Francis Paul Mende

Francis Paul Mende, 91, died Thursday, July 24th, 2014 at the EUP Hospice House in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan following complications from a massive stroke. Paul leaves his wife of 67 years, Marion Edith (Slater); his daughters Janet (Douglas) Reed, Barbara (Mick) Jolley, Patricia (Thomas) Koenig, Paula Kaye (Paul) Rabidoux; his beloved nephew Larry (Julie) Peterman who was like a son to him; ten grandchildren; thirteen great grandchildren; extended family and many friends. Paul was born February 22, 1923 in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, to parents Joseph Alger and Lillian Mae (Cochran) Mende. Preceding him in death are is parents; sister Marion (Harold) Peterman; brothers William, Robert, and Elton. He was an industrious son and worked many jobs to help his parents. By 1942 he had completed 11 years of formal schooling, when he enlisted in the U. S. Army as a result of World War II. Those years spent in the Pacific theatre as an Artillery Sargent until 1946 were some of his fondest memories based on the camaraderie and lasting friendships forged with the men with whom he served and the job at hand. A company of men from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and Wisconsin, hand picked because of their backgrounds as woodsmen and precision marksmen, they were a much decorated band of brothers; talented and loyal men who depended on their own wit, capabilities, commitment, and sense of fair play. After an honorable discharge from the military, he returned to Sault Ste. Marie where he met and married the love of his life, Marion Edith Slater of Pickford, in the St. Mary's Pro-Cathedral on July 5, 1947. His commitment to dedication, persistence, and hard work continued throughout his 38 years with the Union Carbide Corporation in the chemical industry, working his way through the ranks from the shipping department to upper management retiring as a Plant Supervisor. Those years took him from the Sault to the Chicago suburb of Downers Grove, IL and also Washington, NJ. In a second career path he and Marion moved to Southern California where they lived and worked for ten years as pivotal players in the computer peripheral industry in charge of running a multimillion dollar warehousing, equipment repair, and inventory system for Electronic Marketing Specialists. 1991 found them in Brimley, once again living in the Sault area. At the tender age of 80 he started Dad's Sharpening business catering to users of knives, scissors, and saws who appreciated a sharp edge and a job done right. Paul was a master craftsman in woodworking and loved the hours spent in his shop. There was little he couldn't do in this arena when asked. He often worked as a carpenter throughout his life to put additional money in the coffers and/or to help someone in need. Paul will be remembered by those who knew him as a man who valued honesty and integrity in himself and others. He lived a good life, on his own terms, with people he honored daily through his actions. He was a happy man, a collector of people, a generous and optimistic individual who, by example, schooled his children in the belief that your word is your bond and that you will and can do whatever is required of you if you trust and give of yourself. In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be made to the EUP Hospice House, 306 W. 12th Avenue, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783. Visitation will be Sunday, July 27th 2014 from 4:00pm to 7:00pm at Clark Bailey Newhouse Funeral Home. On Monday, July 28th, visitation will be from 10:00-11:00am with funeral services following at Clark Bailey Newhouse Funeral Home. Brother John Hascall, of St. Isaac Jogues Catholic Church will be officiating. A procession to Oaklawn Chapel Gardens for graveside services will follow. A luncheon will be held at the Elk’s Lodge following the services. Online Condolences may be left at www.clarkbaileynewhouse.com.

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Francis Paul Mende

February 22, 1923 - July 24, 2014