Lemmer, Victor F.

Ironwood, Michigan businessman and local historian.

From the description of Victor F. Lemmer papers, 1860s-1974 (bulk 1922-1974). (University of Michigan). WorldCat record id: 85778099

From the description of Victor F. Lemmer papers, 1922-1974. (University of Michigan). WorldCat record id: 34421387

Victor Francis Lemmer was born and raised in Escanaba, Mich. After working six years as a county school teacher and bookkeeper for several logging firms, he attended and graduated from the University of Notre Dame. In 1928, he married Beatrice Boyce. In 1928, they moved to Ironwood, and in 1931 he became the first Gogebic County auditor. In 1939, the mining companies formed the Gogebic Industrial Bureau and asked Lemmer to head the Bureau. He held that position until 1963, when the Bureau closed. Over the years, he became an authority on mining and local history. he was an active member of the Historical Society of Michigan and served as its president in 1955.

From the description of Victor F. Lemmer collection. (State Archive of Michigan). WorldCat record id: 41328490

From the description of Victor F. Lemmer collection. (State Archive of Michigan). WorldCat record id: 41022030

Victor F. Lemmer was born in Escanaba, Michigan June 18, 1898, the son of immigrant parents from Luxembourg. Following his high school education, Lemmer worked as a country school teacher and as a bookkeeper with the William Bonifas Lumber Company. He then attended and graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1926. After graduation he returned to the Bonifas Company, first at Escanaba and later at Marenisco. In 1929, he moved to Ironwood where he established an insurance business and where he resided for the rest of his life.

Through much of the 1930s, Lemmer worked as a bookkeeper and served in local government positions. In 1931 he became Gogebic County auditor, serving until 1939. In 1939, the mining companies of the area formed the Gogebic Industrial Bureau which was established as a taxpayers association. Because of his knowledge of the area and overall competence, Lemmer was chosen secretary of the organization and serving as public relations representative for the industry. Also in 1939 and with the approval of the Gogebic Industrial Bureau, Lemmer was chosen to serve on a temporary and part-time basis as coordinator of the state social welfare commission charged with the implementation of Michigan's new welfare and relief plan. Lemmer served briefly in Lansing then returned to Ironwood.

Lemmer's great love was the history and lore of Gogebic county. He was active in local and state historical societies and wrote and spoke extensively on the history of this region of the Upper Peninsula. He died in 1974.

From the guide to the Victor F. Lemmer Papers, 1860s-1974, 1922-1974, (Bentley Historical Library University of Michigan)