Albert Peter Gagne

Albert Peter Gagne

HARRIS — Albert Peter Gagne, 91, of Harris, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 24, 2023, at St. Vincent Hospital in Green Bay with family by his side.

He was born on April 29, 1932, in Spalding, Mich., son to Mose and Alma (Murray) Gagne. Albert graduated from Powers-Spalding High School Class of 1950. After high school, he worked as a welder at the Ford Motor Company Plant in Dearborn, Michigan. In later years, he had the opportunity to take the Ford Rouge Factory Tour, visit the Henry Ford Museum and tour the Greenfield Village. All of which he enjoyed.

Albert was a Korean War veteran. On November 6, 1952, he was drafted into the U.S. Army. He took Signal Training at Fort Monmouth, New Jersey and then was stationed in Japan as a Teletype Equipment Mechanic. He served in the Army from 1952 until his honorable discharge in 1954. Albert earned the rank of Corporal and was honored with the Korean Service Ribbon, United Nationals Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal. He proudly participated in the September 2016 U.P. Honor Flight accompanied by his granddaughter, Deanna Sturdy.

On August 26, 1956, Albert married Evelyn June Erickson at the Bark River Bible Church. They were instrumental with starting the church and the first couple to be married there.

Albert was employed as a welder at Harnischfeger for 30 years until the company closed.

He was a family man and family members referred to him as their Ace #1 Dad who was kind, gentle, soft spoken, and had a great sense of humor. His favorite pastime was spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who were the apple of his eye. He also enjoyed spending time at the family cottage.

Albert loved going to flea markets; attending the EAA Fly-Ins; he was a collector of model airplanes, tractors, and sleighs; and was a skilled craftsman who excelled at refinishing old furniture. He also liked feeding the birds and bird watching. In his earlier years he enjoyed deer hunting. He was an avid Green Bay Packer fan. Albert decorated for all of the seasons and always included lots of lights, especially at Christmas, which he loved. He enjoyed country, blue grass and Southern gospel music and loved when the family gathered together and played their instruments and sang for him.

During Albert’s last week on earth, he expressed to his family that he wanted to get better. But, we believe he caught a glimpse of the Glory Land and it was so beautiful and serene there, he chose to stay. The words of his favorite song were “Lord, build me a cabin in the corner of Glory Land”. He is now at peace and has his cabin in Glory.

Survivors include his wife, Evelyn of Harris; children, Mindy (Tom) Carlson of Ford River, Cindy (Randy) Betters of Powers, Becky Kleikamp of Harris, and Patty Dubrock of Bark River; grandchildren, Deanna (Nick) Sturdy, Mark Kleikamp, Michelle (Brandon) Savage, and Whitney (Alec) Wandahsega; great-grandchildren, Braelyn and Avaree Savage; siblings, Fred (Carole) Gagne, Kenneth (Lorna) Gagne, Joyce (David) Vandermissen, and Gary (Julie) Gagne; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Allan Dubrock; and siblings, Lorena Pragacz, Robert Gagne, Dorothy Hughson, Alfred Gagne (his twin), Maryanne Forcey and Elizabeth Arvan.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, October 3 from 10:30 a.m. to noon (Eastern Time) at the Bark River United Methodist Church, 3716 D Road, Bark River. (Two miles south of the caution light in Bark River.) The service will follow at noon with Pastor Christine Bergquist officiating. At the conclusion of the service, a meal will be served in the church fellowship hall.

The committal rites and military honors will take place at 2:30 p.m. (Eastern Time) at the Harris Township Presbyterian Cemetery. A message of condolence may be directed to the family by visiting www.crawfordfuneralhomes.net.

The Crawford Funeral Homes are assisting the family.