Peter DeMay

Resided in Gladstone, MI
Died December 1, 2012

Gladstone, MI
Peter L. DeMay, age 84, of 326 N. 17th Street, Gladstone, passed away Saturday December 1, 2012 at the Aurora Bay Care Center in Green Bay, WI surrounded by his loving family.

Peter was born October 25, 1928 in Gladstone the son of Felix and Mary (DeHooghe) DeMay. He was raised in Moonshine Valley and he graduated from Gladstone High School, class of 1946. Following graduation, Pete enlisted in the U.S. Marines where he was stationed in China and Guam. Upon his honorable discharge in 1948, Pete returned to Gladstone and worked for the Soo Line Railroad for 16 years before working at Mead Paper Company. He retired from Mead Paper in 1991 where he had worked for 27 years.

Peter was united in marriage to the former Willa Lundmark on January 28, 1950 and they made their home in Gladstone where they raised their eleven children. Peter was an active and devout member of All Saints Catholic Church in Gladstone where he served as a Lector for many years. He will be remembered as a man of great faith and humility.

Peter enjoyed volunteering his time at St. Vincent DePaul, Habitat for Humanity and as a Reading Buddy at Cameron Elementary School. He was a blood donor throughout his life, and was one pint shy of 25 gallons. His hobbies included playing Smear, trapshooting, ice-fishing, and cutting wood. Working in his garden was his passion that he took great pride in. He treasured the time he spent cultivating his crops.

In addition to his wife of 62 years, Willa, survivors include:

Children: Peter (Bonnie) DeMay of Gladstone, Dan (Joan) DeMay of Gladstone, Richard

41 Tributes for “Peter DeMay”

    So many memories… Mr Demay was the best. In all the years I knew him, he always was the nicest and most respectful guy. Always giving of his time ad helping others. He helped raise his family both in Christ and at home. Rest in Peace and God Bless the entire family.

    I am so sorry for your loss, pete will be missed by many. I remember when I was a kid and delivered the daily press to his house and how warm and caring and always a smile on his face. Even after I grew up and had my own children I would see him around and he still remembered me after all those yrs. He was really helpful when I lost my dad, he would come over and see if there was anything he could do to help my mom, he would even bring stuff from his huge garden, he was a wonderful man, who touched many lives through the yrs.

    So very sorry to hear about Pete’s passing. We just saw him and Willa out to dinner a few short weeks ago and had a few minutes to talk. What a wonderful man he was and he will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to all the DeMay’s.

    I was very glad to see Peter at the Christen Park Village on Tuesday and very glad that he came to see my Dad and to come and see my Mom , me at home when my Dad was at Christen Park VilliageHe will be missed.

    To the entire Demay family, I am so saddened to hear about Pete’s passing. Pete was one of the kindest most compassionate men around. Always a kind word, a good deed, a helping hand. Hope that Doug and Bummy have welcomed him into heaven.

    A good Christian man has gone home to his God. May Pete rest in peace. My prayers are with all of you at this time of his passing.I know my dad is glad to welcome him since there is now another Belgian card player, and they can also converse about gardening and their raspberry bushes! Peace to all!

    I was on retreat when the news went through the retreat house that Pete had died. Fr. Jamie announced it and there were many with wet eyes. My favorite memory of Pete was being part of a Thursday morning breakfast get=together at the Dew Drop restaurant before they closed. I enjoyed getting to know him better. He and I were the only ones that could sing all the words to Chiquita the Banana commercial from back in the day. Pete was a good man with great humility. I will miss him and I pray for the family. What memories he leaves for them. Chin up, Willa.

    I’m very saddened to hear about the loss of Pete.He was a very kind and generous man,always wanting to help others.
    I lived near him for over 25 years. He must have logged on about 10,000 miles on that 4-wheeler cutting firewood on his property below the south bluff. He was a hard worker not wanting to sit still for too long. My son Brian & Pete formed a close relationship. Pete would let Brian hunt on his land. R.I.P. Pete

    My brothers and I were blessed to have been lucky enough to have grown up deer hunting with Pete, at Bummy’s camp. No one ever made it more enjoyable for a young person than Pete. I admired Pete for his strength of faith. I know he’s reaping those rewards now. God Bless.
    Dave Strom

    Dear Family, I was sorry to hear of Pete’s passing. I will remember him as a kind cheerful man who went out of his way to help those in need. Please accept my condolences and cling to all the good memories.

    Pete was a great guy! Always fun to talk to. My condolances to the entire Demay family and I know in my heart of hearts that Pete is in a better place. Hugs to Willa! Love you all!

    Dan, Mrs. DeMay and family, We are so sorry for your loss. Mr. DeMay will be sorely missed by you, your family and friends. We are praying that God will grant you the comfort and peace only He can give at this time.

    Pete, Bill and the rest of the family. I was saddened to hear of your Dad’s passing. Your dad was one of the first guys I worked with at the mill.He always made the new guys feel comfortable and was fun to work with. I know God has a special place set aside for him.May your memorys of him always bring a smile to your face and may God place a warming hand upon your hearts to ease the the pain.

    Dear DeMay Family,
    You have my deepest sympathies.

    I have so many wonderful memories of Pete but I keep reflecting back to his sparkling and kind eyes; the widows to his grace filled soul surely shined brightly through them.

    God bless you all, as you remember and pay tribute to one of Gladstone’s finest!

    So sad to hear about Pete. He was a kind and caring man who always made time to stop and visit my grandma after my grandpa passed away. Also, Pete was a good buddy of my dad’s and I imagine Pete, Bummy and Doug are together now discussing old times. Rest in peace Pete. My sympathy to the entire Demay family.

    My heart cried as I learned of Pete’s passing. A part of Moonshine Valley is now missing but Pete was a role model for me when choosing my partners and he will be forever nitched in my heart and forever in my prayers. Willa and all you kids are a family that I am so proud to have in my life.

    My thoughts and prayers are with your entire family! I feel blessed to have known your dad through Bob and loved visiting with both Willa and Pete! God bless you! Krista Johnson Hampton

    I am so sorry for your loss of Pete DeMay. He was a great gardener,friend,neighbor and always had good to say no matter the day. I will truly miss his smile and his homegrown vegetables. I lived across the street from Mr.and Mrs. DeMay for 10 years and they were the best neighbors and friends anyone could have. Sending many prayers and thoughts in this time of need. If you need anything I’m just a ring away or a doorstep away. Take care and may God Bless you and the family in this time of loss.

    My heartfelt sympathy goes out to the family of ‘Pete’ DeMay. What an awesome person Pete was…..he will truly be missed!

    Nancy, Audrey and Family of Pete Demay,We are sorry to hear your dad/grandpa passed away. He was such a caring and devout christain. The Gladstone community sure will miss him as you will. Andy and I are unable to make it to the funeral but know you are all in our thoughts and prayers during this sad time. Take Care-

    I have many memories of Pete from my time growing up as a part of All Saints Church. He was one of the familiar adults I tried to spot in the pews, and just knowing he was there made me feel more at home. I loved getting the chance to shake hands with him during the greeting time, as I was always sure to get a wink from those kind old eyes. I loved hearing Pete’s distinctive voice when he lectored and participated in the Good Friday services. I never got to know him well, but his small presence in my life made an impact, as I knew him to be a faithful servant and a kind-hearted soul. I’m so glad to have known him. To his beautiful family, know that I’m thinking of you all today. I pray for love, peace, and healing.

    my heart goes out to the demay family. as a fellow member of all saints, i will miss the readings by mr. demay. he had such a lovely voice. god bless the family he left behind.

    To the DeMay Family,We know you are all feeling a huge sense of loss at your loved one’s passing. Pete was quite a guy…..I especially remember him coming into Cameron Elementary each week as a Reading Buddy. This was just another of his ministries. please help each other through this difficult time.
    Warmly,

    My condolence to the family of Pete DeMay. I was a co-worker and enjoyed every moment working with him. I have such fond memories of Pete that I will always treasure. May God Bless You All.

    Pete was a pillar of the All Saints Faith Community. His lecturing at church was truly an expression of his deep faith. May the love of family and friends comfort you during this time. My sympathy goes out to the entire DeMay family.

    To the entire Demay Family we send our prayers and condolences.
    Having been gone from the area for a long time we only ran into Pete on occasions when we were visiting. He always remembered us and had a smile. He and all the family remain in our prayers

    To the Demay Family with sympathy- I will always remember Mr.Demays bright smile when I would see him. Heaven has gained another angel. Such as wonderful man for all he has done for our community.

    Willa and the entire DeMay Family, Our thoughts are with you during this hard time. Pete will always be remembered and missed by many.

    My thoughts and prayers go out to the DeMay family. We grew up with you. Joy, I wish I could be there for you as you were there for me. He was always a very nice person to us.Colleen (Marshall) Rusinko

    Wow! In reading the tributes submitted, Mr. DeMay had to have been the epitome of what has so deservedly become known as “America’s Greatest” generation. The military service, the strong faith, the work ethic, the gardening, the warm smile and kindness those who knew him saw in his eyes, his volunteering at St. Vincent dePaul, his service to his church, and reading at an elementary school, Mr. DeMay had to have been an incredible man who is sure to be missed by all who knew him. We didn’t have the privilege of knowing or even meeting him, but we do know his son Dave and his family here in Pennsylvania, and if there is any truth to the saying “the apples don’t fall far”, those of you in the DeMay family can rest assured that Dave is just like his father. God Bless All of You. Our sympathy to you in your loss.

    My thoughts and prayers are with all of you as you feel the huge loss of your husband, dad, grandpa. Rarely did I attend All Saints that I didn’t see amazing Pete and always received a warm hello. It was great seeing many of you over Thanksgiving and your closeness and love will help you at this time. He will always be with you in spirit and heart.

    Pete and Bonnie DeMay,Sorry to hear about your father’s passing. My sympathies to you and all of your family.

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