Wayne Claude Poisson

He was born August 16, 1934, in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, to the late Dennis and Ozaline (Perreault) Poisson, later moving with his family to Lake Linden, where he was a long-time resident.

He attended the public schools of Lake Linden-Hubbell, graduating with the class of 1952.

Wayne was employed by the Michigan Department of Transportation for over 40 years, working most of that time on the Portage Lake Lift Bridge.

Wayne’s love of woodworking was a creative outlet for him for many years, even though his hands and feet were progressively losing strength and agility due to Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease and he battled continued pain in his extremities. His finished projects served as a vehicle to bless many people throughout his life.

Wayne moved with his wife to Gladstone in 2002, where he enjoyed country and western music, spending days watching his grandson AJ play sports, mowing his lawn, watching the wildlife at his home and spending his days peacefully with his wife and love of his life, Carol.

He was united in holy matrimony to Carol Olli on October 15, 1960, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Lake-Linden. This union was blessed with three daughters, Wanita (Charles) Panza of Scottsdale, Arizona, Terry (Tom) Visser of Vicksburg, and Renee (Paul) Lundberg of Gladstone.

Wayne is survived by his wife of 55 years, Carol (Olli) Poisson of Gladstone; his three daughters; eight grandchildren, Sarai Dryja-Barahona (Jorge), Levi (Tiffany) Dryja, Kayli, Eliyah and Aili Panza, Heidi and Andrew Lundberg, and Austin Visser; and seven great-grandchildren. Wayne is also survived by his loving sister, Nancy (Jim) Haralson of Shelby Township; along with numerous nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.

Wayne was a long-time member of St. Joseph Parish in Lake-Linden and a member of St. Joseph and St. Patrick Catholic Church of Escanaba.

He was loved by many for his quick wit, outgoing personality and deep wisdom. Wayne was a courageous man who battled a life-long neuromuscular disease and heart disease for many years. His values of courage, positive attitude, humor, faith and a strong work ethic were commendable. His influence will forever remain in the lives of all who knew him.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, Dennis and Ozaline Poisson.

His beautiful life will forever be cherished in the lives of his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Wayne’s family will greet friends and relatives on Tuesday, September 6, 2016, from 5 p.m. until the time of the funeral service at 6 p.m. at the Crawford Funeral Home in Escanaba. The service will be officiated by Rev. Eric Olson. A gathering will take place immediately following the service for desserts and beverages.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be directed to the American Heart Association. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

The Crawford Funeral Homes are assisting the Poisson family.