West 3755 US 2 - Spalding, Michigan 49886
Bernard "Bernie" Poquette, 77, Hermansville passed away peacefully on September 8, 2013 at Waukesha Memorial Hospital. He was born on March 15, 1936 to the late Alfred and Violet (Ayotte) Poquette in Hermansville. Bernie was a lifelong resident of Hermansville where he was a member of St. John Neumann/St. Mary's Church. He served as a Eucharistic Minister for many years and volunteered every Friday to make sure the residents at Pinecrest Medical Care Facility would make it to Mass. He was also one of many men over the years to make and serve the annual Mother's Day Breakfast.
After High School, he joined the U.S. Army. He served four years as a military policeman in Japan. When he returned, he would meet and marry his wife of 52 years, Harriet (Smith) on September 2, 1961 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Hermansville.
Bernie worked at Harnischfeger as a spot welder to eventually become a welder/pipefitter for Union Local # 506. He was a hard-working man who went wherever his skills were needed to provide a good home to his wife and four children.
He was a longtime member of the Floriano Stecker American Legion Post #340 and Sportsmans Club, also former volunteer fireman and driver for the Hermansville Rescue Squad.
Bernie was a good-hearted, fun-loving man who always had a helping hand for anyone that needed it. He had many friends and family he enjoyed being with especially if a game of Cribbage or Smear could be played. He always had a smile, a strong handshake, a warm hug or a prayer for everyone. Hunting season, fishing, camping, making maple syrup and sports were how the seasons of the year were defined. A loyal Detroit Lion/Tiger and Michigan Wolverine fan, he would proudly wear the colors and discuss the latest game with his boys. His hearty laugh and red hat will be remembered by many.
He is preceded in death by one son: Jeffrey Poquette, his parents, two brothers: Alfred Melvin Poquette of Pembine and Lester Poquette of Menominee, Mother and Father- in- law Margaret and Clifford LeBombard and brother-in-law: Arthur LeBombard.
Bernard is survived by his wife: Harriet, sons: Chris(Danette) Poquette of Waukesha, Eric (Tracy) Poquette of Huntington Beach California, daughter: Patricia (William) Cook of Felch, daughter- in-law: Gale (Jeffrey) Poquette of Lorena Texas, one brother: Loren (Yvonne) Poquette, three sisters: Evelyn (Jerry) Cappaert, Yvonne (Jack) Peterson and Gail (Jim) Cater and sister-in-law: Beverly Poquette. Also five brothers-in-law: Robert (Dana Sandberg) Smith, Martin (Patty) Smith, Donald (Sheri) LeBombard, Brian (Bonnie) LeBombard, Steven (Patti) LeBombard and three sisters-in-law: Jean (Jim) Mosenfelder, Joyce (Benny) LeBombard Souder and Linda Halifax, ten grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.
Friends may call from 1:30 to 4:00 p.m. (CST) on Friday September 13, 2013 at St. John Neumann Church in Spalding with Floriano Stecker American Legion Post #340 rites at 3:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 4:00 p.m. (CST) on Friday at church with Fr. Michael Vichich officiating. Burial will follow Mass in the Meyer Township Cemetery. A luncheon will be held in the church parish hall in Spalding after committal services.
The Allo Coolman Funeral Homes are assisting the Poquette family.
Please visit www.allofh.com to send online condolences to his family.
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"Once again, I join your wonderful family in sorrow and prayer. My life was also touched by Bernard over the years. He leaves a strong image. Having been with Gail on Sept 7, I know how sad, but strong, she was. I am with you today in love and condolences. I thank you all once more for the gift of my "sister" Gail. God knows and cares. Too Much! Too Soon!"
-Marilyn (Cater) Champine -
"We are so sorry for your family's loss. Though we never personally met Bernie, seeing the maple harvest video made it feel like we did. Our thoughts & prayers go out to you as you go through this difficult time. "
-Jan & Jay Leuenberger -
"Harriet, you are all in my thoughts as you go through these difficult days. Bernie will be missed by everyone, but you will have all those years of memories to keep him close. You will continue to be in my prayers in the days and weeks ahead. Love, Helen "
-Helen K. Plunger -
"Harriet, I am sorry to hear about your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts during this difficult time. Bernard was a great man and a wonderful Neighbor. I will always remember his friendly smile, his laugh and his kindness. He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him. Kris Estrada & family."
-Kris Estrada -
"Harriet, So sorry to hear about Bernard. He was such a good guy and a great help to Men-O-Mee clients and staff. You could always count on him to help out and that great laugh and smile were unmistakable. He will be greatly missed by the entire community of Hermansville. We will not be able to make it to the service but please know you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. My mom passed away last year and with the support of family and friends, we were able to get through it. I am sure your support is very strong and don't be afraid to rely on them. Tom & Debbie"
-Tom Warren -
"My deepest sympathies. Our thoughts and prayers are with you."
-Janice Sperka
