Edward E. "Ike" Gagnon, Jr.

Edward Evans Gagnon Jr “Ike” age 82, a lifelong resident of Rockland, Michigan passed away peacefully on August 14, 2021, at his home. He was born on January 30, 1939 to Edward Sr. and Lorraine (Slade) Gagnon. He married Julie Wonsey on May 28, 1977, in Rockland.

He attended and graduated from Rockland high school in 1956. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army and served in the 82nd airborne division. In his early years he worked for the Ontonagon Paper Mill, Lakeshore, White Pine Copper Mine, Heggs Plumbing, and Gagnon Plumbing and Heating. He and his wife owned and operated an adult foster care home for 29 years and he worked for and retired from U.P. Engineers and Architects.  After retirement he loved to travel south for the winter months with his wife. He was a handyman extraordinaire, avid gardener, outdoorsman, hunter, and fisherman. He was a prudent man. He selflessly served family, friends and complete strangers with his time, talent, generosity, strong handshake, sparkling eyes, and warm smile. Nothing put a smile on his face like his grandchildren and great grandchildren. A doting grandfather for sure. He was a member of the Rockland United Methodist Church.

He is survived by his wife, Julie of Rockland; his children, William Gagnon of St. Cloud, MN; Ronald Gagnon of Escanaba, MI; Richard (Pamela) Gagnon of Southfield, MI; Jacqueline (Rick) Niemi of Nisula, MI; stepchildren, Jody Leonard of Mass City, MI; and Carolyn (Denise) Leonard of Washington, MI; brother Henry (Sally) Gagnon of Rockland; sisters Catherine Fredrickson of Land O’ Lakes, FL and Nancy Johnson of Aurora, MN; brother-in-law Robert Reid of Ontonagon, MI. He had twelve grandchildren; Shawn, Heather, Tony, Amy, Deserae, Hannah, Chelsey, Ann, Joel, Jenna, Jay, and Logan; thirteen great grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Ed is preceded in death by his parents, Edward Sr. and Lorraine; brother Guy Gagnon; sisters Nannette (Gordon) Seid and Karen Reid; brothers-in-law Gale Fredrickson and Jake Johnson.

As requested by Ed, a private family service will take place at the Woodlawn Cemetery in Rockland.

The family of Ed wishes to extend our sincere thanks to U.P. Health System Home Health and Hospice and Cane Funeral Home. 

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