Peter Roi Pelissier

MARQUETTE, MI - It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Peter Roi Pelissier on June 7, 2024. Peter passed away peacefully at the Trillium House in Marquette, Michigan.
Peter Roi Pelissier was born on April 11, 1946 in St. Luke's Hospital in Marquette, Michigan. Peter was raised Catholic and was an altar boy at St. Peter Cathedral growing up. As the son of a surveyor and telephone operator, he got his start in the workforce as a teenager at the local roller rink and at Angeli's Market. Peter was a 1964 graduate of Bishop Baraga High School and briefly studied art at Northern Michigan University. He served his country in the Army National Guard in combat Engineering from 1966-1971, which included a title 10 activation to help squelch the 1967 Detroit Riots.
He worked as a switchman for both railroads and spent time as a mason for Dollar Construction. After marrying the love of his life, Margaret Burbey, in 1980, Peter went on to garner employment at the Marquette County Courthouse where he retired as the lead service worker. Upon retirement Pete went on to do grounds work and assist in burial services at Holy Cross Cemetery. He felt very honored with the position and took great pride in being a part of the organization. He liked to reflect on his time there as a service and not just another job.
Pete was an artist and talented painter from a young age. He enjoyed reminiscing over libations with family and friends and loved sharing the experiences of his past. He had a passion for history and was a walking encyclopedia when it came to America's Civil War. As a staunch Green Bay Packer fan, he never missed a game. He also would like to reflect on Northern Michigan University's Football and Hockey's glory years and always kept up on what was going on with Marquette's local sports teams. He was a proud 4th generation South Marquetter and loved his hometown to its core.
Peter had a love for music and could never get enough of Elvis or The Beatles. He learned how to play the drums a little later in life alongside of his brother, Ray and father, Toody who were established musicians in their own right. They called themselves the 3 P's. Pete loved playing the drums and did so up until he couldn't anymore.
Besides his family, one of the things he was most proud of and enjoyed the most was when he was part of inheriting the old Pelissier Homestead in Sands Township. Pete was a good man who touched the lives of many. His strength, compassion, wisdom, and humor will be remembered generously by all who knew him.
He is survived by his wife, Margaret (Burbey) Pelissier; son, Andrew Pelissier; brother, Raymond Pelissier; sister-in-law, Sharron (Halonen) Pelissier; step-daughters (whom he loved like his own), Michelle (Steve) Holliday, Rebecca (Christopher) Kukla, and Kelly Christian; grandchildren, Robert Holliday, Rachel (Jon) Haney, Loran Kukla, Ryan Kukla, Scott Kukla, Eric Robert, Deidre (Ryan) Smeltzer, and Jenna Karki; great-grandchildren, Lowell Merkes, Marsden Merkes, Ivy Smeltzer, and Penny Smeltzer; and cousin, Timothy Clemins from up the street.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Wallace "Toody" Pelissier and Florence (Eastley) Pelissier; grandparents, Noa Pelissier, Nellie (Hogan) Pelissier, Thorvald Eastley and Birgiet (Hauvslaund) Eastley; and a slew of aunts and uncles whom he adored dearly.
There will be a celebration of life at his home at 1001 Champion Street in Marquette on Saturday, June 15th starting at 2:00 pm.
Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com