Loren Mead

Loren Mead 98, of Gladstone passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday Sept. 25, 2024.

Loren was born in Cazenovia, Wisconsin to Robert and Alice (Sole) Mead on September 21, 1926 at the family home. Growing up he lived in Cazenovia, Necedah, New Minor, and Hayward, WI. He was the fifth of ten children. From October 1944 to November 1946, Loren served as a private in the U.S. Army in the 2nd armored division making the grade of T-5. He was stationed at Fort Knox and Marktl, Germany. After his discharge he worked at various factories in the Milwaukee area until he found a love for building. He attended a trade school learning all he could about construction and spent hours at the library reading about building. In 1952, he built his first house which was for his mother. Loren then went to work full time in construction in the Milwaukee area. He moved to the U.P. in 1964 and continued building and remodeling many homes and businesses in the Escanaba area. Loren loved working with his hands and building things. He took great pride in his work and remained friends with many of his clients. In 1973, Loren met Nancy Christiansen and on April 6, 1974 they married in Escanaba. Together they raised three children.

Loren is survived by his wife of fifty years, Nancy; his children Misti (Brian) Giffin, HMarri Rojas, Amanisha Jay, Michael Mead, Timothy (Yun) Mead, Cheryl (Ron) Hruby and Joseph (Rachelle) Mead; grandchildren Evie, Lyla, Ruby, Jacob, Harrison, Millie, Raymond, Sheena, Ron, Michelle (Travis) Lumbra, and Marillassa; great grandchildren Kyra, Kaitlyn, Peyton, and Paige; and his sister Helen Palous.

Loren was preceded in death by his parents; infant son Tobin; brothers Harold, Donald, Bill, Robert and John; and sisters Evelyn, Dorothy, and Lela.

Loren loved working. He was an avid reader – mostly westerns, and he enjoyed gardening, camping, and was happiest when he was fishing or “putzing” around at his cabin on Rowan Lake in Ontario, Canada.

In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be directed to St. Jude Hospital or a charity of your choice.

Visitation will be on Saturday, September 28 from 11:00 am – 12:00 pm at the chapel at Gardens of Rest Cemetery in Wells followed by a funeral service from 12:00 pm – 12:30 pm with Pastor Paul Culbertson officiating.

Graveside services will be held at 1:00 PM with Military Honors presented by the Gladstone American Legion Post 71 and the US Army Funeral Honor Guard.

The Mead family wishes to thank UP Hospice for their amazing care and compassion. Their support allowed us to keep Loren at home during his final days.

The Mead family is being assisted by the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone.