Gary R. Rochon

Gary was born May 19, 1941, in Vulcan, son of the late Gilbert and Genevieve (Jennie Kluskens) Rochon. He attended Vulcan High School, graduating in 1960, and went on to complete two years of college at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College in Green Bay. He was a veteran of the United States Navy.

On July 21, 1973, Gary married the love of his life, Annabelle “Anne” Norman, at Immanuel Baptist Church in Kingsford. Together they shared 52 wonderful years of marriage.

Gary spent 34 dedicated years working in maintenance at Dickinson County Hospital, retiring in 2007. A lifelong resident of the area, Gary was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church in Norway.

He was a talented woodworker who generously donated his time and skills to create toys for the Toys for Tots organization. An avid outdoorsman, Gary found great joy in hunting – especially turkey and deer – as well as gardening, berry picking and spending time in the woods. Known for his kindness and steady presence, Gary was a wonderful husband who loved the Lord and enjoyed using his gift of helps to serve others. He was an avid Nordic fan who LOVED his Nordic family. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his loving wife, Anne; his brother, Ron (Patricia) Rochon of Norway; his daughter, Laurie Bates of Kingsford; three grandchildren, Michelle, Cuyler, and Alyssa; and four great-grandchildren. He is also survived by four sisters-in-law, Barbara Trepanier, Lois Packard, Karin Norman and Lucille Edgar; a brother-in-law, Donald Norman; and many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great-nephews.

In addition to his parents, Gary was preceded in death by his sister, Marlene Miller; and his brother, Robert Rochon.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, May 9, from 9 until 10:30 a.m. at the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home in Iron Mountain. Funeral services will follow at 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home, with Pastor David Williamson officiating. Burial will take place at Iron Mountain Cemetery Park. A light lunch will be served following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Gary’s memory may be made to the Toys for Tots organization.

Condolences may be expressed to Gary’s family online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com.

The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.