Compiled by

Virginia Easley DeMarce

Arlington, Virginia

1989

Update 1993

Mrs. James L. DeMarce

5635 North 25th Road

Arlington, VA 22207

INTRODUCTION

This book was done for the family, in hopes that everyone who reads it would get a sense of the times in which their ancestors have lived, the places in which they have lived, and the way the family has developed since it came from Quebec Province, Canada, to the United States.

A numbering system is used to keep track of the relationship of the family members. The first ancestor is given the number "1". His children are numbered in order of birth, "1.1", "1.2", "1.3", etc. When we look at the family of his third child, they in turn are numbered in order of birth: "1.3.1", "1.3.2", "1.3.3", etc. So it goes, adding a number for each generation a person descends from the original ancestor. Each generation is divided by the use of a period, so that if a family had more than 9 children, the numbering system does not get confusing.

Once you have found a name that interests you in the index, look it up on the page. To find the parents, back up until you find that number minus the final digit; to find the grandparents, back up until you find that number minus the last two digits, etc. Eventually, you will come back to ancestor #1.

The photographs included in the book illustrations are not included in the index, as they were not assigned page numbers. There is a list of the illustrations following the Table of Contents.

General Sources of Information:

No effort has been made to footnote every individual statement in this chapter. Much of the information on current generations was provided by family members, whose contributions are acknowledged. Important records have been quoted in full. The standard modern vital statistics are readily available.

Baptismal records, St-Jean-d'Iberville, Quebec, Canada

Index 1828-1876, LDS Microfilm 1,290,044

Registres 1828-1841, LDS Microfilm 1,290,044

Registres 1841-1861, LDS Microfilm 1,290,045

Baptismal and marriage records, St-Athanase-d'Iberville, Quebec, Canada

1851 census, St-Athanase-d'Iberville, Quebec, Canada

1861 census, St-Athanase-d'Iberville, Quebec, Canada

Marriage records, Church of the Immaculate Conception (St. Mary's), St. Albans, Vt.

Vital Records, North Hero, Grand Isle Co., Vt., Vol. 1.

Death records, St-Damien-de-Bedford, Quebec, Canada

1870 U.S. census, Pepin Co., Wis.

1880 U.S. census, Pepin Co., Wis.

1900 U.S. census, Pepin Co., Wis.

French Catholic Cemetery, Dead Lake Prairie, Waterville Twp., Pepin Co., Wis.

Memorial Cemetery, Arkansaw, Pepin Co., Wis.

Birth, Marriage, and Death Records, Pepin Co., Wis.

Deeds, Pepin Co., Wis.

Birth and Marriage Records, Dunn Co., Wis.

Birth and Death Records, Pierce Co., Wis.

Various newspaper obituaries, often clippings with no dates on them.

Old Settlers Association Scrapbooks, Arkansaw, Wis.

Data from Lelah Bruso, 1349 Eagle, Rhinelander, WI 54501 (stepdaughter of Wilbur DeMarce)

Information from Inez (DeMarce) Larson, Elk Point, S.D. (granddaughter of Salem DeMers)

Information from Karyl (Sumner) Bainbridge.

Glimpses of Arkansaw History (Arkansaw Creek Park Dedication July 1, 1979).

THE BACKGROUND OF THE DeMARCE FAMILY IN QUEBEC PROVINCE, CANADA

1. Leon Demers and his wife Elisabeth/Isabelle Morais did not emigrate to the United States. However, he has been determined as the starting point for the genealogy in order to make the various relationships clear. Leon Demers was born 16/17 February 1805 to Pierre Demers and Brigitte Guertin of the parish of St-Joseph-de-Chambly. His father, Pierre Demers, was a blacksmith. He was baptized 17/18 February 1805, at Chambly, under the name of Simeon Demers.

He was one of a large family. His brothers and sisters were: Joseph, born about l798 and married in 1824 to Flavie Trudeau, then as a widower in 1828 to Emelie Laroque; Brigitte, born 1 January and buried 20 July 1800, Chambly; Pierre, born 23 February 1801 and married in 1825 to Marguerite Gauthier; Sophie, born 22 October 1803 and married in 1833 to Ambroise Provost; Francois (twin to Leon/Simeon), born 16/17 February and buried 3 August 1805; Narcisse, born 23 April 1806 and married in 1828 to Marie Provost; Marie Archange, buried 11 June 1808, aged 4 months; David, born 8 May 1809; Edouard, born 29 October 1812; Abraham, born 18 October 1815; and Patrice, born 7 April and buried 29 April 1817.

The family appears as follows on the 1851 Census, Iberville Co., Quebec, Canada: the age given is as of next birthday:

Following French-Canadian custom, Elisabeth (Morais) Demers is listed under her maiden name. It is probable that the "Gidien More" who follows is the Joseph-Leon DeMarce of Pepin Co., Wis., with a mistaken ditto mark for his mother's maiden name. It will be seen that the 1861 census also refers to Joseph DeMarce as "Gedeon."

In this same census, Elizabeth Nadeau, the mother of Elisabeth Morais, age 66, was a widow and living with her son Jean-Baptiste Morais and his wife Catherine Frechette. Jean-Baptiste and Catherine had 8 children living at that time. The name Morais receives many variant spellings in the Canadian records, including: Morais, More, Moret, Morray, Mauray, Murray, Maurray, Maurais.

The entire family grouping appears as follows on the 1861 census, Iberville Co., Quebec, St. Athanase Parish. It will be noted that Elisabeth Nadeau is now caring for all the orphaned children of Jean-Baptiste Morais and Catherine Frechette (her grandchildren): again, the age given is as of next birthday:

Again, it will be noted there are some discrepancies. All of the above families are on the same page. Religion of all persons was Catholic. However, with the Demers twins Joseph and Philomene, Joseph is accidentally called Morais his name following that of his great-uncle Antoine, who was apparently living with the family. Joseph DeMarce is again called Gedeon, and his children are listed as having been born in Canada rather than in Vermont.

A LISTING OF THE CHILDREN OF LEON AND ELISABETH (MORAIS) DEMERS

FOLLOWS:

The list of children for Leon Demers and his wife Marie-Elisabeth/Isabelle Morais is taken from the baptismal records of St-Athanase-d'Iberville and St- Jean-d'Iberville, and the 1851 and 1861 census records of St-Athanase-d'Iberville. The data for each child is supplemented by other records, if any have been located.

A section on his descendants follows at the end of the book.

JOSEPH AND ELIZA (KELLEY) DeMARCE OF PEPIN COUNTY, WISCONSIN

Subscribed and sworn to, before me, the 1st day of April 1867.

Alexr. G. Coffin

Clerk of Circuit Court

DeMarce, Joseph from Henry Kelley & wife, J, 541.

Demarce, Joseph from Florence Kelley, mortgage, D 571 & 572.

Kelley, Henry from Joseph Demarce & wife, mortgage, C, 592.

Kelley, Florence from Joseph DeMarce & Wife, L, 139.

Kelley, Henry from Joseph DeMarce, satisfaction, J, 356.

Taped recollections of Mabel (DeMarce) Metcalfe, 22 April 1988:

Joseph

Henry

Florence - - - died at an early age

Peter, lived in Saskatchewan Canada for many years

Seymour Joseph born Feb. 7, 1861 died May 1909

Mary married Frank Patnode

John born Feb. 7, 1868, died Feb. 26, 1962

Frank born Sept. 25, 1873, died Jan. 16, 1963

Obituary, Pepin County Courier, Durand, Wis., Friday, 23 November 1900, vol. 23, no. 47, p. 5, col. 6:

Mrs. Joe Demarce one of the pioneers of Waterville passed to her reward on Sunday last aged 67 years. Deceased whose name was Eliza Kelly was a native of the State of Vermont. She came west some twenty years ago settling in the town of Waterville. She was sick but a short time being a victim of diabetes. She was a lady of excellent character and was highly respected. She leaves her husband and five sons and a daughter with many other relatives to mourn her loss. Her daughter Mrs. Frank Patnode lives near Antigo, her sons Seymour, John and Frank in the Town of Waterville while Henry and Peter reside in N. Dak.

Her son John had only returned the evening before from a hunting trip north. The funeral took place on Tuesday conducted by Rev. Redding of Eau Galle, Mrs. Demarce having been a faithful member of the Catholic Church all her life. The remains were interred in the Catholic cemetery on Dead Lake Prairie. The mourning relatives have the sympathy of a large circle of friends in their sorrow.

In the same paper, same page, col. 3, was the note: "Mr. Henry DeMarce of Minnewaukan N.Dak. arrived here on Tuesday afternoon being called here to attend his mother's funeral. He arrived too late for that, she having been buried that forenoon.

Pepin County Courier, 29 January 1904, v. 27, no. 5, p. 10, col. 3.

Sophia DeMarce of Dakota has been visiting Joseph DeMarce, Sr.

"Arkansaw. A number from here attended the funeral of Joseph Demarce, Sr., Sunday afternoon.

Jos. Demarce Dead

Died in Desfeed, Quebec Canada Tuesday Morning. Word was received here Tuesday morning that Joseph Demarce had died at Desfeed, Canada that day and that the body would be sent here for burial. Mr. Demarce was visiting at Desfeed where he went a couple of months ago.

He was an old resident of town of Waterville where he had resided for nearly forty years. Mr. Demarce was seventy years old last July and was born in Canada. He moved west with his family in 1863 and settled in the town of Waterville. He is survived by seven children. Mrs. Demarce dying three years ago. The children are Henry and Peter of S. Dakota; Mrs. Mary Patnode of Elton, Wis.; Seymore, John, Frank and Jos. of Waterville. The remains will arrive here on Saturday and the funeral will be held either Sunday or Monday from the Catholic church in Waterville.

[Grammar and spelling sic.]

Jos. DeMarce Obituary

Joseph DeMarce Sr. was born at St. Marz, Canada 1835. Lived with his parents until the age of 17 he went to St Albans to learn the carpenter trade three years later moved to North Island then was married to Eliza Kelly Aug. 27, 1854 lived there a few years then moved to Arkansaw where he resided until the time of his death, nine children were born to bless their union, seven of whom survive him, Joseph, Seymour, John, and Frank of Arkansaw, Peter and Henry of N. Dak. and Mrs. Frank Patnode of Elton, Wis. Mrs. Joseph DeMarce departed from this world Nov. 18, 1900.

Mr. DeMarce was a faithful member of the Catholic church, besides the family two brothers and one sister are left to mourn his loss and many friends. On the first of August he left his home to visit his sister for forty months whom he had not seen for 40 years in Bedford, Canada, he had enjoyed his visit and was on the point of coming home when he was taken ill the 30th of Oct. On the 31st a telegram came to John, the son with whom he had been living for eight years; remains were sent for by J. L. DeMarce which left Bedford at ten o'clock A.M. Nov. 3rd and arrived at Durand at six o'clock A.M. Nov. 5th and was laid at rest on the sixth in the Dead Lake Cemetery beside his wife. Father Miller of Eau Galle officiating.

DESCENDANTS OF JOSEPH AND ELIZA (KELLEY) DeMARCE

JOSEPH DeMARCE JR.

Not located on 1905 Wisconsin state census.

Joe Demarce of Spring Valley is here making final arrangements for moving his household goods there. He is going to keep house.

Joe DeMarce has a new shoe and harness shop in Arkansaw.

Taped reminiscences of Mabel (Metcalfe) DeMarce, 22 April 1988:

Additional data received from Don DeMarce (not of the Pepin Co., WI, DeMarces):

DESCENDANTS OF JOSEPH AND ELIZA (KELLEY) DeMARCE

FLORENCE DeMARCE

DESCENDANTS OF JOSEPH AND ELIZA (KELLEY) DeMARCE

HENRY DeMARCE

Bert DeMarce is sick with the pneumonia.

Obituary, no name or date on paper [1955].

MRS. PETER DEMARCE

Mrs. Peter (Carrie) DeMarce, 70, died unexpectedly Sunday, May 22, following a heart attack at her home in Puyallup, Wash. The body is being brought to the Goodrich funeral home at Durand, where it will lie in state Thursday and early Friday. Funeral services are to be held at 2 p.m. Friday at the Arkansaw Methodist church, the Rev. E. J. Jeffrey officiating. Burial is to be in the Arkansaw cemetery. Mrs. DeMarce is survived by her husband, a son, Russell, and a daughter, Mrs. Byrant Rippley of Puyallup. Since leaving this area, Mrs. DeMarce returned frequently for visits. Among relatives residing here are Mrs. Elwood Myers, Mrs. Glen Bignell and Shirley Caturia of Durand, all nieces; Mrs. Harry Doughty of Menomonie and Mrs. John Off of Minneapolis, both sisters.

1.3.3.2.1 Wayne DeMarce, b. Arkansaw, Wis.--d. in WW II.

1.3.3.2.2 Russell DeMarce.

DESCENDANTS OF JOSEPH AND ELIZA (KELLEY) DeMARCE

SEYMOUR DeMARCE

Karyl Bainbridge writes:

died Feb. 25, 1946.

Jim DeMarce recalls:

Taped reminiscences of Mabel (DeMarce) Metcalfe, 22 April 1988:

Matilda DeMarce Caturia

by Vera DeMarce Helgeson. December 1992.

Grandma Tilly was a hit with everyone she knew. She was a social little lady and loved to have company. She entertained easily.

Every summer I would stay with my two grandmothers in Arkansaw for a week. It was an event filled with anticipation. I loved it. At Grandma Tilly's, I got to sleep out on the screened porch. She and Grandpa slept in a big bed and I slept on a green porch bench. We didn't have a porch and never got to sleep outside. She also had a hammock. I loved it but if I swung slowly for a long time, I would get a quezzy stomacy. She also had a cement sidewalk and steps that led out to the road that we loved to skip on.

Grandma had a round oak table that always had a silver container labeled "crackers" in the center. It had delightful surprises in it, animal crackers, corn candy, chocolate stars or pink and white peppermints. She would let us climb up on a chair and help ourselves to a treat.

She had a wonderful organ in her living room. She would let us play it--we thought we were playing it, and we would sing "Jesus Loves Me." The shades were kept pulled in the living room so nothing would fade. It always smelled sort of dusty & musty but we loved to go in there.

Grandma was short, busty, and rather round--not fat--just plump. Her hair was very thick and long. She wore it in a big put at the nape of her neck or curcled on top of her head. Even when she was very old, her hair was quite dark with silver running through it. The grandchildren would coax her to let her hair down and when she took her braids out, her hair would touch the floor as she sat in her little rocker. I would be appalled at the sight of her long hair. She loved to have it brushed and we loved to do it.

When I was 15, a sophomore in high school, I lived with Grandma and Grandpa and worked for my room and board. Grandma was in bed with blood clots in her leg, so I was nurse, housekeeper and cook. I put hot packs on her leg twice a day and tried to keep her quiet. Changing her bed was traumatic and I was afraid she would move too much, a blood clot would move and she'd die. She had to have her meals in bed, too. On Saturdays there were clothes to wash, ironing, cleaning, and baking. It was a one man circus. She eventually got better and I stayed working till school was out.

Each morning as I came to the kitchen to get breakfast I was greeted by three cups, two with false teeth in them and one with Grandpa's glass eye.

Grandma always had cookies on hand. She made nice thick, white rolled out cookies with a raisin in the middle. She always had homemade bread too, that she would slice on her chest--cutting toward herself. I never knew her to cut into her apron and dress, but it surely kept you guessing. She most always had frozen mince and apple pies in her summer kitchen in the winter.

Grandma was a dressy little lady. She always had becoming dresses and lovely hats. Her hats were usually black or navy blue with big flowers or feathers. She had hat pins like daggers that went through the hat and her braids to hold it on. As a little girl, I can remember trying on her hats and holding her putse in front of the mirror. I would put the hat pin through the hat or it would completely cover my face! She usually had a black coat and looked dressy and well groomer. At the time I stayed with them, they had a small terrier dog and it was my first job to pick off its hair from her coat--much to my despair!

Grandma and Grandpa loved to play cards and they both liked to win. They had many friends that would come to play and they would be in their glory. Grandma could be ailing and a little depressed, but if someone would pop in--she's be as good as new. She foten times had a bad cough and was wheezy. A spoonful of whiskey that she kept by her bedside would usually calm her coughing.

Grandma was a devout Catholic but her children left the church as adults for various reasons. She bemoaned the fact many times in her older years. She was afraid she would not have spiritual bouquets and masses at her death, but she worried needlessly.

She was a loving grandma, a typical little French lady, talked French fluently.

Obituary, no name or date of paper.

SEYMORE DeMARCE

It is our very painful duty at this time to chronicle the passing of the spirit of Seymour J. DeMarce from earth on last Friday evening, May 21. As many of our readers already know he has been sick since last fall. About seven weeks ago he rallied and for a short time his friends and relatives had hopes that he would ultimately recover but it was not to be for he was soon obliged to return to his bed from which he did not arise. Every possible effort was made for his recovery but without avail and he gradually grew weaker until the end. His life was an open book known and read by all his acquaintances. A man of strong personality he drew many people to him.

Mr. DeMarce was a native of St. Ann, Canada, where he was born Feb. 7, 1861. In 1880 he married Miss Matilda LaPean of Arkansaw, Wis. Five children were born to this marriage, Lemuel, Alfred, Wilbur, Emery and Mabel all of whom survive him. Besides these children he leaves a widow, five brothers and one sister to mourn their loss. In his early life Mr. DeMarce immigrated to Wisconsin with his parents and settled in the town of Waterville which has since been his home. All through life he was engaged in farming and at the time of his demise was proprietor of the well known as "Forest Vale Farm." His departure was deeply felt by his relatives and friend and if fervent prayers and loving ministrations could have kept him he would have been spared to them much longer.

A congenial companion, a warm friend, a generous neighbor, a loving husband and father, he goes to the great beyond, mourned by many who knew and respected him in his life time. His funeral was held at Arkansaw at 2 o'clock p.m. last Tuesday and the interment made in the cemetery there, Rev. Bell of Durand officiating.

Obituary, The Courier-Wedge, Durand, WI, 7 March 1946. With photograph.

MRS. JULIUS CATURA

Mrs. Julius Catura died Feb. 25 at the home of her stepdaughter, Emma Catura, of St. Paul, at the age of 84 years.

Matilda Margaret LaPean, daughter of John and Matilda LaPean, was born in Plattsburgh, N. Y., Oct. 28, 1861. She came with her parents to the town of Waterville where she always lived, except the last year in St. Paul.

Nov. 4, 1880, she was married to Seymore J. DeMarce. To this marriage, 5 children were born: Lemuel of Los Angeles, Calif, Wilbur of South Gate, Calif., Alfred of Arkansaw, Emery of Lake City and Mrs. Howard Metcalfe of Arkansaw.

In May, 1909, her husband died and on Aug. 22, 1912, she married Julius Catura, who survives her.

She was a devout member of the Catholic church and took an active interest in her family, her friends, and the community. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother.

Besides her husband and five children, she is survived by four stepchildren who are Mrs. John (Mattiebel) Dobus of Minneapolis, Emma of St. Paul, Mrs. Russell (Helen) Taylor of Ashland, and Vern of Glenwood City, 33 grandchildren, 60 great grandchildren and two great, great grandchildren.

Services were held at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Howard Metcalfe, Thursday, Feb. 28, followed by requiem mass at St. Joseph's Catholic church near Arkansaw, Fr. Edward Hess officiating. Members of St. Anne's Altar Sodality attended as honorary pallbearers. Burial was in the Arkansaw cemetery.

Those from out of town at the funeral were Mr. and Mrs. John Dobus, Minneapolis; the Vernon Dobus and Francis Betlock families and Miss Emma Catura, of St. Paul; John Metcalfe family of Shakopee; Mr. and Mrs. Ernie Brunette, the Fred Ramadals, Mrs. Gertrude Beffa, Mrs. Iola Moe, and the Herman Patrow and Lee Patrow families of Rice Lake; the Russell Taylor and Rush Bokeim family of Ashland, Mr. and Mrs. Emery DeMarce, Lake City; the Richard Wakefields, the Allan Helgesons, and George LaPean, Menomonie; Mr. and Mrs. Vern Catura, Glenwood, Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Nelson, Mrs. Archie Gahler, Sand Creek; Mr. and Mrs. Earl S. Sumner, River Falls; Mr. and Mrs. Darrel S. Metcalfe, Manhattan, Kansas.

Interview information, provided by Karyl Bainbridge:

Lemuel DeMarce

by Vera DeMarce Helgeson. December 1992.

Uncle Lemmie looked much different than the other boys in his family. He must have resembled his father more. He was fairly short like Alfred and Wilbur, but had brownish auburn hair.

He loved to fish. His family and our family would go to Eau Galle fishing. Grandpa & Grandma and Aunt Mable's would go too and there would be a big picnic. Grandma Matilda would oversee making the "boo-ya" fish soup, in a black iron kettle over an open fire. Grandma usually brought fresh cucumbers to slice. She would cut the tip off and we smaller children would tub the top against the cut top of the cucumber to get out the poison. It sort of foams and grandma would cut that off--that was the poison part!! I have never heard of anyone else doing this but it was a necessary ritual with grandma.

Uncle Lemmie & Aunt Carrie, Alfred & Ethel in later years would go to Cornell fishing. It's a miracle that Dad and Uncle Lemmie didn't drown, neither of them could swim and when they would catch a fish they would be standing up, shouting and rocking the boat!

Uncle Lemmie's lived in Porcupine Valley and there was always great sliding for us kids when we would visit them.

Obituary, no name or date of paper.

Mrs. L. J. DeMarce

Caroline Homstadt, daughter of John and Frances Homstadt, was born January 8, 1880, near Plum City and died at her home in Porcupine February 22, 1931, aged 51 years, 1 month and 14 days.

March 8, 1904, she was united in marriage with L. J. DeMarce and to this union were born eight children: Guy F. of Cornell, Frances M. (Mrs. John Girard) of Durand; Ina M. (Mrs. John Metcalf) of Swanville, Minn.; Ida E. (Mrs. Glen Myers) of Porcupine; Lynn S., Lila L., Merle L., at home and Delma D., who passed away in infancy.

In early life she was baptized in the German Lutheran Church and this religious influence has been felt by all who came in touch with her, both in her home and among her neighbors and friends.

She was a member of the Royal Neighbor Lodge of Porcupine and was a "Royal Neighbor" in the fullest sense of the word in the lodge and in the community in which she lived.

She was a devoted wife and mother, giving her all to and for those she loved.

Among those who mourn her passing are her husband, children, nine grandchildren, one brother, three half-brothers besides many other relatives and friends.

The funeral service was held from the Arkansaw Methodist Church Tuesday, 2 p.m. Robert Goodrich, assisted by James Webb, conducted the funeral. Reuben Doughty, accompanied by Harold Hammond, had charge of the music. Rev. W. F. Grandy preached the sermon to a congregation that filled the church and overflowed into the grounds so that they who were without were more than they who were within. The Royal Neighbors were present in large numbers and assisted in the service at the cemetery. The large display of flowers, the throngs of people testified to the high esteem in which the deceased was held by all who knew her.

Interment was made in the cemetery at Arkansaw.

Obituary, no name or date of paper [1948].

LEMUEL DeMARCE

Lemuel DeMarce, 67, died at Glendale, Calif., April 24. He had suffered a stroke a week earlier while at work and death came as a shock to his family.

He was born in Pepin county August 5, 1880 [sic--should be 1881], son of Semer and Matilda DeMarce. He lived in this vicinity until he moved to California, about 20 years ago, where he operated a trucking business.

His first wife, Caroline Holmstead, preceded him in death about 17 years ago. He later married Lela Young who survives besides the following children: Guy of Cornell, Mrs. John (Frances) Girard, Durand; Mrs. Lila Ewert, Wausau; Mrs. John (Ina) Metcalf, Shakopee; Lynn, Grange Hall; Mrs. Glen (Ida) Myers, Arkansaw; Merle, Phoenix, Arizona.

There are 22 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren and three brothers who survive, Alfred, Arkansaw; Emery, Lake City, and Wilbur, South Gate, Calif.

The funeral was held at Glendale, Calif., Monday with burial there.

Obituary, Cornell Courier-Sentinel, 1 May 1980:

Guy DeMarce

Guy Frederick DeMarce, 75, died at home Thursday morning, April 24, in Cornell.

He was born June 21, 1905, in Arkansaw, Wis. He married Hazel Hanson in Wabasha, Minn. in 1927.

He was employed by the Cornell Paper Mill many years before retiring.

Surviving are his wife; a son, Dean, Vermon, Conn.; two daughters, Delores Wajek and Catherine Crosby, both of Cornell; a brother, Lynn, Elmwood; three sisters, Frances Davidson, Phoenix, Ida Myers, Arkansas, and Lila Pregont, Wausau; eight grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

A funeral service was held Saturday at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Cornell, with the Rev. Jim Leschensky officiating. Interment will be in the Cornell Cemetery. Cornell Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Obituary, no name or date of paper [1957].

JOHN A. GIRARD

John A. Girard, 61, died Wednesday, Aug. 14, at the hospital in Durand. He had been in poor health for several years and spent some time in the veterans hospital in Fort Snelling, Minn. After two trips to Arizona, the second time for a year, he was brought back to Fort Snelling by plane and later to Durand.

Born May 8 near Arkansaw, Mr. Girard was a son of George and Mary Girard. He served in the United States army in World War I and after receiving his discharge returned to the parental home. He was married Dec. 12, 1821, to the former Frances DeMarce of Arkansaw. They became the parents of three sons and four daughters. One daughters, his parents, a sister, Bessie Lobitz and a brother, Peter Girard, preceded him in death.

Surviving besides his wife are these sons and daughters: Merwyn of Milwaukee, John jr. of St. Paul, George with the air force in Germany, Mrs. Carl (Virginia) Capion of Clinton, Iowa, Mrs. Gilbert F. (Betty) Bauer of Lima, and Mrs. Robert (DeVerna) Logslett of Durand.

There are also four sisters, Mrs. Josephine Karshbaum of Arkansaw, Mrs. Margaret Radle of Lima, Mrs. Agnes King of Long Beach, Calif., and Mrs. Eva Brynok of Winona. Mr. Girard had 10 grandchildren.

Funeral services were held Friday at 2 p. m. in the Goodrich chapel, the Rev. Haglund and the Rev. Carroll Anderson officiating. Burial was in the Arkansaw cemetery.

Obituary, Shakopee Valley News, 9 July 1975, p. 2.

Ina Mae Metcalf, 67, wife of former Senator John A. Metcalf, died of heart failure July 2.

Funeral services were conducted from St. Mary's Catholic Church July 5 at 11 a.m.

Interment was at St. Mary's Cemetery.

Ina Mae DeMarce was born September 13, 1907 in Arkansaw, Wisconsin to Elemuel and Corrie DeMarce. She married John A. Metcalf in Durand, Wisconsin on November 7, 1928.

She was a member of the St. Francis Hospital Auxiliary and St. Mary's Rosary Society.

She is survived by three daughters, Mrs. Gilbert (Irene) Lebens and Mrs. Larry (Nancy Lee) Schmit of Shakopee and Mrs. Eugene (Pinky) Dahl of Prairie Village, Kansas; two brothers, Guy DeMarce of Cornell, Wisconsin; Merle DeMarce of Phoenix, Arizona; four sisters, Lynn DeMarce of Elmwood, Wisconsin; Mrs. Oscar (Frances) Davidson, Phoenix, Arizona; Mrs. Ed. (Lila) Prejont, Warsaw, Wisconsin and Mrs. Glen (Ida) Meyers of Arkansaw, Wisconsin.

Pallbearers were David and Curtis Dahl of Prairie Village, Kansas; James and John Schmitt of Shakopee, Scott Lebens of Shakopee, all grandsons, and Wayne Engelen, a son-in-law from Shakopee.

Cavanaugh Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Obituary, Shakopee Valley News, 31 December 1974, p. [2], col. 2 (with photograph)

Funeral services for John A. Metcalf, educator,businessman, and former State Senator, were said Monday, December 29, from St. Mary's Catholic Church in Shakopee.

Father Schoenberger, Father Russell and Father Hennen officiated at the 11 a.m. services.

Interment was at St. Mary's Cemetery.

Metcalf died December 26 at Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis, the victim of cancer. He was 71.

Metcalf was born August 10, 1904 in Durand, Wisconsin and married Ina Mae DeMarce there on November 7, 1928. He was preceded in death by his wife, who died July 2, 1975.

Metcalf, former owner of Metcalf Motor Service, served as superintendent of schools at Swanville, Burnsville and Shakopee and was elected State Senator from District 21 in 1954.

He was a graduate of St. Mary's College in Winona and earned his Master of Science degree from the University of Minnesota.

He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Shakopee Businessman's Association and the Minnesota Automobile Dealers Association.

He is survived by three daughters, Mrs. Irene Lebens of Shakopee, Mrs. Nancy Schmidt of Shakopee and Mrs. Mary Ellen Dahl of Fullerton, California; Mrs. Corwin (Irene) Wood of St. Charles, Illinois, 13 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Honorary pallbearers were Dalles Capesius, Judge F. J. Connolly, Bill Wermerskirchen, Sr., Don Ries, Harry Rich, Jerome Wampach, Monroe Kopisca, Wayne Konga, Ronald McKee, Jim Perry, Ron Wieler and Sen. Ralph Jopp.

Active pallbearers were Jim and John Schmidt, Curt and Dave Dahl, Scott Lebens and Wayne Engelen, all grandsons of the deceased.

Cavanaugh Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Obituary, The Courier-Wedge, Durand, WI, no date of paper (with photograph).

IDA ETHEL MYERS

Ida Ethel Myers (80) of Route 2, Arkansaw died Friday, March 16, 1990 at her home in Porcupine Valley. She was born January 10, 1910 in Union Township, Pierce County; daughter of Lemuel and Caroline Holmstadt DeMarce. She attended Porcupine School.

September 19, 1928 she married Glenn Shirley Myers in Wabasha, Minnesota. They lived all their married life in Porcupine Valley, Frankfort Township, Pepin County.

Ida enjoyed sewing, crocheting, baking and housekeeping. She particularly enjoyed being with and talking about her family, especially her grandchildren. She was an avid Minnesota Twins Baseball fan.

Ida was a very active member of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Arkansaw.

She is survived by her husband Glenn; daughter, Iris Simonson of Red Wing, Minnesota, daughter and son-in-law, Charlotte and Bernard Marcks of Pepin, Janice and Vaughn Girard of Plum City, Jeanette and Daniel Richardson of Arkansaw, Jackie and Brent Herbst of Arkansaw; son and daughter-in-law, Clayton and Gerry Myers of Arkansaw, Donald and Arlene Myers of Arden Hills, Minnesota; 35 grandchildren and 61 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Francis Davidson of Durand, Lila Pregont of Wausau, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lemuel and Caroline Holmstadt DeMarce; two great-grandsons, Dennis Myers Jr. and Eric Myers; son-in-law Arnold "Arnie" Simonson; two sisters, Ina Metcalfe and Velma DeMarce, three brothers, Guy, Lynn and Merle DeMarce.

Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, March 19, 1990 at the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Arkansaw. Daniel Richardson and Glenn Peterson officiated. Burial will be in the Arkansaw Memorial Cemetery.

Casket bearers were: Rodney Simonson, Jeffrey Myers, Donald Myers, Randall Marcks, William Girard, Gregory Richardson, Timothy Herbst.

Music was by soloist -- Lori Simonson Jensen, organist - Joan Lauer.

Goodrich Funeral Home, Durand, was in charge of arrangements.

Obituary, no name or date of paper.

Lynn DeMarce

ELMWOOD -- Lynn S. DeMarce, 70, died Friday at his home.

He was born in Arkansaw and married Helen Weber in 1930. They farmed for several years in the Plum City and Elmwood areas. In 1954 they moved to Elmwood and started DeMarce Cable Co. After her death, he married Blancie [sic] Hetrick Thompson in 1969.

Survivors include his wife; a son, Nolan, Elmwood; two daughters, Joan Lecheler, Terry Krause, both of Elmwood; three stepsons, Jerry Thompson, Durand, Daniel Thompson, St. Paul, Minn., Mitchell Thompson, Mondovi; four stepdaughters, Rita Seger, St. Paul, Minn., Joan Longsdorf, Stockholm, Carol Bower, Durand, Sharon Roatch, Spring Valley; three sisters, Ida Myers, Arkansaw, Francis Davidson, Durand, Lila Pragont, Wausau; 11 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, 20 step-grandchildren, 11 step-great-grandchildren and a great-grandchild.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at United Methodist Church, Elmwood, with burial in Poplar Hill Cemetery, Rock Elm.

Friends may call from 3 to 9 p.m. today at Rhiel Funeral Home, Elmwood, and an hour before services at the church.

News article, The Courier-Wedge, Durand, WI, 1 July 1982, p. 1.

Elmwood Cable

Retired operator of a television and cable service at Elmwood, Lynn DeMarce, died Friday at home.

Funeral services were held Tuesday at 11 a.m. in United Methodist church of Elmwood, the Rev. James Thunstrom officiating. Burial was in Poplar Hill cemetery at Rock Elm.

Born Dec. 20, 1911, at Arkansaw, Mr. DeMarce was a son of Lemuel and Caroline Holmstadt DeMarce. Married in 1930 to the former Helen Weber, he farmed near Plum City until 1954, when he moved to Elmwood.

After the death of his wife in 1966, Mr. DeMarce was remarried with the former Blanche Hetrick Thompson of Durand. He started DeMarce Television & Cable Co. at Elmwood, and remained active until retirement in 1977.

During his lifetime, Mr. DeMarce was administrator of Bell farm estate for United Methodist church 15 years, served on the Elmwood church board seven years, school board 17 years and joined Elmwood Rod & Gun club.

Surviving with the wife, are a son, Nolan of Elmwood, two daughters, Mrs. Albert (Joan) Lecheler and Mrs. James (Terry) Krause of Elmwood, three stepsons, Jerry Thompson of Durand, Daniel Thompson of St. Paul and Mitchell Thompson of Mondovi, four stepdaughters, Mrs. Robert (Rita) Seger of St. Paul, Mrs. Joan Longsdorf of Stockholm, Mrs. LaVerne (Carol) Bauer of Durand and Mrs. Wayne (Sharon) Roatch of Spring Valley, 11 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, 20 step-grandchildren and 11 step-great-grandchildren.

In addition, there are three sisters, Mrs. Glenn (Ida) Myers of Arkansaw, Mrs. Oscar (Frances) Davidson of Durand and Mrs. Lila Pregont of Wausau.

Obituary, Arizona Republic newspaper, 14 February 1979, p. D-5:

Merle DeMarce

Merle Lemual DeMarce, 58, president of Imperial Construction Co., who was honored with the Silver Beaver for his work in scouting, died Feb. 12, 1979, in Doctors Hospital after suffering a heart attack.

Mr. DeMarce, 4227 E. Patricia lane, moved to Phoenix in 1933 from Imperial Valley, Calif. Active in scouting the past 28 years, he was a former vice president in charge of all properties of the Theodore Roosevelt Boy Scout Council.

He was a World War II veteran and a member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church and Elks Lodge 335.

Survivors include his wife, Kay; children, Carolyn Voorhees, Connie Vega, Leon and Wesley DeMarce; stepchildren, Barbara Wilson and Harry Salayton; 19 grandchildren, a great-grandchild, three sisters and two brothers.

Services will be 11 a.m. Friday in Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 3641 N. 56th St. Friends may call from 2 to 7 p.m. Thursday in Arcadia Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School.

Funeral announcement, Arizona Republic newspaper, 16 February 1979: