Donald Joseph “Don” LaCroix

Resided in Gladstone, MI
Died December 17, 2017

Donald Joseph “Don” LaCroix, 88, of Gladstone, passed away Sunday, December 17, 2017 at the Christian Park Health Care Center in Escanaba following complications from an injury on December 5.

Don was born March 2, 1929 in Detroit, MI the son of William and Josephine (Schram) LaCroix. He was raised in Gladstone where he was a 1947 graduate of Gladstone High School. Following graduation, Don assisted the Skradski and Kelly Funeral Homes in Gladstone before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force. He served his country in the Air Force from 1948 to 1952.

He returned to Gladstone and worked for Harnischfeger Corporation in Escanaba for most of his 40 year career. He did spend 8 years in Milwaukee (1983-1991) and 2 year in Texas (1965-1967) with Harnischfeger. He also worked at the Bay de Noc Lure Company for many years. Don and Barbara owned and operated the Gladstone Motel from 1976-1982. Following Don’s retirement from Harnischfeger, they managed the Super 8 Motels in Iron Mountain and later in Escanaba

Don was united in marriage to the former Barbara Therrian on August 25, 1962.

Don was a member of the All Saints Church in Gladstone. His hobbies included hunting, fishing, traveling and spending time at his camp in Watson. He was also an excellent woodworker, making keepsakes for his family members. Don was also an avid Green Bay Packer and NASCAR fan.

In addition to his wife of 55 years, Barbara, survivors include:
Children:
Rodney (Deanna) LaCroix of Waterford, MI
Deborah (Terry) Bittner of Bark River
Barbara (Jack) Lehman of Bark River
Laurie (Doug) Morin of Niagara, WI
Carolyn (Jeff) Jaeger of Menomonee Falls, WI

11 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.

In addition to his parents, his sister, Betty Sundberg and sister-in-law, Deborah Therrian Rood preceded Don in death.

Don’s family will receive friends on Friday, December 22, 2017 from 3:00 to 5:15 pm at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Military rites conducted by the Gladstone American Legion Post #71 will conclude the visitation at 5:15 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 6:00 pm at the All Saints Catholic Church with Rev. Fr. Jamie Ziminski officiating. Luncheon will follow in the All Saints Church Parish Hall. Burial will be in the Spring of 2018 at the Fernwood Cemetery in Gladstone.

6 Tributes for “Donald Joseph “Don” LaCroix

    DEAR BARB<

    My prayfull thoughts are with you and your family. Don was a top-notch guy and a great friend. I'm so glad we had time together at our 70th GHS Class Reunion this last summer. We shared memories and laughed together — I treasure these!

    May your good times together during your 55 years of marriage comfort you in the days ahead.

    Fondly,

    Maureen (Ag) Cannon

    We LOVE Don and Barb so much. Simply are saddened with the loss of such a great man. May God Rest him. May God Bring to the heart of his beautiful wife Barbara of 55 years. Din was a spiritual leader, blessed with humor of a Saint. We will forever Love him and Pray for his soul. Love and Prayers.

    Enjoyed many a 4th of July with Don and Barb when they came down to visit Bill. I had many great conversations with Don, he always had a good perspective on things. Don had a calm and wit about him you don’t find in many people. In simple words Don was a good man. He will be missed by my wife and I.

    Barb and family, we are so sorry for your loss of a husband, father, uncle, brother-in-law. His memory will always be in our hearts. His love will certainly live on. I’m so sorry we can’t be there today as Harold and i both have the flu. I will contact you later. We send our love and prayers to you and the family. Harold and Sally Young

    Dad, you shaped part of who I am, making me one of the luckiest people in the world. Although we have lived hundreds of miles apart since I was 18, I have carried, and will forever carry you in my heart. We were partners in crime on too many occasions to count, (don’t worry I never told Mom), and those memories bring some laughter through the heartbreaking pain and tears. I am so thankful your pain is over, I understand how you felt. Thank you for letting go so God could give u the peace you so desperately deserved. Save a place in Heaven for me. Don’t get on the naughty list up there without me. I’ll see ya soon. I love you more than I can find the words to tell you. Always and forever one of your five favorite kids.
    Carolyn

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