Donald E. 'Chicky' Barrette

WAKEFIELD, Mich. - Donald E. "Chicky" Barrette, 86, of Wakefield, passed away early Wednesday morning, April 30, 2014, following a brief stay at the Gogebic Medical Care Facility in Wakefield.

Don was born on Oct. 17, 1927, in Lake Linden, the 10th child of Ulrich and Mary (Denomie) Barrette. He grew up in Lake Linden and attended the local high school, graduating in 1946. Don was very active in sports, exceling in football, basketball and track; he led his basketball team into the state championship game. Chicky earned a scholarship in football and attended one year of college at the University of Wisconsin-Stout.

Don went to work in the construction industry as an iron worker. Later, he worked as a general works foreman in the mining industry, retiring from White Pine Copper Mine.

Don was an active member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Wakefield, a foster and group home parent with his former wife, Dorothy, for more than 20 years, and a devoted father to his seven children. He brought much joy and love to his family and to all who knew him.

Don enjoyed the outdoors, including hunting, fishing, tennis, horseback riding and gardening. He loved playing cards, especially cribbage and trying his luck at the casino. Chicky had a great sense of humor and always had a new story or joke to tell. He was a very generous and compassionate man, and will be greatly missed by all.

Don is survived by his son, Timothy (Sarah) Barrette, Negaunee; four daughters, Susan Barrette, Wakefield, Pamela (Richard "Buckshot") Harju, Grand Ledge, Peggy (Caren Lieberman) Barrette, Lansing, and Nancy (Jerome) Barrette-McGill, Farmington Hills; eight grandchildren, Bobbi Jo Barrette (Larry Vuncannon), Gary Balduc (Robyn Pegg), Tim, Billy and Tony Barrette, and Jacob, Lily and Mia McGill; a great-granddaughter, Zoe Vuncannon; numerous brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and cousins; and special friends, Russ and Karen Korpi.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his former wife and dear friend, Dottie; two sons, Anthony and Richard; seven brothers, Lawrence "Micky," Robert, Reuben "Hayseed," Raymond, Gerard "Gee," James "Wicker" and Joseph; two sisters, Annabelle Russell and Sister Mary Flora; and many brothers- and sisters-in-law.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, May 3, at 11 a.m., preceded by visitation at 10 a.m., at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Wakefield, with the Rev. Antony Lukka, celebrant.

Lunch will be served downstairs following the Mass.

Pallbearers will be his grandchildren, Tim, Bill and Tony Barrette, and Jacob, Lillian and Mia McGill.

Rite of Committal and interment will take place in Lakeside Cemetery, Wakefield, later this spring.

Memorial contributions in his honor may be made to the charity of your choice.

The family would like to thank the staff at Aspirus Grand View Hospital, Gogebic Medical Care Facility and Regional Hospice for their assistance, professionalism and never ending kindness.

Lakeside Memorial Chapel of Wakefield is assisting the family. Condolences may be expressed online at lakesidememorialchapel.com.