Obituaries

Darrell Emery Belleau, 82, of Sugar Island, Michigan, passed away peacefully on June 9, 2026, surrounded by friends and family at the John Ball Hospice House in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. He was born on January 18, 1944, in Sault Sainte Marie to Cletus and Mary (Ranson) Belleau.

Darrell graduated from Sault Area High School with the Class of 1965 and immediately entered the workforce at the Soo Locks (Poe Lock). He went on to enjoy a long and rewarding career as a Carpenter-Diver with Lee Turzillo Contracting, Prepakt Concrete, Durochers Dock and Dredge, and J.F. Brennan Company, where he retired at age 70.

On October 29, 1966, Darrell married his high school sweetheart, Gayle Leask, at St. Mary’s Cathedral. Together they built a life centered on family and community, raising four children and welcoming six grandchildren. In 1979, Darrell completed building the family home where they would spend the next several decades creating cherished memories.

Darrell was a member of the Sacred Heart Church on Sugar Island, Carpenter’s Local Union 361, a Lifetime Member of the Soo Elks Lodge 552, Sugar Island Historical Society, and the Sugar Island Lions Club.

Darrell enjoyed playing the guitar and mandolin with his family and friends. He was a devoted NASCAR fan and looked forward each year to attending the Father’s Day race at Michigan International Speedway. Darrell was always willing to lend a hand. When he wasn’t working, he could often be found helping family, friends, and neighbors repair their cars or tackle a project. He especially loved spending time with his grandchildren, rocking babies, and enjoying the company of those he loved. Darrell had a kind heart, and had a signature laugh, that could fill an entire house.

Darrell is survived by his beloved wife, Gayle Belleau; his children, Wendy Belleau of Sault Ste. Marie, Bradley Belleau of Sugar Island, Stacey (Emery) Whitmire of Dundee, Michigan, and Stephanie (Phillip) Roy of Sugar Island; his adored grandchildren, Chad and Austin Pifer, Ranson and Ryker Whitmire and Addison and Chloe Roy; siblings, Edward Belleau of Sugar Island, Susan Belleau of Sault Ste. Marie, Brent (Sue) Belleau of Sault Ste. Marie, Cheryl (Rich) Hall of Denver, Colorado, and Janet (Danny) Marra of Kincheloe, Michigan; sisters-in law, Donna (Leo) Leask, Donna (Gordon) Leask; brother-in-law, Elmo Smith; and many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.

Darrell was preceded in death by his parents, Cletus and Mary Belleau; brother, Brian Belleau; brothers-in law, Theodore (Lorraine) Leask, Leo Leask, and Gordon Leask; sisters-in-law, Linda Leask, Lorraine (Melvin) Rutledge, Carol Smith, Joyce (Arthur) McCoy, Wilma (John) Cairns, and Esther Belleau; and his good friend, Robert McKay.

Visitation will be held on Monday, July 6, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. at Family Life Funeral Homes, 4951 S. M-129 Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783. Funeral Services will follow at 1:00 PM, officiated by Father Mott, with burial at Oaklawn Chapel Gardens Cemetery.

Memorial Donations may be made in Darrell’s memory to Hospice of the EUP, 308 W. 12th Avenue, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783, in recognition of the compassionate care they provided, Alzheimer’s Association, https://donorservices.alz.org, or to the Sugar Island Fire Department, 6401 E. 1 ½ Mile Road, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783.

Condolences may be given to the family at www.familylifefh.com.