Wilfred “Willy” Beauvais, age76, of 315 North 16th Street, Escanaba, died Saturday morning November 12, 2005, at his home in Escanaba, surrounded by his family. 

Willy was born June 29, 1929, in Gladstone, the son of Arthur and Augusta (Nordquist) Beauvais.  Willy was raised in Escanaba and attended and graduated from the Escanaba Senior High School.  Following his years in school, Willy entered the United States Army where he was stationed in Germany during the WWII era.  On January 9th, 1953, Willy married the former Arlene Shandonay, at the St. Anne Catholic Church, and together the couple made their home and raised their family in the Escanaba area.  Willy was employed for the Harnischfeger Corp. working as a steel lathe operator. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing and camping.  Willy loved to spend time in his basement working on his personal steel lathe, trying to design new inventions and machining parts for friends and family.  Willy belonged to the Country Meadows Golf course, St. Anne Catholic Church and loved to spend time with his family and grandchildren.

Survivors include: 

Willy’s wife of 51 years, Arlene

4 Sons:  Steve Beauvais of Escanaba, MI; Pete (Debrah) Beauvais of Escanaba, MI; Paul Beauvais of Gladstone, MI; Robert (Brigitte) Beauvais of Escanaba, MI

1 Daughter:  Mary Nummilien of Escanaba, MI

3 Brothers:  Arthur (Effie) Beauvais of Escanaba, MI; Al (Joanne) Beauvais of Escanaba, MI; Dennis (Mary) Beauvais of Sheboygan, WI

4 Sisters:  Ethel Wester of Escanaba, MI; Betty Jane Beauvais of Escanaba, MI; Darlene (James) Gilliland of Gassville, Arkansas; Loretta (Terry) Hasty of Anderson, Indiana

Also surviving are 8 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, Willy’s best friend Sonny and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. 

In addition to his parents, Arthur and Augusta, Willy was preceded in death by:

1 Son:  Thomas Beauvais

2 Brothers:  Ed and Eugene Beauvais   

Family will receive friends on Tuesday from 5:00PM to 7:00PM at the Skradski-Boyce Funeral Home in Escanaba.  The Gladstone American Legion August Mattson Post #71 will conduct military rites at the conclusion of visitation, at 7:00PM.  Funeral services celebrating the life of Willy Beauvais will take place on Wednesday, at 11:00AM, at the St. Anne Catholic Church, in Escanaba, with Fr. Mike Steber officiating.  Luncheon will follow funeral services in the St. Anne Parish Hall.  Committal will be in the Gardens of Rest Cemetery in Wells.