Blair Michael Semke

Blair Michael Semke, age 71, passed into eternal life on February 18, 2024. He was born on August 22, 1952 to the late Walter and Elvira (Hakomaki) Semke in Iron Mountain, Michigan.  He graduated Forest Park High School in Crystal Falls, Michigan in 1970. He completed the San Diego Ship Fitting Welding Course, and worked there until his dad’s ill health brought him back to Upper Michigan. He began Northern Michigan University and graduated on the Dean’s List in Industrial Arts in 1977.

He was recruited by Kohler Company and was a foreman in the ground coat/enamel department. He enjoyed many mentors and lifelong friends. He later worked for Vollrath Company for a number of years and finished his career at Spincraft in New Berlin, Wisconsin.

He began dating Karen Drake, got engaged, and on May 22, 1976, they were married at Guardian Angels Church in Crystal Falls, Michigan. Together they raised a family for 48 years. 

Blair is survived by Karen, son Mark (significant other Sara Villeneuve) of Sheboygan, son Lee of Glendale, Arizona, daughter Kristen (Trey) Morris of Sun Prairie and their two darling daughters and lights of our lives Kayleigh and Kara. He is further survived by his brother Alex (Darlene) of Show Low, Arizona, sister Willa Butler of Crystal Falls, Michigan, sister Wendy (Scott) Thrasher of Crystal Falls Township, and brother Carwood (Tessie) Semke of Des Plaines, Illinois, and his kitty Mahindra Allis, who misses him dearly, along with many nieces, nephews, and other family members and friends. Special love to our “Baby niece”, Amy Turner.

Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by his parents-in-law Francis W. and Mary Drake, brothers Rick and Jake Semke, brother-in-law Francis R. Drake, nephews Ryan McCole, Brian Semke, Tom Fabri, Troy Semke, and niece Joey Stanek. Unfortunately, many of his guy friends from FPHS 1970 have also passed, and he missed them all dearly. Surely they are joyously reunited and having a big party in heaven.

A memorial gathering will take place on Friday, February 23, 2024 from 3:00- 6:00 p.m., at Zimmer Westview Funeral and Cremation Care Center, W2132 Garton Road, Sheboygan.  Cremation will take place along with the ashes of his beloved cat family who went before him. It was his wish.  A funeral mass will take place on Monday, February 26, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Guardian Angels Catholic Church, 412 Crystal Ave, Crystal Falls, Michigan.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to The Northwoods Animal Shelter, 930 Seldon Road, Iron River, Michigan 49935. It is our home county animal shelter who do a beautiful job of caring for our furry friends.