Trending
MARQUETTE, MI – Evelyn J. Poquette, 91, of Marquette, MI, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 10, 2026, at the Marquette County Medical Care Facility in Ishpeming.
Born on October 20, 1934, in Marquette to Ralph and Mary (Furaitor) Bigger, Evelyn was a lifelong resident of the Marquette area.
She dedicated much of her career to Marquette Public Schools, serving for 28 years, including one year as bookstore manager and 27 years as assistant accountant, retiring on September 30, 1994.
A devoted community volunteer, Evelyn served as an officer of the Vandenboom School PTA and was elected to the Marquette Township School Board in 1967. She later served as board president and remained a member for 16 years until Vandenboom School was annexed to Marquette Public Schools.
She was also a Sunday school teacher and secretary at the former Trowbridge Park Chapel and was active as a Girl Scout leader, Boy Scout den mother, and 4-H leader.
Evelyn enjoyed bowling with her girlfriends and traveling to bowling tournaments, attending Green Bay Packer Games at Lambeau Field and Northern Michigan University hockey games, traveling to all 50 states, and taking several cruises. She treasured time spent at her winter home in Auburndale, Florida, and loved being with her friends there. She also enjoyed crafting, building puzzles, and making homemade jam for family and friends.
She is survived by her children, Harold Poquette of Cornell, Michigan, Debra Porter of Idaho Falls, Idaho, Lori (Paul) Olmschenk of Mahtomedi, Minnesota, and Allan (Dave Zolla) Poquette of Hopkins, Minnesota; her beloved grandson, Grant Olmschenk of Mahtomedi; step-grandson, Christopher Zorza; step-great-granddaughter, Allie (Justin) Hockin; her brother, Steven "Joe" Bigger of Marquette; her special niece, Cindy Gochanour; and several other nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter, Dena Poquette; her significant other, Tony Olson; brothers, Ronald K. Bigger and Ralph "Buck" Bigger; sister, Sharon Hughan; brother-in-law, Frank Hughan; sister-in-law, Patricia Bigger; daughter-in-law, Starr Poquette; son-in-law, Bob Porter; and former spouse and children’s father, Harold L. Poquette, Sr.
Visitation will be held on Friday, July 24, 2026, at Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral Home from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. A memorial service will follow at 11 a.m. in the funeral home with Pastor Kevin Taylor officiating. A luncheon will immediately follow the service in the reception room.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Evelyn’s name to U.P. Home Health and Hospice, 1125 W. Ridge Street, Marquette, Michigan 49855.
Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is assisting Evelyn’s family where memories and condolences may be shared at fassbenderswansonhansen.com