Ishpeming – Lee Joseph Mayrand, age 75 of 763 Elliott Ave, Ishpeming passed away on Friday March 16, 2007 at Marquette General Hospital.
Lee was born April 15, 1931 in Ishpeming the son of the late Henry and Helen (Nylander) Mayrand. He was a graduate of the Ishpeming High School, Class of 1949. He served his country in the United States Army, as an active duty Corporal in the Korean War. Joe worked for the Cleveland Cliffs Iron Co. for 37 years, mainly at the Republic and Empire mines, retiring on January 1, 1987 as a shift foreman.
Joe was a lifelong area resident and enjoyed the time he spent working with children. He began his work with children in the Ishpeming Jr. Ski Club and then he along with Jim Medlyn co-founded the Ishpeming Blue Notes in 1957. The Blue Notes was a passion of Joe's and he went on to be director of the Blue Notes for 17 years. In these years he influenced many young people, and had profound affects on their lives. Joe was also a lifetime member of the Negaunee City Band, where he was a drummer.
Survivors include his wife of 48 years, Faye (nee Allen) Mayrand of Ishpeming, a daughter Lori (Gary) Johnson of Randolph, MA; a son David (Linda) Mayrand of Rocklin, CA; grandchildren whom are twins – Kelsey and Kyle Mayrand; his twin sister – Janet Mayrand of Ishpeming; a brother Charles (Ann) Mayrand of Beaver Creek, OH; a sister-in-law Mary Mayrand of Hibbing, MN; along with several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Patricia Nelson and a brother Robert Mayrand.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00am on Wednesday March 21, 2007 at the Wesley United Methodist Church with the Rev. Scott Lindenberg to officiate. The family will greet friends and relatives from 10:00am until the time of services on Wednesday at the church.
Joe's obituary may also be viewed at www.bjorkandzhulkie.com where friends and relatives may leave a note of remembrance and sign his Guest Book.
The Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.