Raymond E. Poisson

Raymond E Poisson, age 102, completed his life journey on April 2. 2017 and was welcomed by the Lord and his beloved wife, Trudy to his heavenly home. He held dear his family, his faith, his community and the natural world. He was a man who took pride in doing his best always, no matter the endeavor. He was always the first to extend a helping hand whenever he saw a need. Ray was born in Iron Mountain, MI on October 30, 1914, the second child of Edmund and Aldea Poisson. His siblings were Daniel, Joseph and Earl, all who predeceased him. On April 26, 1941 he married Gertrude (Trudy) DeMolen at St Mary and Joseph Church, a union that lasted in love and faith for 68 years and to which 4 children were born. Ray served his country during World War 11 and upon his discharge began to build his business as owner of Twin City Signs, crafting quality neon and metal signs in Iron Mountain and throughout the Upper Peninsula of MI. In later years he took a position in maintenance for Wi MI Power Co., where he enjoyed using his many, varied skills and valued the many friendships he made while working there. Faith was an integral part of Ray’s long life. In his late teenage years he helped with the construction of St Mary & St joseph Church, actively working for two years to build the exterior and the roof of the beautiful structure which became his place of worship for his entire life. In his youth he served as an altar boy and enjoyed being a Mass Server again during his retirement years. In addition to being active in his church Ray was a member of the Knights of Columbus, United Commercial Travelers and the Dickinson County Pilots Club. Ray was a self-taught and skilled wood worker and the beautifully crafted cabinets he built for his wife, children, grandchildren and friends will be our forever keepsakes. He also loved gardening, tending his truly amazing tomatoes into his 100th year of life. An avid outdoorsman he enjoying fishing and hunting. He bagged his last deer at the age of 98 while hunting with the assistance of his son. In retirement he enjoyed golf and loved playing horseshoe. The many area birds he loved to feed are going to miss him but many beleaguered squirrels probably will not. His pride and joy was his forty of land just north of Iron Mt with a peaceful trout stream trickling through it. He and his wife spent many tranquil days there fishing, hiking, entertaining friends and family and being one with nature. We remember Ray as an unfailingly good man and gracious gentleman who loved to tell stories about his life experiences, especially to his grandchildren. If, perhaps, he told them a story more than once, he just wanted to be sure they would not forget it. He often marveled at the many changes he experienced in his lengthy lifetime but drew the line at embracing the age of electronics. As a child of the Depression he maintained a frugal spirit throughout his life and lived by the concepts of conserve and recycle. Ray’s work ethic was his trademark. His integrity was constant. Ray leaves his 4 children Sharon (Keith) Hanson, Ronald (Sandy) Poisson, Carol (Ken) Weeks and Lauri (Dave, deceased) Kendzierski. In addition he leaves 13 grandchildren Kristin & Paul Hanson & Amy Hanson Altman; Andre & Danielle Poisson; Peter, Matthew, Sarah & Joseph Weeks and Kevin, Erika, Claire and Celeste Kendzierski; 3 great grandchildren Quinn, Lawrence and Kyle; valued extended family and many dear and treasured friends. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Trudy, parents Edmund and Aldea, his 3 brothers, parents-in-law Fred and Rose DeMolen, son-in-law Dave, great grandson Blake and many friends and associates. Ray’s family appreciates all those who extended the hand of caring friendship to him throughout the final chapter of his life journey, as well as the caring staffs of Evergreen Assisted Living and Manor Care, who worked to assure that his final days would be comfortable. Visitation will be on Friday, May 19th from 10:00-11:00am at St. Mary and St. Joseph Church in Iron Mountain. Funeral services will follow at 11:00am May 19th at the church. Fr. Janucz Romanek will offer the Mass of Christian burial. Burial will be in Iron Mountain Cemetery Park. Much loved Dad, Papa and Friend -- you were our rock and our inspiration. Your rest is well deserved; your work on earth is done.

Raymond E. Poisson

October 30, 1914 - April 2, 2017