Thomas Lee Despins

Thomas Lee Despins, 87, longtime Superior resident, passed away December 28, 2022 in Madison, WI. He was born to Leo and Cecelia (Michaeu) Despins on March 3, 1935 in Iron Mountain, MI.

Thomas graduated from Iron Mountain High School. He served his country honorably in the U.S. Army; and worked as manager for Benson Optical in Superior for many years.

He married Lona McGinnis on April 23, 1954 in Iron Mountain, MI and they celebrated 59 years of marriage before her death in 2013. Together they raised three children.

Thomas loved his winter sports, keeping active with cross-country skiing and skating. He especially enjoyed the American Birkebeiner. Golf at Nemadj and softball kept the warmer months busy, but he also enjoyed a good round of pool.

Thomas is survived by his son, Joseph (Janet Goldblatt) Despins, Wilmington, DE; daughters, Jean (Tim) Braman, Superior, and Ellen (Randy Furniss) Despins; grandchildren, Rachel, Rebecca, and Daniel Despins, James Conner, and Latif and Leila Tanner.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Cecelia Despins; wife, Lona Despins; grandchildren, Erin Conner and Kelly Trujillo; sisters, Marion (Olson) and Carol (Ryan); brothers James Despins, Robert Despins, Leo “Joe” Despins and Alan “Kenny” Despins.

Visitation will begin at 10:30 AM on Friday, May 12, 2023, at Cathedral of Christ the King Catholic Church in Superior and will continue until the 11:00 AM Memorial Mass of Christian Burial with Rev. Fr. Andrew Ricci as celebrant. Following the service, Military Honors will be accorded by the Richard I. Bong American Legion Post #435 Honor Guard.

Inurnment will be in Calvary Cemetery, Superior.

The Lenroot-Maetzold Funeral Home, 1209 E. 5 ^th Street in Superior is assisting the family with arrangements. To leave a condolence or sign the guestbook, please visit www.lenroot-maetzold.com .