaves behind his sisters-in-law, Rhonda, Gloria, Jill, and Cloie Ingebrigtsen; his cherished friend Cheryl "Queenie" Kamin, who kept him on his toes with years of lively banter; his companion of ten years, Cathy Lawlor; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Freddie; his daughter, Kylee (Ingebrigtsen) Beauchamp; and his brothers, Donald, David, Denis, and Dale.

The family will receive friends on Friday, March 20th, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. at the Skradski Family Funeral Home in Gladstone. Military Honors will presented at 2:45 p.m. Memorial services will begin at 3:00 p.m. A catered reception will follow at the White Birch Tavern in Gladstone.

In Dwayne's memory, we offer one final salute: "To the moose!"