Perkins, MI
Bertrand “Joe” Lordson, age 64 of Perkins, lost his battle to pancreatic cancer on Thursday, June 13, 2024 surrounded by his loving family at Aurora Medical Center in Marinette, WI.
Joe was born on October 20, 1959 in St. Ignace, MI the son of Melvin “Tony” and Lois (Harrison) Lordson. He attended Mackinac, Pickford and Negaunee schools.
Joe held many titles in his life, but his favorite was being a family man. In later years his true love became his grandchildren. He cherished the special bond he carried with his family. Joe was a hard worker always prioritizing his family. Joe worked various jobs. His first job was as a guide for tourists on Mackinac Island. He went on to work road construction alongside his father and brothers for Fox Valley Construction Company. He was a laborer for Local Union 1329 for many years, retiring with Gunlach Champion.
Joe took pride in being a ginseng farmer starting the Superior Land Ginseng Farms with his parents in 1986, then later with his brother, Robert. He also had a special talent of gardening and enjoyed sharing crops with anyone and everyone. Joe had a love for antiquing, which started with his mother digging in old settlement dumps and metal detecting together. His passion for antiques was then shared with his son, Clifford and daughter, Kristin, specifically collecting UP pharmacy medicine bottles.
Joe also loved golfing, fishing and trapping. He had a generous and gentle heart, always lending a hand when needed.
The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Marinette Aurora Health Care and Rochester Mayo Clinic for their caring support.
In addition to his beloved Mother, Lois, Joe is survived by: Children: Kelly (Scott) Macaulay, Clifford Lordson, Casey Lordson and Kristin (Nathan Miron) Lordson. Siblings: Danny (Janet) Lordson, Sharri (Lordson) Rye, Dana Lordson, Julie (Matt) Hoffmeyer, and Robert (Jenny) Lordson. Grandchildren: Ezra & Harmony Sloop, and Henrik and Arthur Macaulay. Mother of his children: Debra (McCasey) Lordson Joe also leaves behind many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.
Joe came to know his Savior, sharing what he knew with his mother and accepting Jesus Christ into his life.
In addition to his Father, Tony Lordson, he is preceded in death by: Nephew: Daniel Lordson Grandparents: Ellsworth & Rena Lordson, Clifford & Dorathy Harrison And Sister-in-law: Lynn Lordson.
Family will receive friends on Thursday, June 20, 2024 from Noon until 2:00 PM at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Funeral services will follow at 2:00 PM. Joe will be laid to rest at the Perkins Cemetery. Family will gather at the farm to continue celebrating Joe’s life.
Patti Clancy - Marquette, MI
I met Joe in the early years of his farming enterprise in Gladstone. I have always thought he was a remarkable person, as he figured out at a young age how to make a living growing ginseng in the U.P. Joe was unassuming in manner, so all the problem solving and work he put in were not what he talked about. Rather, he liked to show people what he was growing. His ginseng sold well to clients from China. He also grew beautiful vegetables and shared them with lots of people. It goes almost without saying that Joe had a heart.
Becca - ROCK, MI
Death is a Horizon, A Horizon is but the end of sight
Been thinking about you guys, Becca
Perry and Tanya Lund - Gladstone, Michigan
My husband and I met Joe several years ago. He was such a kind soul. He was very quiet, but he absolutely unequivocally loved “picking” he loved antiques and estate sales. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family. He will be missed.
Maryland and Delaware East Coast Family - Frankford, DE
The Family of Abigail Friets planted 20 trees in a national forest through Echovita in the name of “Joe” Lordson. We want to extend our deepest sympathy and sincere condolences to the Lordson family. Joe exemplified what a true “Yooper” was and showed us East Coast folks what it takes to live off the land.
Judy Ebbesen - Sun City, AZ
My heart is so heavy as I read this. I taught all four of the Lordson kids and you knew Joe loved them all. I enjoyed seeing all the family photos at his house, especially with his grandchildren, or at the golf course that Deb posted on Facebook. My condolences to the whole family.
Jennifer lordson - Perkins, MI
My brother-n-law, more than that was always there for me, jenny lordson, rustling up cows or a ride to town he was there for me, never will forget you my sweet joe!
Amy Constantino and Family - Gladstone, MI
Kristin and Nate, we are so sorry to hear about your fathers passing. Our son Conner shared good memories about helping plant at the farm. Stay strong and God Bless.
Mary Westlund - Rock, MI
I remember when Debbie and Joe brought so many pumkins to Mid Pen school so each child could have one ….Joe was so quiet but had the biggest Heart he will be missed❤️prayers to All
Brad Cuyler - NEGAUNEE, MI, MI
Sorry to hear of Joe’s passing, I met Joe when he was working with Gundlach Champion and we both shared a passion for collecting antique bottles. He was a great guy, friend & super collector. Thoughts and Prayers to Joe’s Family, he will be greatly missed.
Dave - Perkins, MI
I was blessed to have lived down the road from Joe. He was the type of neighbor everyone wished they had. Kind, generous & always eager to lend a helping hand. I long admired his extraordinary work ethic and quiet strength. He will be missed. R.I.P. Joe….you earned it.
Theresa Madden - Gladstone , Mi
Our prayers are with you Deb & Kristin and your whole family, these are the tougher times to see someone we love leave us. You both are loved by so many, God bless, friends Theresa and Pat Madden
Ron Martin - Oxford, AR
Ron & Jeanne, I just can’t tell you how tough it’s been hearing about Joe. He’s been a great friend and more good times and memories over the years than you could ever count! My sincere condolences to the Lordson family. I’m going to miss my friend!
Andrea Perry - Onondaga, MI
I never met him living downstate most of my life sadly. Sincerest condolences to the rest of my family. I’m the daughter of the late Francis n Joy (Andrews) grand daughter of the late Alfred and Agnes (Hill) Lordson.