William D'Amour

KINGSFORD - Dr. William D'Amour, 88, of Kingsford died Thursday, Jan. 7, 2010, at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born July 2, l921, in Green Bay, Wis., son of the late George and Albina (Frechette) D'Amour. He grew up in Goodman, Wis. Bill graduated from St. Norbert High School and College. In 1944, he graduated from Marquette University School of Dentistry as one of the few dentists that graduated in five years due to the need for dentists during World War II. He married the former Priscilla Sewall while serving in the U.S. Navy. He then returned home to Goodman to begin his dental practice in the front of his small home. Four of his oldest children were born there. He moved to the Iron Mountain-Kingsford area in l953, and established his dentistry practice. After 53 years in practice, he retired in l998 at the age of 77. He leaves behind a legacy of dentists in the family as his son, Robert and his granddaughter, Makaela are now following in his footprints. Another granddaughter, Aimee is currently attending dental school at his alma mater. He was an avid outdoorsman and could be found many a day chasing down some wild prey or luring in some fish from the many lakes of the Upper Peninsula and northern Wisconsin. His other interests include golfing and bowling as well as being a diehard Packer Backer having held season tickets for many years. He was also a member of the Pine Grove Country Club, Elks Club, Knights of Columbus, and St. Mary Queen of Peace Church. He will be missed by the travelers to the airport where he enjoyed his daily walks down the airport road. He always had a smile on his face and had every car trained to honk and wave at him as they rode by. His joyous spirit was contagious. We pray that his spirit of friendliness lives on in the hearts of those he touched. He is survived by five children, Mary (Bill) Paupore of Kingsford, George D'Amour of Kenmore, Wash., John (Nancy) D'Amour of Wenatchee, Wash., Rosemary (Lee) Manner of Naples, Fla., and Dr. Robert (Maria) D'Amour of Kingsford; 16 grandchildren, Michelle, Bill, Mark, Beth, Paul, Jennifer, Jessica, Aleksei, Makaela, Margie, Aimee, Amanda, David, Ashley, Jason, and Brooke; and 15 great-grandchildren, Meagan, Kyle, Danielle, Liam, Simon, Jacob, Emily, Brandon, Taylor Rose, Marissa, Chloe, Alev, Eero, Cayden, and Morgan. He was preceded in death by his wife, Priscilla in 2001; by one son, Kenneth in 2003; and by his brother, Jack D'Amour. Friends may call from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday at the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Saturday at 12 noon at St. Mary Queen of Peace Church in Kingsford. Fr. Michael Woempner will offer the Mass of Christian Burial. Burial will be in Cemetery Park. Condolences may be expressed to the family of Dr. William D'Amour online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com. The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home with the arrangements.

William D'Amour

January 7, 2010