George Potvin

SCHAFFER — Veteran and Patriot George Potvin, 79, of Schaffer, (Ten Mile Creek area), passed away on December 8, 2024 at St. Vincents Hospital in Green Bay. George was a widely known and respected blacksmith and artist of numerous other artistic disciplines, including bladesmithing. His specialty was making completely hand crafted knives with handmade sheaths for each individual knife. He crafted many from several types of Damascus steel which he made in his home forge. He loved to design and fabricate tools and machinery. He headed up the U.P. Steam and Gas Engine Blacksmith Shop for 49 of its 50 years of existence, handing down that title to his youngest daughter, Rebecca. He will be remembered for his many years of contributions to the community and surrounding locations including Fayette State Park, Fort Wilkins State Park, the Iron County Museum in Caspian, the Negaunee Iron Museum, Norway, Michigan’s Leif Erickson Day, and the West Shore Fishing Museum, among many other special demonstrations as well as holding 15 years of classes for interested individuals. George had two daughters from his first marriage, Amy and Rebecca and Maureen had one, Sarah, so they were blessed with three, and many grandchildren and great grandchildren. His kind soul will be missed and remembered by all who knew him. George was a member of the American Legion Post 438, taking part in years of Memorial Day services, Fourth of July Parades and stood guard as a Legion Member at many Legion funeral services. George was preceded in death by his son George, his parents, Joe and Lillian Potvin, and three brothers, Jack, Jim and Joseph (Buckshot). He is also survived by a sister, Margaret Viau. His place of rest will be at the Schaffer Cemetery. A Celebration of his Life is scheduled for May 17th (Armed Forces Day), from 1 until 4 p.m. at the Bark River Senior Citizens Center.