Michael Joseph LaMere, Ho-Chunk name Huuwanik (Little Elk), 75, passed away Thursday, July 4, 2019, at La Crescent Health Services in La Crescent, MN. He was born on November 4,1943, son of George and Beatrice (Blackdeer) LaMere.
Mike graduated from Holmen High School in 1962. After graduating, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy for six years (1962-68). He served aboard the U.S.S. Henley (DD-762) which was part of the blockade that stopped the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Mike was a private and simple man who enjoyed the outdoors, adventuring with uniquely crafted boats and equipment he made with his brother, Joe. He also was a Green Bay Packer Fan, a musician and percussionist. He worked 40 years as a logger in the family-owned and operated logging business. His livelihood was hunting with his uncles and brothers whatever was in season, trapping mink, fox, and muskrat, and, after logging, commercial fishing and trot lines on Lake Onalaska. He was a great teacher and provider to the family, willingly sharing with all who asked.
Mike is survived by his brother, Robert LaMere, sister, Marilyn LaMere, a daughter Dawnita (Jay) Blackhawk,; grandchildren Dallas, April Kaiser, Taylor Kreider, Emilio Luiken and 7 great-grandchildren; a nephew Vance Fontanelle, nieces, Robin LaMere, Georgianna LaMere (Anthony Yellowbank), and Nicole LaMere and Michelle and Brandon LaMere- Strait.
Preceded in death by his parents, brother, Charles Alexander “Alex” LaMere; sisters, Patricia “Peachy” (LaMere) Decorah, Brenda (LaMere) Roy; and daughter, Julia Blackhawk.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, July 6, 2019 beginning at 12 noon, Traditional Ho-Chunk services will be held with Clayton Winneshiek officiating. Burial will follow at 3:00 pm at the Decorah Cemetery, Black River Falls. Visitation will be held at the Georgianna (Anthony) LaMere residence, N6677 Wolf Run Road, Black River Falls, WI 54615.