Rudolph Gagnon, Jr.
NEGAUNEE, MI-Rudolph Joseph ‘Rudy’ Gagnon, Jr., 83, of Negaunee, entered eternal life Wednesday morning, May 28, 2025 at UP Health System in Marquette while in the care of his loving family. He had been a resident of the DJ Jacobetti Home for Veterans for the past three years.
Rudy was born April 24, 1942 in Ishpeming to Rudolph Joseph and Carrie Elizabeth (Smith) Gagnon and grew up on Arch Street in Negaunee. He graduated from Negaunee High School, Class of 1960, where he participated in football, track, and was a member in the rifle club. Following graduation, he honorably served in the United States Marines from 19561-64 at Camp Pendleton and in Okinowa. Rudy married Sharon Kantola on June 15, 1968 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Negaunee.
Following his service in the Marines, Rudy earned his teaching degree from Northern Michigan University before beginning his teaching career at Marquette Senior High School. He taught industrial arts, night classes and drivers education.
Mr. Gagnon was a devout member at Immanuel Lutheran Church where he served on the church council. He was also an active member and volunteer of the Negaunee Elks Lodge, serving twice as Exalted Ruler and on numerous committees. During retirement and his free time, Rudy enjoyed collecting knives, woodworking, and stained-glass work. He loved spending time with family and friends at the family camp at Dead River Basin.
Surviving are his wife, Sharon; daughters: Lori (Mark) Young of Sands Township and Staci (Chris) Jones of Lexington, South Carolina; two grandsons, Tyler and Travis Young; his sister, Judy Ridley of Negaunee Township; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his in-laws, Elsie (Franti) and Marteen Kantola.
Rudy’s family extends a special thank you to the staff at the Jacobetti Home for their wonderful care provided over the past few years.
Visitation will be held from 10-11:30 am on Tuesday, June 3rd at Immanuel Lutheran Church with funeral services beginning at 11:30 am officiated by Rev. Bre Kinnunen. A luncheon reception will follow in the fellowship hall. Burial will be in the Negaunee Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed in Rudy’s memory to the DJ Jacobetti Home for Veterans or Immanuel Lutheran Church.
Mr. Gagnon’s memorial page may be viewed at koskeyfuneralhome.com.