Jeffrey "Jake" Champeau

Jeffrey "Jake" Champeau, Jeff was born on September 9, 1954 in Iron Mountain. He was the third child of the late Joseph and June (Deau) Champeau. His eternal life began on Friday, April 13, 2018. Jeff lived his life to the fullest during his sixty-three years with us. The ’73 graduate met the love of his life Laura Sielaff while in Niagara High School. Marrying her on January 26, 1974 was not only a promise to God, but a promise to their future family. Forty-four years of marriage would not be complete without their three children: Jennifer, Joseph and Kimberly. Busy fishing, hunting, making sausage, traveling, bowling, watching ball games, he always had time to give his children and grand-children life lessons. No matter if it was a Packer’s win or a Vikings’ loss, the score prediction or a political matter, he would always say “I knew it already”. He loved salmon fishing and sharing his expertise. “And another thing”, Jeff always knew what to do and how to do it. Hunting and spending time at camp with his son and grandson in the fall was another passion that Jeff always looked forward to. “I will tell ya what” his greatest joy was spending time with his family and friends. Jake started at the Niagara Paper Mill and later worked for Verso Paper Company and retired as an HR41 coordinator in 2014. Through the years of work, he made many long-lasting friendships. A year later, he decided to share his knowledge and expertise with Niagara Fabrication as a part-time HR/Safety coordinator. He was a member of St. Anthony's Church and was currently the Grand Knight in the Knights of Columbus. Over the years, he has been very active in the Niagara community. Jeff is survived by his wife, Laura; his children, Jennifer (Nicholas) Huotari of Breitung Twp., Joseph (Shanna) Champeau of Niagara and Kimberly (Bradley) Dumke of Niagara; brother, Terry "Shine" (Sally) Champeau of Iron Mountain; sisters, Cheri (Terry) Sweig of Niagara, Debbie Tauriainen of Niagara and Mary (Bob Anderson) Flatka of Tomahawk, WI; grandchildren, Mercedes and Bentley Huotari, Camryn, Elsa and Aiva Champeau, Preston, Alexander, Brent and Noah Dumke; brothers in law, David (Judy) Sielaff of Granite Bluff and Gary Sielaff of Las Vegas, NV; sisters in law, Peggy (John) Buchanan of Niagara and Mary (Bernie) Silverstorf of Norfolk, VA; extended daughter, Paulina Godlewska of Poland; extended grandchildren, Cilia Reusser of Switzerland, Tim Gaedtke of Germany, Pietro Graziani of Italy and Leon Liebholz of Germany; special friends: Michael Darne of Niagara, Jacob Neuens of Niagara, and Bill “Father” Sweeting of Amberg and many other friends. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. His work here is done. He received a call, an offer he couldn’t refuse, for a fishing trip from which he will not be returning. This angling comes with a huge sign-on bonus, a reunion with his parents and sister, Nancy Champeau that he has not seen in a long time. As well as, his brother in law, Clyde Tauriainen. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 18th from 9:00am to 12:00noon at St. Anthony's Church in Niagara. Funeral services will follow at 12:00noon on Wednesday at the church. Fr. Matthew Settle will offer the Mass of Christian Burial. Condolences may be expressed to the family of Jeffrey Champeau online atwww.ernashfuneralhomes.com. The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.

Jeffrey "Jake" Champeau

September 9, 1954 - April 13, 2018