Louis Gabriel Conterio

IRONWOOD, Mich. – Louis Gabriel Conterio, 92, a longtime resident of Marenisco, passed away Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, at Aspirus Grand View Hospital in Ironwood.
He was born on Oct. 23, 1917, in Ramsay, son of the late James and Lucia (Doiso) Conterio. In 1927, the family moved to Dunham and farmed. Louie later moved to Marenisco and graduated from Marenisco High School in 1935.
He proudly served in the U.S. Army during World War II as a technician 4, blacksmith and construction equipment mechanic. Louie was in Japan and the Philippines and was honorably discharged on Feb. 10, 1946.
He was employed at Kimberly Clark for 16 years and later retired from the Gogebic County Road Commission.
On Sept. 26, 1956, Louie married Marion H. Bachand in Eagle River, Wis. She preceded him in death on June 16, 1993.
He was involved in many organizations including the Marenisco Town Board for 11 years, a charter member of the Marenisco American Legion Post 523 for 64 years, served as a volunteer fireman for 25 years, was a volunteer ambulance driver for 10 years, and participated in the Fourth of July events in Marenisco for 51 years where he served ice cream for 59 years.
Louie lived a full and happy life. He enjoyed watching sports, the outdoors and hunting. Louie liked to tell stories of the lumberjack days and was always interested in the history of the Gogebic Range.
He will be missed and remembered by all who knew him.
Surviving are his life partner, Eunice Holder of Marenisco; two stepdaughters, Charlene (Charles) Antoine of Lake Gogebic, and Betty (George) Batinich of Las Vegas; a stepson, Roger Bachand of North Carolina; two stepdaughters-in-law, Faye Bachand of Milton, Wash., and Carol Bachand of Birnamwood, Wis.; numerous step-grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Besides his parents and wife, Louie was preceded in death by two brothers, B.J. and Jimmy; a sister, Teresa; two infant sisters; two stepsons, Jim and Dale; and a stepdaughter, June.
He loved children and was proud to be a part of their lives.
Per his wishes, cremation has taken place.
Friends may call at the Lakeside Memorial Chapel in Wakefield on Thursday, from 10 to 11 a.m. A memorial service will follow in the funeral home at 11 a.m. The Rev. Joy J. Adimakkeel will officiate.
Following the service, military rites will be conducted by the Marenisco American Legion Post 523, the Wakefield American Legion Post 11 and the Wakefield Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9084.
Lunch will be served in the Marenisco Town Hall following the military rites.
His final resting place will be next to his wife in Marenisco Cemetery.
Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., Wakefield, is assisting the family with the arrangements.