Ishpeming- Lowell Robert "Onion" Tatrault, age 88 formerly of 605 Washington St. Ishpeming, passed away Sunday, September 21, 2008 at the Mather Nursing Center where he been a resident for the past 3 years.

Lowell was born on August 10, 1920 in Ishpeming to Josephine (Thibeault) and Louis Tatrault. Lowell was raised in the Barnum location with his siblings. Lowell's father was killed in a mining accident when Lowell was 7 years old. Lowell had to grow up quickly and contribute to support the family.

Lowell left school early to prepare for adult life. Lowell was in the CCC's and left Ishpeming to serve in World War II, serving under General George Patton in the Third Army. He saw action in Germany, France, Italy and Czechoslovakia. Lowell once had the privilege of seeing General Patton, and Eisenhower with President Truman together in one vehicle. Lowell was decorated with a bronze battle star.

Lowell's passions were very diverse. He was known as an avid outdoorsman. He hunted deer, bird, goose and rabbit. He was also passionate about trapping. Lowell continued these activities until he was age 80. After a stroke he continued to trap until he could not do so anymore. His doctors told him he had to stop. Lowell was an avid reader and World War II historian. Lowell was gifted athletically, very interested in sports, politics' and the environment. Lowell and Viola danced to the "big bands" and were known as very good dancers. Lowell loved to fish for brook trout and fished Lake Superior for lake trout with his special friend Jerry Paju. Lowell and Viola (Backa) were married May 9, 1942.

Lowell worked for C.C.I. for 30 years, he began underground and worked at the Negaunee, Lloyd, Bunker Hill and the Mather A mines, finishing at the Republic Mine. He then drove school bus for the Ishpeming School district for 10 years.

Lowell is survived by 4 children: Pauline (William) Grawey of Ishpeming, Blair R. (Lisa) Tatrault of Stevensville, MI, Joseph L. (Susan Hoffman) Tatrault of Astoria, OR, and Audrey Pettersen of Negaunee, 5 grandchildren: Shawn (Kevin) Hodges of Ishpeming, Renee (Sean) Gaudet of Wesley Chapel, FL, Adrian Tatrault of Stevensville, MI, Eric Pettersen and Nolan Pettersen both of Bergen, Norway, 3 great grandchildren: Chloe Gaudet, Brett and Benjamin Hodges, along with several nieces and nephews. Lowell was preceded in death by his wife Viola on April 15, 2008, a great granddaughter Maia Leilani Grawey, his parents, 2 brothers Allan and Lee Tatrault, 2 sisters Shirley Simula and Marguerite Ottman, and a son in law Jan Pettersen

Funeral services will be held 3:00pm Wednesday, September 24, 2008 at the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home with Fr. James Challancin officiating. Inurnment will take place at the Ishpeming Cemetery.

Friends may call the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home on Wednesday from 1:00pm until the time of service at 3:00p.m.

A luncheon will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church Hall following the service.