Obituary: Darwyn Cote

As received from the Memorial Chapel & Plowe Funeral Homes:

Darwyn L. Cote, 84, a resident of Chassell passed away Friday, December 24, 2021, at his home following a lengthy illness.

He was born on March 26, 1937, in Hancock, MI, a son of the late William and Laura (Pakkala) Cote. Darwyn was raised in L’Anse, MI and was a graduate of the L’Anse High School with the class of 1955.

On April 11, 1955, he was united in marriage to the former Helen Sue Koski. They resided in L’Anse, Iron Mountain, Beechwood, Mohawk, and Chassell. Mr. Cote had worked a variety of jobs such as the railroad, on the ore boats, as a meat cutter for the A&P, the L’Anse Drycleaner and for Fuller Brush company. They then moved to Iron Mountain, MI where he began a long and successful career with Banker’s Life & Casualty Insurance Company retiring after 43 years. During this time, he and his wife were ordained as evangelical ministers and had a pastoral and music ministry assisting many people and congregations throughout the Upper Peninsula and Northern Wisconsin. Most recently he was the pastor at Maranatha Free Lutheran Church in Chassell retiring due to health problems.

Darwyn enjoyed spending time in the outdoors, hunting and fishing. He had a love of music and art, and was a gifted musician, both as a multi-instrumentalist and songwriter. He also enjoyed spending time with his family and many friends who were blessed by his wonderful sense of humor.

Preceding him in death were his parents and grandparents.

Surviving are:

His wife: Sue Cote of Chassell

His children:

Wil (Dara) Cote of Buffalo, NY

Brad (Holly) Cote of Waterloo, IA

Athena Cote of Chassell

Gordette (Ed) Leutz of Chassell

16 grandchildren 33 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren

His brother and sister:

James Cote of Chassell

Laurel (Ron) Gray of Chassell

Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

All of whom he loved dearly.

Funeral services for Darwyn will be held 11 am Friday, December 31, 2021, at the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church of Chassell with Rev. Michael Klenner to officiate. Spring burial will be in the Chassell Cemetery.

Friends may call on Thursday, December 30, 2021, from 5-7:00 pm at the Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Chassell and on Friday from 10 am until time of services at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church of Chassell.

To view Darwyn’s obituary or to send condolences to the family please visit www.memorialchapel.net.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to the Maranatha Free Lutheran Church of Chassell or the charity of one’s choice.

The Memorial Chapel Funeral & Cremation Service of Chassell is assisting the family with the arrangements.