Clare M. Fontecchio

She was born March 20, 1919, in Virginia, Minn., daughter of the late Albert and Yvonne (Beaulieu) Richard. Clare attended school in Kingsford.

She met her future husband, John Fontecchio, at a dance. They were married Nov. 27, 1935, during a home wedding. It was a double ceremony with her sister, Roberta (Leonard) Paquin.

Clare was a bookkeeper for her husband who was a self-employed auto mechanic. Their home was located next to the garage, which was most convenient.

During most of their married life, they worked together. They also ran an airport, Fontecchio’s Airport, in East Kingsford from 1960 to the 1990s. John preceded Clare in death on Jan. 21, 1990.

Clare enjoyed many hobbies, including spending time in her large garden where she gardened into her 80s, cooking, berry picking, making wine, but most of all she never missed a family function and will always be remembered for her smile.

Clare is survived by two sons, Wesley Fontecchio of Iron Mountain, and Don (Ann) Fontecchio of Fond du Lac, Wis.; one daughter, Jean (Mel) Kallenbach of Niagara, Wis.; 12 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; 16 great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and her husband, John, Clare was preceded in death by four sisters, Joy Hartmann, Irene Luba, Roberta Paquin and Rosemary Ormond.

Visitation will be from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 13 at the Jacobs Funeral Home in Iron Mountain.

Prayers will be recited at 10:30 a.m. Friday at the funeral home.

The funeral mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Friday at American Martyrs Catholic Church in Kingsford. Rev. Fr. Joseph Gouin will officiate.

Burial will be in Cemetery Park, Iron Mountain.

A special thank you to ManorCare for their compassion and wonderful care during mom’s stay.

You may leave a condolence or tribute for Clare’s family online at www.JacobsFuneralHomes.com.

The family has chosen the Jacobs Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Iron Mountain, to honor Clare’s legacy of life.