Harold C. 'Harry' Bourassa

Harold C. “Harry” Bourassa, 74, of Bark River, Mich., peacefully passed away at his home with his loving family at his side early Tuesday morning, March 9, 2010. He was cared for by his wife, daughter and son.

He was born on Aug. 16, 1935 in Oconto, Wis. to Franklin and Helen Bourassa. Harry left home after the ninth grade to work.

Harry served two years in the U.S. Army in the Korean War from January of 1955 to 1957.

He attended electrician school, had EMT training, was a multimedia first aide instructor and water and waste water treatment plan operator.

On June 14, 1958, Harry married Jean Faye Patenaude in Oconto, Wis.

During their 52 years of marriage, Harry worked many jobs, but always had time for his family and helping others. He was always very respectful, caring and a Christian.

Harry began his employment as a farmer and then worked for Cruisers Inc., Wisconsin Dryed Egg Plant, Construction, Merit Corporation, Scott Paper Mill for 17 years, Souleks Furniture and Funeral Home, Oconto Falls School District Bus Driver, Curran Parts Store, Deputy for the Oconto Falls Police and Sheriff’s Departments, State of Wisconsin Snowmobile Patrol and the U.S. Forest Service Park Patrol. He also founded Oconto Falls Area Ambulance Service, was custodian at Grace Lutheran Church, was the owner of Sundown Café from 1978 to 1981, town constable of Maple, Wis., owner of Napa Store in Iron River, Wis., he was a carpenter, well driller, worked for Frazer Ship Yard from 1982 to 1996, John Materials, Iron River Sanitation District, deputy for the Iron River Police Department and installed window treatments. He retired in 1996.

He was a member of the Iron River Lions Club, lifetime member of the VFW and Lutheran Brotherhood (Thrivent) Communicator. Harry was also very involved as a caregiver to his mother-in-law.

He was an active member at Bethany Lutheran Church of which he served on the church council.

Harry loved to work in the woods, cut wood and was a talented carpenter. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed camping, fishing, deer hunting, gardening and going to camp. He always made time to watch his grandsons participate in their sports and was a very proud papa. All five grandsons followed in their grandpa’s footsteps; Ryan served in the U.S. Marine Corp., Danny and Brad are serving the U.S. Army, Adam is serving in the U.S. Air Force and Aaron is a corrections officer at the Delta County Sheriff’s Department.

Harry was always fun loving, hardworking, and loved to have a good time and polka with his wife.

He is survived by his loving wife, Jean; daughter, Debbie and Randy Johnsen of Escanaba and son, Danny and Nancy Bourassa of Iron River, Wis.; grandsons, Ryan Johnsen of Escanaba, Adam Johnsen of Nellis AFB, Nev., Aaron Johnsen (Meagan Kenneally) of Escanaba, Danny and Alexandra Bourassa-Schweifurt of Germany/Afghanistan and Bradley Bourassa of Fort Campbell, Ken.; three brothers; four sisters; many nieces, nephews and godchildren.

Harry was preceded in death by his parents, a brother and a sister; and his special in-laws, Lucian and Margaret Patenaude.

Visitation will be on Saturday, March 13, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Crawford Funeral Home in Escanaba, MI. The funeral service celebrating the life of Harold Bourassa will follow at 3 p.m. at Bethany Lutheran Church with Rev. Dean Peterson and Rev. Leonard Gilley officiating.

Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery in Oconto Falls.

The Crawford Funeral Home, 302 S. 13th St., Escanaba, MI 49829, is assisting the Bourassa family.

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