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May 19, 1918 – November 23, 2018
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Obituary for William R. "Bill" Paupore
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Kingsford-William “Bill” R. Paupore, 100, of Kingsford, Mich., passed away peacefully Friday, November 23, 2018, at Evergreen Heights Assisted Living. He was born May 19, 1918 in Manitowoc, Wis., the son of William R. and Josephine (Archibald) Paupore, Sr. Bill grew up primarily in Kingsford, graduating from Kingsford High School in 1936.
On October 23, 1943, Bill married his beloved wife and sparring partner Catherine Chambers. They had 61 years together before Catherine’s death in February 2005.During WWII he served in the Army Air Corp, as a Sargent stationed in the South Pacific. After the war, Bill joined his father, Bill Sr. and brother, Jack, in the family’s business, United Abrasive, Inc. retiring in 1997 to stay home as caregiver for Catherine.
Bill was a very spiritual man and devoted to his Catholic faith. He was active in his parish church, first American Martyrs in Kingsford and later St. Mary and St. Joseph in Iron Mountain. He was a lector and sang in the choir. We all knew when Bill was attending church by his booming voice during the hymns. During his 90’s, he served as an Adorer at the Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration Chapel taking the unpopular 1-2AM time slot. He served in the Knights of Columbus, Bishop Baraga Council #1585 for over 82 years, was a Fourth Degree member, and elected Grand Knight.
When his sons were growing up, he was very active in the Boy Scouts, first with the Cub Scouts and then as Scoutmaster for Kingsford’s Troop 510. He received the prestigious Silver Beaver award presented to adult leaders for distinguished service within the Boy Scout Council.Bill also served his community as President of Breitung Township Board of Education and was elected as President of the Upper Peninsula Association of School Boards. During this time, he was influential in establishing Camp Sanford, the Breitung Schools’ Outdoor Education Center. Later he was appointed to the Kingsford High School Scholarship Committee assisting the selection of deserving seniors for scholarships.
When Bill had a few free hours for fun, he was often found golfing at Pine Grove Country Club, playing well into his 90’s. We all remember him coming home one day with a big smile saying “I golfed my age!” (89 at 89). He was quite the card player too, enjoying bridge, 500 and cribbage.
And we must mention how much he enjoyed his family. Every grandchild and greatgrandchild was put to sleep at one time or another by Grandpa gently snuggling them on his shoulder and walking them until they quieted.
While we have given a short overview of Bill’s life, this obituary cannot begin to convey the contributions and devotion this incredible man gave to his faith, his family and his community during his 100 years. His love of family and volunteerism was exceptional.
Bill is survived by son, William (Mary) Paupore, III; Kingsford, daughter Irene (Bill) Manko, Iron Mountain; daughter-in-law, Gretchen Paupore, Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.; eight grandchildren: Michelle (Alan) Richards, William Paupore, IV, Mark (Vickie) Paupore, Beth (Brad) Cardinale, Katie Weidner, James Manko, Mary (Edward) Jasch, and Carin (Austin Durr) Paupore, thirteen great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his wife Catherine; son Thomas; brother John “Jack” Paupore; and sister Georgina “Duddy” Floriano.
Visitation will be held Friday, November 30, 2018, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Jacobs Funeral Home, Iron Mountain. The Knights of Columbus Bishop Baraga #1585 will offer an honor guard and 6:30 p.m. rosary Friday at the funeral home. Prayers will be recited Saturday, 10:30 am at the funeral home. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 am at St. Mary and St. Joseph Catholic Church, Iron Mountain. Rev. Fr. Janusz Romanek officiating. The Fourth Degree Knights will accord honors at the church. Burial will be in Breitung Township Cemetery, Quinnesec, Mich. in the spring.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bill’s name to Bishop Baraga Catholic Schools, Iron Mountain, the Knights of Columbus or a charity of your choice.
The family has chosen the Jacobs Funeral Home, Iron Mountain, to honor Bill’s legacy of life.
You may light a candle in remembrance of Bill or leave a condolence for his family online at www.JacobsFuneralHomes.com.
On October 23, 1943, Bill married his beloved wife and sparring partner Catherine Chambers. They had 61 years together before Catherine’s death in February 2005.During WWII he served in the Army Air Corp, as a Sargent stationed in the South Pacific. After the war, Bill joined his father, Bill Sr. and brother, Jack, in the family’s business, United Abrasive, Inc. retiring in 1997 to stay home as caregiver for Catherine.
Bill was a very spiritual man and devoted to his Catholic faith. He was active in his parish church, first American Martyrs in Kingsford and later St. Mary and St. Joseph in Iron Mountain. He was a lector and sang in the choir. We all knew when Bill was attending church by his booming voice during the hymns. During his 90’s, he served as an Adorer at the Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration Chapel taking the unpopular 1-2AM time slot. He served in the Knights of Columbus, Bishop Baraga Council #1585 for over 82 years, was a Fourth Degree member, and elected Grand Knight.
When his sons were growing up, he was very active in the Boy Scouts, first with the Cub Scouts and then as Scoutmaster for Kingsford’s Troop 510. He received the prestigious Silver Beaver award presented to adult leaders for distinguished service within the Boy Scout Council.Bill also served his community as President of Breitung Township Board of Education and was elected as President of the Upper Peninsula Association of School Boards. During this time, he was influential in establishing Camp Sanford, the Breitung Schools’ Outdoor Education Center. Later he was appointed to the Kingsford High School Scholarship Committee assisting the selection of deserving seniors for scholarships.
When Bill had a few free hours for fun, he was often found golfing at Pine Grove Country Club, playing well into his 90’s. We all remember him coming home one day with a big smile saying “I golfed my age!” (89 at 89). He was quite the card player too, enjoying bridge, 500 and cribbage.
And we must mention how much he enjoyed his family. Every grandchild and greatgrandchild was put to sleep at one time or another by Grandpa gently snuggling them on his shoulder and walking them until they quieted.
While we have given a short overview of Bill’s life, this obituary cannot begin to convey the contributions and devotion this incredible man gave to his faith, his family and his community during his 100 years. His love of family and volunteerism was exceptional.
Bill is survived by son, William (Mary) Paupore, III; Kingsford, daughter Irene (Bill) Manko, Iron Mountain; daughter-in-law, Gretchen Paupore, Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.; eight grandchildren: Michelle (Alan) Richards, William Paupore, IV, Mark (Vickie) Paupore, Beth (Brad) Cardinale, Katie Weidner, James Manko, Mary (Edward) Jasch, and Carin (Austin Durr) Paupore, thirteen great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his wife Catherine; son Thomas; brother John “Jack” Paupore; and sister Georgina “Duddy” Floriano.
Visitation will be held Friday, November 30, 2018, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Jacobs Funeral Home, Iron Mountain. The Knights of Columbus Bishop Baraga #1585 will offer an honor guard and 6:30 p.m. rosary Friday at the funeral home. Prayers will be recited Saturday, 10:30 am at the funeral home. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 am at St. Mary and St. Joseph Catholic Church, Iron Mountain. Rev. Fr. Janusz Romanek officiating. The Fourth Degree Knights will accord honors at the church. Burial will be in Breitung Township Cemetery, Quinnesec, Mich. in the spring.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bill’s name to Bishop Baraga Catholic Schools, Iron Mountain, the Knights of Columbus or a charity of your choice.
The family has chosen the Jacobs Funeral Home, Iron Mountain, to honor Bill’s legacy of life.
You may light a candle in remembrance of Bill or leave a condolence for his family online at www.JacobsFuneralHomes.com.
Visitation
When
Friday, November 30th, 2018 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Location
Jacobs Funeral Home- Iron Mountain
Address
1025 Carpenter Avenue Iron Mountain, Michigan 49801
Service Information
When
Saturday, December 1st, 2018 11:00am
Location
St. Mary & St. Joseph Catholic Church
Address
300 West A Street Iron Mountain, MI 49801
Interment Information
Location
Breitung Township Cemetery
Address
3851 Menominee Quinnesec, MI 49876
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