Joseph James Bleau

Joseph James Bleau, 86, of Alpena, entered eternal peace, surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, October 12, 2023. He was a kind, loving, and compassionate, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother and friend. He will be dearly missed by many.
Joe was born on February 15, 1937 to the late Joseph and Mable (Johnson) Bleau in Alpena, MI. Joe worked for Huron Portland Cement for over 30 years until his retirement in 1987. On February 22, 1955, Joe married the love of his life Laura Mary Burns and they raised a family together in Alpena. There were many things that Joe enjoyed such as being a carpenter, playing cards weekly with uncle Art and Karen, playing dice with family, and even an occasional trip to the casino, but what brought him the greatest joy was just spending time with his family. He was an active member of St. Anne Catholic Church of All Saints Parish where he was a Eucharistic Minister, and handed out communion to Sally’s Care Home. He was also a 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus Council 529.
Joe is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Laura, eight children, Ellen (Dave) Dohn, Frank DeLaMarre, Arthur (Tammy) Bleau, Bonnie (Scot) McKenzie, Joseph Jr. (Maria) Bleau, Donna (Mike) Morgan, Keith (Lori) Bleau, and Jerry (Karie) Bleau, eighteen grandchildren, thirty-two great grandchildren, siblings, Willioeoma Roznowski, Joan Burns, Margaret (Alfred) Kamyszek, Barbara Agius, Linda (Robert) Metz, and Catherine Houghton. He was preceded in death by a infant daughter, Laurie Jane Bleau, his parents, Joseph and Mable, in-laws, Frank and Florence Burns, siblings, Marie (James) Tiers, Mary Maurer, David Bleau, Mark Bleau, Wilber Bleau, and Ellen (Robert) Pahlkotter.
Family will receive friends for visitation at Karpus Hunter & Ross Funeral Home on Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023 from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM with a 4th degree Chalice presentation from the Knights of Columbus starting at 7:00 PM followed by a Parish Prayer Service. Visitation will continue at St. Anne Catholic Church of All Saints Parish on Monday, Oct. 16, 2023 from 10:00 AM until the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM with Fr. Aloysius Okpala as Celebrant. Interment and graveside service will be at Holy Cross Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please consider a memorial contribution to Hospice of Michigan, Friends Together, or Knights of Columbus Council 529. Online condolences may be registered at www.karpushuntercares.com