Wilfred Beauchamp

KINGSFORD - Wilfred T. (Bill) Beauchamp, 86, a former longtime resident of Kingsford, passed away Monday, May 7, 2007, at his Linden Grove Health Care residence in Waukesha, Wis. He was born Feb. 13, 1921, in Escanaba, the son of Wilfred Beauchamp Sr. and Aldia Gunville. Bill was of the Catholic faith and was a member of St. Mary Queen of Peace parish in Kingsford. He was a graduate of Kingsford High School. Bill and his wife, Florence Zablocki, were married on Aug. 22, 1942, in Kingsford. Before and after Bill's Army service in World War II, he was involved in the grocery business, operating stores first on Lyman Street and then on Sagola Avenue. Over the years in Kingsford, Bill was employed by Asselin Dairy, Lake Shore Industries and ultimately Inland Diesel. The latter occasioned the Beauchamp family to relocate to Menomonee Falls, Wis. in 1965. A branch office opening in Iron Mountain found Bill returning to Kingsford to manage that facility. Following his retirement in 1982, Bill and Florence resided on Bluff Street for a number of years. For relaxation and recreation, Bill enjoyed golf, fishing, hunting and traveling. He will be long remembered for his legendary cooking skills, especially at hunting camp. Bill is survived by his son, Wilfred J. (Agnes) Beauchamp, of Loudon, Tenn.; daughter, Nancy J. Beauchamp of Scottsdale, Ariz.; his son, Lloyd S. (Joan) Beauchamp of Waukesha; three grandchildren, Barbara (Gary Petiprin), Alissa (fiance, Kevin) and Andrew; two great-grandsons; sisters-in-law, Marion Beauchamp of Iron Mountain and Lorraine Beauchamp of Quinnesec and brother-in-law, Lyle Zablocki of Kingsford and will be fondly remembered by his special friend of many years, Geneva Caresia, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Florence; his sister, Bernice Poquette; and brothers, Lawrence Beauchamp and Donald Beauchamp. Visitation will take place at Tondin-Ross and Freeman Funeral Home on Sunday evening from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Gravesides services will be Monday at 11 a.m. at Cemetery Park in Iron Mountain. Deacon Don Christy will officiate. A memorial mass will follow at a future date. In lieu of flowers, a donation to a favorite charity is suggested. Condolences to the family of Wilfred Beauchamp may be expressed online at www.tondinrossfuneralhome.com. The Tondin-Ross and Freeman Funeral Home of Iron Mountain is in charge of the funeral arrangements.