Joseph R. DeMerse
January 11, 1944 – November 29, 2023
Joseph Ronald DeMerse, 79, of Round Lake, passed away Wednesday morning November 29, 2023 at home in the presence of his loving family and the care of North Woods Hospice. Joe was born January 11, 1944 in Sault Ste. Marie, the second son of the late Richard and Marty (Gervais) DeMerse.
Joe was a 1962 graduate of Loretto High School in Sault Ste. Marie. After high school, he enrolled at Soo Tech, now known as Lake Superior State University. On April 27, 1964, Joe enlisted in the United States Navy serving during the Vietnam War until his honorable discharge on March 22, 1968, attaining the rank of Engineman Second Class.
On June 19, 1971, Joe married the former Mary Ann Foster in Schofield, Wisconsin and, in 1977, Joe and his family moved to Newberry to run the LP (Connor) Mill on East Victory Way. Later, he designed and ran Newberry Wood Enterprises, before returning to school and obtaining his LPN degree from Bay College and working at the Annex at Helen Newberry Joy Hospital until his retirement.
Joe was elected to the Newberry Board of Light and Power but his real passion was growing the game of hockey in Newberry. He was president of Tahquamenon Area Youth Hockey Association and also was a referee. He coached both of his boy’s teams and there were many years that he also coached teams that had no one else to coach. He designed the Zamboni that was used at the rink for years and spent many, many nights flooding the rink for all to enjoy. His love for being outside was much stronger than his skills as a hunter or fisherman, but he didn’t seem to mind the quiet hours in the deer blind or ice shack. He really liked to plan and pack and go on camping trips. Camp always had whatever it needed (and more). He appreciated exploring new trails in Vermont and Arizona. Later in life, he enjoyed his coffee while watching the seasons change at Round Lake.
In addition to his parents, Joe is preceded in death by his stepfather Charles Autore and brother Mickey Autore.
Survivors include his loving wife of 52 years, Mary Ann; sons David (Allison) of Gwinn and Jim (Stephanie) of Chatham; grandchildren Jack and Camden DeMerse of Gwinn and Lilliah and Ivy DeMerse of Chatham; brothers Richard DeMerse of Warren, Donald Autore of Sault Ste. Marie and Larry Autore of Sault Ste. Marie; many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Per Joe’s wishes, cremation has taken place with no public services scheduled.
Memorials may be directed to the Tahquamenon Area Youth Hockey Association in his loving memory.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com. Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
Norma Jean Maudrie
April 24, 1929 – November 27, 2023
Longtime Naubinway resident, Norma Jean Maudrie, 94, died Monday morning November 27, 2023 at the Schoolcraft Medical Care Facility in Manistique.
Born April 24, 1929 in Sparta, daughter of the late Herbert and Leona (Goodman) Smith, Norma was raised in the Lansing area in her youth, moving to Engadine in 1945 and graduating from Engadine High School in 1946.
On May 8, 1948, Norma married Clarence “Bullo” Maudrie and made Naubinway their home where she was a devoted homemaker raising her five children.
Norma was a member of the Naubinway Christian Fellowship Church, the ladies sewing circle where she excelled in quilting and a member of the VFW Post #8372 Ladies Auxiliary. Norma’s hobbies included baking, crocheting, making quilts, jigsaw puzzles with her husband and spending time in her flower gardens.
In her younger years, Norma enjoyed traveling with her mother, Leona, to Melbourne, Florida, Dallas, Texas and Atmore, Alberta, Canada. She and her husband wintered frequently in Florida at her daughters, Bonnie, home.
In addition to her parents, Norma is preceded in death by her husband Bullo on April 3, 2008; sons Paul and Eddie; daughter LuAnn; sisters Theda Blizzard and Beverly Paulson-Lusk; brother Herbert Smith.
Survivors include her loving daughters Diane (Cliff) Walmsley of Curtis and Bonnie Tetrault of Engadine; 13 grandchildren, many great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; sisters Jackie Weiss of Cedar Springs, Michigan and Betty Findley of Dallas, Texas; many nieces and nephews.
Graveside services will be held Friday May 10, 2024 at 11:00 am at the Naubinway Cemetery with Pastor Tim Miller, of the Naubinway Christian Fellowship Church, officiating.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com.
Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
