John Roger Voakes, Sr
October 29, 1916 — February 29, 2004
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John R. Voakes, Sr. age 87 of L'Anse passed away on Sunday, February 29, 2004 at Bayside Village in L'Anse.
John was born October 29, 1916 in Duluth, MN son of the late Frank and Octavia (Bernard) Voakes. He grew up in L'Anse and graduated from L'Anse High School in 1936. John was in the US Army during WWII from 1942 until 1946 and was a member of the VFW. He married the former Pherol LaBar on April 5, 1947 in L'Anse. He worked at the Mather B. and White Pine Mines, and woods work. John began with Celotex when they opened in L'Anse and retired from there in 1979. He loved making wood, gardening, reading, and spending time with his grandchildren.
John is survived by his wife Pherol of L'Anse; sons, John (Karen) Voakes and Keith Voakes of L'Anse; daughter Clara Grubb of L'Anse; sister, Marie Kemppainen of Baraga; eight grandchildren, Cynthia Hinkle, Saundra (Scott) Bolden, Roger (Beth) Voakes, Michael (Alison) Voakes, Robert Voakes, Jesse Voakes, Jolie Voakes, Jan Voakes; two great grandchildren, Stephanie Hinkle and Piper Voakes; several nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by a son Alfred Rasanen; two brothers, Frank and William Voakes; grandson Gary Voakes.
The funeral service will be held on Thursday, March 4 at 1:00 p.m. at the Jacobson Funeral Home. Rev. Jim Mathews will officiate. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. The Baraga Area Veterans Association will conduct military rites at 12:30 p.m. Burial will be in the L'Anse Evergreen Cemetery. Following the service, a luncheon and fellowship will be held in The Sharing Room located at the funeral home. The Jacobson Funeral Home in L'Anse is assisting the family.
Friends may sign John's guest book, send condolences and view his photo tribute at www.jacobsonfuneralhome.com.