Lenore M. Deprey

Lenore M. Deprey (née Burmeister), age 79, Algoma, passed away March 12, 2025, just shy of her 80th birthday.

Lenore was born on March 28,1945 in Kewaunee, WI to Harlsworth and Rosemary (Gotstein) Burmeister. After her mother’s passing when she was just seven years old, her Gotstein aunts–especially Aunt Bea–helped raise her and her two brothers. Her father later remarried Betty Melotte and the family eventually settled in Algoma.

Lenore’s early years were spent in Kewaunee, West Bend, Casco, and Algoma, where she graduated from St. Mary Catholic School. As a teenager, she worked at Sobania’s grocery store while attending Algoma High School, graduating in 1963. She then began her career at the law firm of Miller, Pies, & Blazkovec.

Shortly after high school, Lenore met Ron “Blackie” Deprey. They married on April 25, 1964, and shared 53 years together before his passing in 2017. After starting her family, Lenore returned to the grocery business working as a head cashier and bookkeeper at Piggly Wiggly, Jubilee Foods, and Denny’s SuperValu. Along the way, she formed lasting friendships with many coworkers and customers. Lenore was an extremely hard worker, and her resilience helped her overcome many challenges in life.

A devoted member of the St. Mary Parish community, Lenore was active in the Rosary Society and volunteered at numerous church events. She had a passion for NASCAR racing–offering strong opinions on the drivers. She enjoyed cheering on the Brewers and Packers and loved discussing them with her children and grandchildren.

Lenore is survived by her children Dawn & Thomas De Guelle and Ron & Mary Jo Deprey; her grandchildren, Megan De Guelle (Jacob), Luke & Abigail De Guelle with great grandchild Baby Boy De Guelle, Tucker De Guelle (Stephen), Ryan & Katherine Deprey, Evan & Kayla Deprey with great grandson Sebastian Deprey. She also played a significant role in the lives of her nieces and nephews, whom she helped raise, Brian Burmeister (Maddy, Mason), Melissa Burmeister (Zac, Jaxson), and Mandy & Keith Deschaine (Gracelyn, Eli).

She is further survived by her brother, Larry & Shirley Burmeister (Bret, Krista, Sara), and her brothers, Richard & Mary Ann Melotte (Jason & Laurie), Robert Melotte (Jennifer, Amy); her sister-in-law Karen & Kenny Lumaye; brother-in-law Gerald Bertrand. Her cousins, who were like brothers to her, John Herbner, Mike & Cathy Herbner, Peter & Ann Kashik, also survive her along with many more nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

Lenore was preceded in death by her husband Ron “Blackie” Deprey; their infant daughter, Renee Deprey; her parents, Harlsworth & Rosemary Burmeister and Betty Melotte; her in-laws, Joe & Dolores Deprey; her brother, Joe Burmeister and his wife Linda; her sisters-in-law, Vernalda Deprey and Arletta Bertrand; her beloved aunts and uncles; and her dear cousin AnnLee Behrmann.

The family would like to extend a special heartfelt thank you to Lee & Julie Jorgenson for their wonderful support of Lenore and her family over the years, and they would also like to express deep gratitude for Unity Hospice for their gracious and dignified care of Lenore and her family. The social workers, nurses, and certified nursing assistants truly are angels among us.

Visitation will be from 8:30-10:45 am on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at St. Mary Parish, 214 Church Street, Algoma, WI 54201. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 am with Father Timothy Machila officiating. The family would like to invite you to a luncheon in the church basement at the conclusion of Mass. Entombment will be at a later date in the columbarium at St. Mary Cemetery in Algoma. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund will be established in Lenore’s name.

Kinnard Funeral & Cremation Services is assisting Lenore’s family. Online condolences may be shared at KinnardFCS.com.