Jamie A. Peite

DULUTH, Minn. - Jamie A. Peite, 43, of East Ridge Street, Ironwood, Mich., died unexpectedly Wednesday, March 5, 2014, at Essentia Health-St. Mary's Medical Center in Duluth.

He was born Oct. 3, 1970, in Ironwood, son of Dennis and Barbara (Bianchi) Peite, attended St. Ambrose Grade School, and graduated from Luther L. Wright High School in 1988. Following graduation, he attended Dunwoody Institute in Minneapolis, becoming proficient in auto body repair, and was employed at Bessemer Auto Co. for 20 years and later at Koski Collision in Bessemer. He recently graduated from Gogebic Community College with top honors and was currently enrolled at the University of Wisconsin-Superior, majoring in social work.

A skilled firefighter and recent recipient of his instructor's certificate from the state of Michigan, Jamie currently served as chief of the Ironwood Township Volunteer Fire Department and captain of the Ironwood Volunteer Fire Department. He was a member of the Upper Peninsula Volunteer Firefighters Association, Michigan Firemen's Association, Gogebic County Firefighters Training Council, U.P. Chief Association and the local Emergency Planning Committee, and served as fire representative for the Gogebic County 911 Committee.

He was also very involved in firefighter fundraising events and social activities over the years, and was a member of Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church in Ironwood. Jamie enjoyed having coffee with his many friends at the Holiday Station Store. A dedicated public servant, he was always ready to help others. He will be dearly missed.

Surviving are his daughter, Samantha Peite, and parents, Dennis and Barbara Peite, all of Ironwood; a brother, Shane (Tiffani Fontecchio), Hurley, Wis .; three sisters, Tamara DeFelice (Ron Lipske), Ironwood, Stephanie (Ron) Rhenlund, Kimball, Wis., and Lara Peite, Ironwood; nieces and nephews, Cody, Dylan, Nicholas, Cassandra, Colton, Kali, Justin, Jarret and Katelyn; great-niece, Maddie; special friend, Barb, of Ironwood; and a host of friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, March 11, at 11 a.m., preceded by visitation in the St. Joseph Family Room at 9:30 a.m., at Our Lady of Peace Church in Ironwood, with the Rev. Robb Jurkovich, celebrant.

Members of the Wakefield Volunteer Fire Department will serve as Honor Guard.

Luncheon will follow at the Ironwood Township Community Building.

Rite of Committal and private entombment will be in Riverside Cemetery, Ironwood, at a later date.

Pallbearers will be members of the Ironwood Township Volunteer Fire Department.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Ironwood Township Volunteer Fire Department or the Ironwood Volunteer Fire Department.

Jamie's obituary can be viewed online and condolences given to his family at mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home Inc., Ironwood.