Obituaries

Roland James Akre, age 73, passed away on Wednesday, May 10, 2023, at EUP Hospice House in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.

Roland was born on May 23, 1949, in Sault Ste. Marie, MI to Alvin and Dorothy (Eagle) Akre. He graduated with the Sault High Class of 1967. Roland served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War Era from 1967-1973, on the USS Saratoga in the Mediterranean Sea from 1968-1971. He later worked as Storekeeper for the State of Michigan Department of Corrections for many years. On September 18, 1999, he married Catherine Smith at the former Bed & Breakfast on Water Street in Sault Ste. Marie.

Roland was a member of the Vietnam Veterans of America, Sierra Club, and the Chippewa County Shooting Association. Roland was an avid hunter, and enjoyed spending hunting season with his kids, family and friends. He loved kayaking, camping, hiking, and road trips. His love of Jeeps never faded. He thoroughly enjoyed 23 years of travel with his wife, Cathy, during his 21 years of retirement from the Department of Corrections. Roland also attended the First United Presbyterian Church in Sault Ste. Marie. His wisdom, guidance, and love of laughter will not be forgotten by all who loved him. Roland was always humble and kind, and he never met a stranger. He always encouraged his family to “hold hands and stick together”.

Roland is survived by his wife, Cathy; his six children: Christopher (Anne Marie) Akre, Lesley Akre, Shane (Bridget) Akre, Tracy Vetrano, Chris (Pamela) Reamer, and Jess (Matt) Kuenzer. Also surviving Roland are his 14 grandchildren: Kaylee, Emily, Stephanie, Jay, Keaton, Kamryn, Nathan, Emma, Olivia, Lily, Sydney, Sawyer, Sascha, and Scarlett; and his great-grandchildren: Zoe, Ella, Lenna, and Jayden. He is also survived by his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Mike and Kathy Smith, as well as nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins.

Roland was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters and brothers -in-law Janet (Don) Cook, and Ann (Ted) Hunt, a great-granddaughter, Amelia, and his aunts and uncles.

A memorial service will be held on 1:00 PM on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, at the First United Presbyterian Church in Sault Ste. Marie, with Pastor Mark Gabbard officiating. Friends may call at the church from 11:00 AM until the time of service. C.S. Mulder Funeral Home and Cremation Services is assisting the family. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be left to Hospice of the EUP, Road to Recovery, or the North Country Trail Association.