Wayne “Trapper” Trepanier

He was born on March 18, 1939, in Marquette, Michigan, to Lionel and Evelyn (Peterson) Trepanier.

Wayne grew up in Marquette and graduated from John D. Pierce High School in 1957. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in industrial arts and a master’s degree in counseling and educational administration from Northern Michigan University.

Wayne devoted his professional life to education and public service. He began his career as a teacher and principal with St. Ignace Township Schools, later serving as principal and superintendent for the Detour Area School District. In 1969, he moved to Sault Ste. Marie to become a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor with the Michigan Department of Education. In this role, he provided extensive services and support to adults with disabilities across Chippewa, Mackinac, and Luce counties. He remained in this position until his retirement in 1995.

Wayne was deeply committed to his community. He served for thirty-eight years on the Eastern Upper Peninsula Intermediate School District Board, held various positions on the Dafter Township Board for over thirty-five years, and was a longtime member of the Dafter Lions Club and the Sault Elks Club.

An avid sportsman, Wayne embraced everything nature had to offer. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, trapping, and a wide range of outdoor pursuits. In his early years, he was a Sea Scout leader in Marquette and captained countless adventures on Lake Superior. He also served as a scuba diver for the Michigan State Police. In retirement, Wayne continued traveling throughout the United States and Canada on fishing and hunting expeditions, and enjoyed other recreational adventures.

Wayne and his wife spent their winters at their other home in Inverness, Florida, where he became well known for riding his scooter through the neighborhood and visiting daily with friends and neighbors.

Wayne was a natural problem-solver and builder. He engineered deer blinds and ice shanties, and operated a small business buying and selling cars, boats, and snowmobiles. Above all, he will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, and unwavering willingness to help others.

Wayne is survived by his wife of sixty-three years, Mildred “Midge” Trepanier; daughters, Sheri (Dan Buhro) McFarlane of Barbeau, Michigan, and Tammy Nyen (Greg) of Marquette, Michigan; grandchildren, Jeffrey Wilson of Dafter, Michigan, Kevin Wilson of Sault Ste. Marie, Timothy (Shannon) Fruik of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, Tyler (Mollie) Fruik of Austin, Texas, Gabe Nyen of St. Paul, Minnesota, and Natalie Nyen (Ry Shuderak) of Wausau, Wisconsin; great-grandson, Coulton Wilson of Dafter; brother, Lionel Trepanier of Florida; and many nieces and nephews.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, Lionel and Evelyn.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Wayne’s physician of more than twenty-five years, Dr. Thilak Chander and his staff, the staff at Sault Cardiology, the staff at Norlite Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Marquette, Michigan, and the compassionate caregivers at Ball Hospice House in Sault Ste. Marie.

Per Wayne’s request, no services will be held.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Ball Hospice House, 308 W 12th Ave, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783.

Family Life Funeral Homes ­ Sault Ste. Marie assisted the family with arrangements. Condolences may be given to the family at www.familylifefh.com.