Lois Erspamer
MARQUETTE, MI – Lois Mae Erspamer, 97, of Marquette, died peacefully Sunday evening, February 12th, 2023, at her home surrounded by her loving family and under the care of U.P. Home Health and Hospice and her caregivers, Ada Dalgleish and Sue Reider.
Lois was born on May 11th, 1925, in Norway, Michigan, a daughter of the late Ernest and Anne (Dellatorre) Ropele. She was a 1942 graduate of Norway High School. On June 5th, 1948, Lois married Jim Erspamer at St. Barbara’s Catholic Church in Vulcan, Michigan and together they were married for 63 years.
Lois received a Bachelor’s degree from Columbus Hospital (Loyola) in Chicago. She was then employed as a registered nurse at Columbus Hospital, Iron Mountain and at the former St. Mary’s Hospital in Marquette from where she retired.
In her free time, Lois most enjoyed following her grandchildren’s sporting activities as well as baking, cooking and caring for her family. She was a longtime member of St. Michael Catholic Church, as well as, its altar society.
She is survived by three children, Beth (Don) St.Onge, Dan Erspamer and Tom (Cathy) Erspamer, all of Marquette; 6 grandchildren, Amy (Ricky) Riley, Matt (Kim) St. Onge, Bobby Erspamer, Lynne (Nate) Taurence, Katie (Erik) Paveglio, and Bryan (Jade) Erspamer; 9 great-grandchildren, Brayden, Allie, Hailey, Hannah, Morgan, Taylor, Madison, Callahan, and Locklyn, also several nieces and nephews.
Preceding her in death besides her parents, was her husband, James Erspamer on June 17th, 2011, a sister, Ernestine Moln and brother, Marvin (Veronica) Ropele.
The Erspamer family will greet relatives and friends on Thursday, February 16th, beginning at 10:30 a.m., in St. Michael Catholic Church until the time of the Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 12 noon in the church, with the Rev. Greg Heikkala officiating. Burial will take place in the Holy Cross Cemetery. A luncheon will be served in the Zyrd Parish Center immediately following the Mass.
Those wishing to make an expression of sympathy are kindly asked to consider the St. Michael Church Memorial Fund, 401 W. Kaye Ave., Marquette, MI 49855 or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, in Mrs. Erspamer’s memory.
Canale-Tonella Funeral Home and Cremation Services is assisting the family, where memories of Lois may be shared at canalefuneral.com.