Alan J. Potier

Alan “Al” Joseph Potier, of Rapid River, passed away unexpectedly, June 8, 2021 at the age of 76. He was born in Iron Mountain, MI on June 2, 1945 to Kenneth and Mary Agnes (Bernardy) Potier, who resided in Pembine, WI. After graduating from Pembine High School, he enlisted in the United States Air Force in October of 1964 where he spent some time in Vietnam. He was honorably discharged on March 15, 1968 with the rank of Staff Sergeant. Al then returned to Pembine with his then wife, Gail Storer, who he married on June 10, 1967 in Tallapoosa, GA. They divorced in February of 1971. Alan went on to marry Alexandria “Sandy” (Quast) Willis on February 20, 1971 in Dickinson County, MI. They were blessed with 4 children in their 27 years of marriage. In May of 1974, Al started his 30-year career with the railroad and finally retired in December of 2003 when he was able to focus more on his hobbies, such as traveling to compete with the guys in the NSSA, hunting, fishing, and playing solitaire and cribbage. Al also planted and maintained an acre garden that brought locals and passersby back time after time for the amazing vegetables he could grow. He also raised beef and chickens to occupy his time.

Alan is survived by his sister, Mary Kay Marasco of Green Bay; 4 children, David of Goshen, Troy of Gladstone, Michelle of Gladstone, and Ashley of Rapid River; 11 grandchildren, Tanner, Trevor, Angela, Athena, Gauge, Hunter, Jayden, Andrew, Cole, Axel, and Aden; 1 great-granddaughter, Mary Jayne; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Alan was preceded in death by 3 older brothers, David, Roger (Sheryl), and Stephen (Kathy); and twins, Gabriel Paul and Angela Mary.

A Celebration of Alan’s Life will be held at a later date. 

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