Gail Ann Green

Gail was born December 4th, 1947, in Marquette, a daughter of Robert James and Gloria Faye (O’Donnell) Belmore. She was raised in Marquette and graduated from Bishop Baraga High School, Class of 1966. Following graduation, she was employed for a time at St. Mary’s Hospital. On August 9th, 1969, Gail was united in marriage to her soulmate, John Garth Green, and together the couple made their home in Marquette and began raising a family. For over 20 years, Gail was employed as a unit clerk in outpatient surgery with Marquette General Hospital, while at the same time assisting her husband with the ownership and operation of Joe’s Bar (now the Portside Inn) from 1969 until 1980. She was at Garth’s side, supporting him in all his business ventures and adventures. In 1999, the couple relocated to Iron Mountain where they owned and operated several taverns, the favorite being the Country Bar in Niagara, Wisconsin. Following a fire in 2005, the couple rebuilt and reopened it as Garth’s Country Bar, operating it until 2012, when Garth retired. Following the death of Garth on January 21st, 2019, Gail returned to live at Lost Creek in Marquette Township.

She was employed with her daughter, Gretchen, at Superior Contact for ten years prior to her own retirement. Gail’s main interests in later life centered upon her grandchildren, whom she dearly loved. They brought enjoyment and fulfillment to her life and she treasured and lovingly spoiled them.

Gail was also a very caring person who enjoyed helping people and was a caregiver to her family and friends.

She was a mom to everyone. In her leisure she enjoyed cooking, crafting, BINGO, going to the casino where she was usually lucky, doing cross-stitch, and hunting, fishing, mushroom hunting, and going for rides in the woods with her husband. Along with her mother, Gail enjoyed collecting figurines of the famous circus performer and clown, Emmett Kelly, Jr., who portrayed “Weary Willie”, based on the hobos of the Depression Era. Once at a signing in Green Bay, Faye, Gail and former sister-in-law, Cheryl, were fortunate enough to meet Emmett Kelly, Jr. He was quite taken with Gail and passed her a note inviting them out for coffee (as an aside, Emmett Kelly never spoke when in character).

Afterwards, he continued to send letters, postcards and gifts to her, daily, for many years, so her collection was very unique.

Gail was a member of St. Peter Cathedral, a Mary Kay representative, and put together a group of friends at Lost Creek that formed the Wine-Pizza Crew that met regularly.

Gail is survived by her daughters, Gretchen (John Arvon) Green of West Branch Township and Christina (Hunter Westra) St. Martin of Murrieta, CA; former son-in-law and father of her grandchildren, Richard Hawes, Jr of Marquette; her grandchildren, Boden (McKenna Roos) Hawes, Viana Hawes, and Ashley (Ethan) Arvon Locke; great-grandchildren, Lakelyn Hawes, Henry Hawes, and Arabella Locke; her siblings, Debra “Bels” Belmore, Robert “Brud” (Freda) Belmore, and Michael “Belz” Belmore all of Marquette; sister-in-law, Concetta Green of Wausau, WI; brother-in-law, Robert (Gail) Green of Marquette; uncle, Raymond “Butch” Quinnell of Phoenix, AZ; god-daughter and special niece, Leanne (Brett) Labine; extended family, Nancy Belmore and Bridget and Michael Holm; many nieces, nephews, and cousins and friends at Lost Creek.

Gail was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Faye Belmore, William “Billy” Belmore; and in-laws, William and Kathleen Green; brothers-in-law, Neal (Gina) Green, and William Green III; several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

The family will receive relatives and friends in the Bishop’s Room at St. Peter Cathedral on Friday, April 14th, beginning at 10:00 am. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in the cathedral at 11:00 am with Rev. Msgr. Michael Steber, pastor, as celebrant. A reception will follow in Cathedral Hall.

Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com.