Richard Jandron Sr.

Richard was born on September 15, 1937 in Ishpeming, MI the son of George “Murphy” and Lydia (Rovedo) Jandron. He grew up in and lived most of his life a resident of Negaunee.

Richard graduated from Negaunee St. Paul High School, after which he served in the U.S. Navy aboard the aircraft carrier USS Wasp until honorably discharged in 1960. After a few years working as a police officer with the Negaunee City Police Post, Richard began working with United Parcel Service as a driver/deliveryman. Anyone on the “West End”, from Negaunee to Three Lakes, and all points in between knew who “Dickie Jandron” was. Before the days of Amazon, he was the man who delivered mail orders to the residents that lived in rural areas. He also held the position of the Teamsters Union Steward for many years. He was very loyal to his fellow drivers, and worked hard making sure they were represented well with UPS management.

Richard was a sports fanatic, having played basketball, baseball, softball, and track in high school. Fast pitch and slow pitch softball were his true loves in life. He started in the men’s softball league when he was 16 years old and finally hung up his cleats at 76 years of age.

When he wasn’t playing softball, he was umpiring. He was involved with Little League, Babe Ruth, and many local men’s/women’s softball leagues. His favorite part of umpiring was connecting with the young players. You would see him talking to the batters at home plate, giving out pointers to the young athletes trying to learn the game. He was a long-time member of the Wawonowin Country Club, spending countless hours on the course with his brothers and friends. He was also a devoted member of St. Paul Catholic Church in Negaunee and St. Peter Cathedral in Marquette.

Most important to Richard, was always the well-being of his family. He was a very devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He always put his family first. He enjoyed following all of his family to their sporting, school, and church events. His family could always count him to appear whenever the need arose. Even in his final days, with his final words, his main concern was that his family was going to be okay.

Remaining to cherish Richard’s memory are his three children: Kim (Bill) Jacobson, Richard Jandron, Jr. (Kevin Ennis), Scott (Diane) Jandron; grandchildren: Jennifer (Kurt) Johnson, Melanie Kolstad, Katie (Dustin) Copeskey, Autumn Jacobson, Matthew Jandron; great-grandchildren: Lydia Johnson, Drew Johnson, Ethan Monka, Austin Monka, Amelya Copeskey, Raelin Copeskey, Chloe Copeskey, Wyatt Spens-Jacobson; brothers: Robert Jandron, Paul (Laura) Jandron, Ray (Jean) Jandron; sisters Kay Derocher, Sharon (Dan) Landmark; sister-in-law Judy Jandron; and several nieces and nephews.

Preceding Richard in death are his parents; brother, Dave Jandron; sister-in-law: Delores Jandron; brother-in-law: Charles Derocher; special mention for his best friend Kenny “The Frenchman” LaCosse.

Richard’s family would like to thank all the staff at the Marquette County Medical Care Facility for their compassionate and dedicated care for the last 5 years. They made his world a better place, and helped his family provide the best care for him. They would also like to thank Father Larry Van Damme from St. Paul for looking after Richard in his time of need.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, March 1st at St. Paul Catholic Church from 9:00 am until the time of US Navy Honors at 10:15 am. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 am, and a luncheon will follow in the St. Paul Gymnasium. Entombment will take place at Northland Chapel Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed in Richard’s memory to the Kirk Gibson Foundation for Parkinson’s Disease at kirkgibsonfoundation.org.

Mr. Jandron’s memorial page may be viewed at koskeyfuneralhome.com.