McFarland––Donald James Riopelle,
83, formerly of 206 Fisher Street, Marquette, entered eternal
life Tuesday, October 30, 2007, at the D. J. Jacobetti Home
for Veterans.
Don was born October 22, 1924, in Marquette, a son of Andrew
and Sadie (Shea) Riopelle, and was raised in Marquette.
He attended the Graveraet High School and, while still a
student, enlisted in the US Navy. He later received his
diploma while in service. Don served aboard the USS Helm
during World War II, receiving the Asiatic-Pacific Area
Campaign Medal with 7 stars, American Area Campaign Medal,
Philippine Liberation Ribbon with 2 stars, and was honorably
discharged in 1946 with the rank of Electrician’s
Mate Second Class. He then attended the Milwaukee School
of Engineering and Purdue University. Returning to the Marquette
area, Don was employed at the Huron Mountain Club as an
electrician at the club’s power plant. An accomplished
pianist and organist, he often entertained club members
with his keyboard renditions. He moved to Detroit where
he worked for the Michigan Inspection Bureau as an electrical
inspector until 1949 when he returned to Marquette. Don
was employed as a corrections officer at the Marquette Branch
Prison for 23 years, retiring in 1972 with a medical disability.
Don was a member of American Legion Post #0218 at the Jacobetti
Home and was an alumnus of the Milwaukee School of Engineering
and Purdue University. He greatly enjoyed playing the piano
and organ.
Survivors include his sister, Donna Mae (James) Brindel
of Marquette and many nieces and nephews. In addition to
his parents, Don was preceded in death by three sisters,
Ruth Hawes, Helen Guidebeck Flugstad, and Rita O’Donnell;
and his brother, Joseph Riopelle.
Friends may call at the chapel of the D.J. Jacobetti Home
for Veterans on Thursday, November 1, beginning at 10:00
am. A prayer service will be conducted in the chapel at
11:00 am with Rev. Frank Ricca officiating. Honorary escorts
will be his nephews, Scott Brindel, Randy O’Donnell,
Charles Hawes, and Ron Guidebeck, and niece, Josette Riopelle.
Burial will be made in the Holy Cross Cemetery.
