Rev. Raymond Ford Moncher

WAKEFIELD, Mich. - The Rev. Raymond Ford Moncher, 89, of Wakefield, formerly of Marenisco, passed away Wednesday, July 14, 2021.

He was born on March 23, 1932, in Ironwood, son of the late Raymond Louis and Cletha Elizabeth (Ford) Moncher.

He attended St. Lawrence Seminary, then went on to St. Francis Seminary and completed his final years of education at St. John Seminary. On June 7, 1958, Father Moncher was ordained by Bishop Thomas Noa at St. Peter Cathedral in Marquette.

His pastoral assignments included St. John Church in Marquette, long-time pastor at Sacred Heart Church in Munising and several others parishes across the Upper Peninsula. For many years, he celebrated Mass at St. Catherine Church in Marenisco.

Father was an intellect who loved the arts, especially music and singing. He was an avid environmentalist, who enjoyed maintaining his grandparents' home in Mercer, Wisconsin and supported many charitable environmental causes.

He was a beloved brother to Mary, Peter (Sherry) and Virginia (Bill); and a treasured uncle to 12 nieces and nephews and 15 dear great-nieces and great-nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, July 21, at 12 p.m., preceded by visitation at 11 a.m., at St. Sebastian Catholic Church, 210 E. Iron St., in Bessemer. The Most Rev. John F. Doerfler, Bishop of Marquette, will preside and other attending priests of the Diocese of Marquette will concelebrate.

Also, in attendance will be members of the Pere Menard Assembly 471, Knights of Columbus, Fourth Degree Honor Guard.

Rite of Committal and interment will take place at Hillcrest Cemetery in Bessemer.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Catholic Social Services of the Upper Peninsula (scup.org), National Audubon Society (audubon.org) or to a charity of your choice.

Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield, is assisting the family with their arrangements. Condolences may be expressed online at lakesidememorialchapel.com.