Mr. Michael Raymond Meldrum

Michael Raymond Meldrum, 64, of Marquette, passed away Monday morning, March 11, 2013 at his home in the comfort of his family and under the care of Lake Superior Hospice following a 10-month struggle with Multiple Myeloma. Michael was born on June 12, 1948 in Marquette, Michigan. He grew up in Grand Marais and Marquette. From early on, Michael showed devotion to his family, roots, faith and individuality. In 1966, Michael graduated from Bishop Baraga High School. He completed his Bachelor of Science in Education at Northern Michigan University in 1971 and his Masters in Guidance and Counseling a few years later. Michael taught mathematics and was a counselor in Republic-Michigamme Public Schools for 8 years. In 1979 Michael completed a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting and afterward moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota. There Michael worked as a Certified Public Accountant for Pete, Marwick and Mitchell, the Soo Line Railroad and Opus Corporation. While living in Minnesota and Illinois, Michael, his wife and daughters frequently traveled back to the Upper Peninsula to be with family and enjoy life on Lake Superior. Spending the Fourth of July in Grand Marais was one of his favorite traditions. Michael and his family traveled to Hawaii, Mexico and Europe. He made several fishing trips to Canada and Florida, especially with his father, Pickle. In 1995, Michael returned to Marquette to work in Marquette Public Schools. Later he moved to Lapeer to work in their school system. Finally in 2004, Michael returned to the Marquette area where he had resided ever since. He worked as a substitute teacher where he enjoyed the students and fellow teachers. After retiring, Michael served as the bookkeeper for the Republic Educators Investment Club. He enjoyed reading and walking with his dog in the woods or on the beach. Michael enjoyed attending Packer and Tiger games with his family and friends. He studied history in his leisure time, traveled around the United States and always spent time with his family. Michael is survived by his loving wife, Linda, with whom he shared 38 years of marriage; 3 daughters, Stacy Busch of Marquette, Jennifer Busch of Milwaukee, WI and Melissa Meldrum (Aaron) of Moab, Utah; his cherished grandson, Ethan Busch Anderson of Marquette and cherished granddaughter, Jessiqua Busch of Milwaukee, WI; his mother, Rosie Meldrum of Marquette; his parents-in-law, Robert and Kay Pecotte of Menominee; sisters, Mary Stevenson (Jeffrey), Marcia Meldrum and Melani "Peeper" DePetro' (Thomas) all of Marquette; nieces, Bobbi Ross (Jesse), Becky Duke (Mike) and Toni DePetro; nephews, Jay Pecotte (Norma Jean), Ben Bocklund, Dominic DePetro and Charlie Meldrum; great uncle, Ted Senecal; brothers-in-law, Robert Pecotte (Anne) and Jeffrey Pecotte, and many cousins. Michael was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Michael and Sarah Senecal and paternal grandparents, Mae and Ray Meldrum; his brother, Melvin Meldrum and his father Harold "Pickle" Meldrum. Visitation will take place on Thursday from 12 noon to 3 p.m. at St. Michael Catholic Church in Marquette. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 3 p.m. Thursday in the church with the Rev. Nicholas Thompson and the Rev. Pawel Mecwel concelebrating with Deacon Don Thoren assisting. A luncheon will immediately follow the Mass in the Zyrd Parish Center. Spring burial will take place at Holy Rosary Catholic Cemetery in Grand Marais. Pallbearers will be Larry Bluse, Jerry Racine, Earl Elliason, Roy Kemppainen, Doug Kulva and Dave Laitala. Those wishing to make an expression of sympathy are kindly asked to consider Gift of Life Transplant House, 705 2nd St., SW, Rochester, MN 55902 in Mr. Meldrum's memory.