Joseph D. Gour, age 84, of the Ford River area and also of Arizona, passed away Tuesday evening, October 27th, 2009 at Marquette General Hospital following a one day illness.

Joe was born November 8th, 1924 in McFarland, the son of Felix and Mazzilline (Gerou) Gour and was raised in the McFarland area. Upon the American entry in World War II, he entered the United States Army and served in the European Theater and was in the forefront of the “Battle of the Bulge” which was Hitler’s last major effort to stem the Allies on the Western Front.  While serving in the Army, he became a “Prisoner of War” under the German authorities for six months and he attempted a number of escapes.  While serving his country, Joe was a recipient of numerous  awards and citations, including the Purple Heart.

After his honorable discharge, Joe settled in Detroit and obtained schooling in business machines of various types. He later moved to Phoenix, Arizona and was very successful in his own office equipment business. He operated his business for many years until he retired and he subsequently enjoyed many endeavors. Joe was a frequent visitor to Delta County, visiting family and friends and he recently purchased residence in Ford River to enjoy in addition to his home in Arizona.

Joe is remembered as an independent and active individual with a vibrant personality and was always young at heart with his vitality and with his ability to engage with people. He is remembered as liking to keep busy and planning for future projects and events. Locally, Joe is a member of the Gladstone American Legion August Mattson Post #71.

Joseph Gour survivors include a sister, Elizabeth Marlow of Detroit and a local niece, Barbara Demeuse, of Gladstone. Also surviving are other nieces and nephews and many good friends located in Delta County and Arizona.

In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by three brothers; Eldredge, Homer, and Harvey Gour and by four sisters; Irene Morin, Flora Beyers, Evor Beach, and Ora Cayer.

The family of Joseph Gour will receive friends on Saturday at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Military Rites will be conducted at 5:00 p.m. by the Gladstone American Legion. Services celebrating Joe’s life will follow Military Rites at the Skradski Funeral Home with Rev. Fr. Emmett Norden officiating. After all services on Saturday, luncheon will be served at the Gladstone American Legion. Burial will be in the Hillview Cemetery in McFarland.