Julius B. 'Pepe' Rigotti

HURLEY, Wis. - Julius B. "Pepe" Rigotti, 90, of Hurley, formerly a long-time resident of Bessemer, Mich., passed away peacefully Monday afternoon, Aug. 1, 2016, surrounded by his loving wife and family.

Julius was born on July 5, 1926, in Ironwood, the son of Julius and Lena (Favero) Rigotti. He grew up in Anvil, Mich., and attended Anvil School and A.D. Johnston High School in Bessemer.

Julius proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II. After basic training, he was stationed in Korea with the 592nd Engineer and Boat and Shore Regiment. Julius received the Army of Occupation Medal (Japan), the Asiatic Pacific Service Medal and the Victory Medal. On Dec. 27, 1946, he was honorably discharged as a technician 5th grade.

On July 8, 1950, Julius was united in marriage to Marjorie Elaine Jarvi in Milwaukee. They were blessed with more than 66 years of marriage.

Julius was a car salesman and the general manager at Bessemer Auto Company for 22 years. He retired in 1990.

For many years, Julius enjoyed camping at Lake Gogebic, hunting and fishing and spending quality time at the hunting camp. He and Marjorie took pleasure in dancing and attending many VFW events.

Julius was a life member of the Bessemer Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3673 and a member of the Bessemer American Legion Post 27. He also was a member of St. Sebastian Catholic Church in Bessemer and St. Mary's Catholic Church in Hurley.

Julius is survived by his wife, Marjorie; a daughter, Sandra (Bernie) Smith, Ironwood, Mich .; a granddaughter, Jennifer Smith (Scott Leibel), Solon Springs; a sister, Marian Reini, Hurley; his brother-in-law, Vince Testroet, Milwaukee; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and three sisters and three brothers-in-law, Alice Testroet, Bonita and Marshall Ewert, Jean and Uno Laine and Roy Reini.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, Aug. 8, at 11 a.m., preceded by memorial visitation at 10 a.m., at St. Sebastian Catholic Church in Bessemer, with the Rev. Dominic Agyapong, celebrant.

Rite of Committal and interment will take place at Hillcrest Cemetery, Bessemer, with a military graveside service under the auspices of Bessemer American Legion Post 27 and Bessemer VFW Post 3673 Honor Guard.

Lunch will be served at Father Swoboda Hall at the church hall upon return from the cemetery.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Jerald Rocco, owner-manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield, Mich. Condolences may be expressed online at lakesidememorialchapel.com.