Roy Charles Brunelle

BESSEMER, Mich.  - In God's perfect time and with family at his side, Roy Charles Brunelle, 66, of Bessemer, peacefully left this world to be with the Lord on Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2021.

Roy was born on Oct. 25, 1954, in Wakefield, a son of Robert Leon "Brute" and Mary Katherine (Dean) Brunelle. He graduated from Wakefield High School in 1973 and proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War.

On Nov. 20, 1987, Roy married the love of his life, Michele M. Maccani, at his parents' home in Wakefield. They spent nearly 34 years together living life to the fullest with their beautiful children, granddaughter and extended family and friends.

Since he was an avid outdoorsman and deer hunter, Roy absolutely loved going to his camp and enjoyed taking countless side-by-side rides with his bride. On his journey through life, it was of the utmost importance to Roy to bring a smile to someone's face or make their life a little better. He was a man and could strike up a conversation with anyone. 

Roy was a dedicated member of the American Legion Geroux Post 11 in Wakefield and a crazy Minnesota Vikings fan.

He was an over-the-road truck driver for 13 years and then worked for the past 12 years as a certified truck driver in Ray, North Dakota.

Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife, Michele; sons, Christian Brunelle (Jourdyn McGrath), and their daughter, Fallon Eve, all of Bessemer, Erik (Heidi) DaPra, Naples, Florida, and Travis DaPra (Meg Crowley), Waukesha, Wisconsin; his twin daughters, Karen, Goldsboro, Maryland, and Crystal, Appleton, Wisconsin; a brother, Leon (Rita Wesa), Wakefield; a sister, Carol Codd, Bessemer; his sister-in-law, Marianne Brunelle, Wakefield; his brother-in-law, Jay (Roxanne) Maccani, Green Bay, Wisconsin; several aunts and uncles; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins; and a host of friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Michael and Dennis "Gabby;" his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Bernard "Brutsy" and Mary Maccani; and a niece, Melinda Sanchez-Torres.  

The family will greet relatives and friends on Saturday, Oct. 30, from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m., at All Saints Lutheran Church, 1202 Putnam St., in Wakefield, with the honor guard beginning at 10:15 a.m.

A memorial service will follow the visitation at 11 a.m., with the Revs. Kay Richter and Roy Speck officiating.

Full military rites will take place at the church accorded by the Wakefield American Legion Geroux Post 11 and Wakefield Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9084 Honor Guard.

Following the military honors, a luncheon will be served at the American Legion Geroux Post 11, 605 River St., in Wakefield.

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.