John R. Lemerand

John R. Lemerand,,87, of Wells, passed away Sunday evening, September 29, 2024 at his home with his family at his side.
He was born in Escanaba on April 8, 1937, the son of Joseph and Marie (Wind) Lemerand. John attended school in Escanaba and then Power-Spalding High School.
John honorably served in the U.S. Air Force from 1954 until 1957.
On July 11, 1959, John married Susan Moran at St. Bruno's Church in Carney. They shared 56 years loving years of marriage. She preceded him in death in 2015.
John was employed with Harnishfeger from 1959 until 1983 as a welder. He later worked at the Escanaba Airport as a mechanic.
He enjoyed hunting at his camp in Waucedah, MI. Over the years, John and Susan had many wonderful vacations together including traveling to England, Ireland, Spain, Portugal, France, Mexico and Hawaii.
John had a passion for building Street Rods since the age of 18. He built a '32 Ford Pickup Truck, '32 Ford Super Charged Roadster, '32 Ford Coupe, '32 Ford Sedan, '49 Pickup Truck, and a '50 Ford Sedan during his lifetime.
He was a member of the Peninsula Stock Car Association, U.P. Vintage Tin for a number of years, and Krusin' Klassics Car Club. You could find him on Saturday nights racing stock cars on the dirt track. He was the owner of John's Hot Rod Shop where no body was ever turned away or billed.
He is survived by children, Mark (Alice) Lemerand of Wetmore, MI, Cathy Narsete of Houston, TX, Sandy Lemerand of Escanaba, Mike (Tina) Lemerand of Wells, and Jeff (Lynn) Lemerand of Freeland, MI; grandchildren, Ryan Gendreau, McKinze Mott, Andrew Gendreau, Marie Clark, John Lemerand, Michael Lemerand Jr., Michael and Connor Narsete, and Ell, Esther, Edith, and Edwin Lemerand; and six great grandchildren.
In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by brother, Gordon Lemerand; and sister, Sally Joe Lemerand.
A special thank you to Judy Brazeau and her family for their love and care during this difficult time.
Visitation will be held on Friday, October 4th from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Crawford Funeral Home, 302 S. 13th St., Escanaba. The Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 12:30 p.m. at St. Anthony's Church with Rev. Rick Courier officiating. At the conclusion of the mass, a meal will be served in the church hall. The committal service and military honors will follow at Gardens of Rest Cemetery at 2:45 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to the John Lemerand Scholarship Fund at Bay College to benefit welding students.
Send donations to John Lemerand Scholarship Fund, Bay College Foundation, 2001 North Lincoln Road, Escanaba, MI 49829.
A message of condolence may be directed to the family by visiting www.crawfordfuneralhomes.net. The Crawford Funeral Homes are assisting the family with arrangements.