Vernon “Butch” Noel

He was born August 28, 1942, in Ishpeming, a son of the late John B. And Ethel (Mahaffey) Noel. He was raised in Sands Township and was a 1959 graduate of Gwinn High School.

Butch enlisted and served in the US Marine Corp. for 4 years.

He worked his entire career at CCI as a repairman and retired in 1998 after 30+ years of service to the company.

Butch was a life member of the Little Lake American Legion Post 349. He served in many positions at the post. He was a member of their board, served as Sergent at Arms, 1st & 2nd Adjutant, Post Commander, 12th district Vice Commander and District Commander, 5th Zone Commander and UP Association Commander. He also was the 12th District Adjutant, Department Assistant Membership Chairman and post development committee. He played a vital role in starting new American Legion Posts in Houghton, Ontonagon, Hubble, Garden, Engadine and Mackinac Island. He attended many department conventions as well as UP conventions. He marched in convention parades in Grand Rapids and Lansing with the 12th District Color Guard as well as parades in the UP. He was active as the post color guard leader and funeral honor guard. He volunteered many hours as BINGO Chairman and chairman of charity ticket sales, volunteered for pasties and worked many hours to help make the HOG Bike Show at the post a success which donated nearly $500,000 to Bay Cliff Health Camp over the past 16 years, highway cleanup for 10 years and donated his time doing plumbing, electrical and odd jobs keeping the post in fine shape.

In his spare time, Burch enjoyed spending time at his camp in Northland. He will be remembered for his sharp wit.

Butch is survived by his wife of 59 years, Helen Noel of Little Lake; daughter, Tammy (Dennis) DeVooght of Harvey; grandchildren, Bo and Gabe Zeug; siblings, Sandy Persons of Evansville, WI, Kay Noel of California, Pauline Black of Skandia and James Noel of Roseau, MN; in-laws, Don (Susan) Gauthier of Gwinn, Tom (Robbin) Gauthier of Little Lake, Kathy (Bill) Akerley of Little Lake and Cindy Gauthier of Little Lake; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Jeanette Williams, Judith Knapp, Marjorie Nielsen, Bill Noel and Debbie Aldi.

A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, August 28, 2024 at 12 Noon at the Little Lake American Legion Post 349. Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the service. A luncheon will follow the service at the post. Military Honors will be provided by the legion and US Marine Corp. Burial will take place next spring in the Gwinn Cemetery.

Canale-Gwinn Funeral Home and Cremation Services is assisting the family where memories may be shared at canalefuneral.com.