Lester J. Passinault

Marquette/Munising

Lester J. Passinault, age 92 of, Marquette, Michigan and formerly of Munising, entered eternal life on March 30, 2018 shortly after becoming a resident of the D.J. Jacobetti Veterans Facility.  Lester was born on May 20, 1925 in Munising, Michigan.  He was the son of the late Octavia (Sovie) and Alsid Passinault.  He attended Wm. G. Mather and later entered into the U.S. Navy. After completion of Boot Camp at Great Lakes, Illinois, he attended radar school and served onboard the U.S.S. Hornet (CV-12).  Upon his honorable discharge, he attended and graduated from Bradley University.  His career path took him to Saginaw, Michigan where he worked for Myers Bros. Jewelry for fourteen years.  After the death of his father in 1959, he decided to make the move to Munising and assist with the care of his mother.  Lester and his wife Arvilla opened and operated “Lester’s Jewelry” for twenty-eight years before his retirement.  He was proud of his business and made sure that the sidewalk in front of the store was always swept in the summer and shoveled in the winter.  The displays in the store front windows, were always handcrafted by his lifelong partner, Arvilla.  A gift wrapped package from Lester’s was always the highlight of many special occasions in Munising.  Lester married Arvilla (Cota) in 1947 and started their family in 1949.  They had five (5) children. Lester and Arvilla spent many years “wintering” in Mesa, Arizona and New Port Richey, Florida.  He was a faithful member of Sacred Heart Church in Munising for many years and then became a dedicated member of St. Louis the King in Harvey, Michigan. Lester was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus #2804, Third and Fourth Degree.  Lester was a loving father and grandfather.  Family was everything to him.  He led by example and made sure to provide guidance with a loving and compassionate heart. Lester enjoyed spending time with his family and grandchildren at camp.  If you had the pleasure of meeting Lester, you would be drawn to his wonderful personality, love of life and his meticulous attention to detail. One of his most recent memorable experiences was participating in the U.P. Honor Flight (Mission #10) with his son, David in 2016.

He was proceeded in death by his wife Arvilla, daughter Laura and son-in-law John Arball.  Lester was the last surviving member of 16 children born to Alsid and Octavia Passinault.  He is survived by his children David (Sue) Passinault, Janice Arball, Larry (Lynn) Passinault and Arlene (Chris) Waatti. Grandchildren Tonja (Jake) Mills, Troy (Erika Anderson) Passinault, Trent Passinault, Jennifer Arball, J.J. (Mackenzie) Arball, Amanda (Dan) Silva, Neil (Allison) Passinault, Emma Waatti.  Great-grandchildren Joselyn, Makenna, Raegan, Asher and Clara. Special friend Arlene Slitor and neighbor Phil Creech.

There were several healthcare providers who provided exemplary care during the past two months but most notably Dr. Bohl and the staff of the D.J. Jacobetti Facility who exhibited unconditional care, compassion and respect.

Fr. Chris Gardiner will celebrate a Memorial Mass at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Munising on Wednesday, April 4, 2018 at 11:00 a.m.  Fourth Degree Knights from Council #2804 and #6447 will serve as honor guards.  A fellowship luncheon will be held following the service in the Lamothe Hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the U.P. Honor Flight (7480 J Road, Gladstone, MI. 49837) or the D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans - Activity Fund (425 Fisher Street, Marquette, MI. 49855).

Graveside services and military honors will be held at the Maple Grove Cemetery in Munising on Friday, June 29, 2018 at 2:00 p.m.