Lowell Alan LaPlant

Resided in Gladstone, MI
Died December 4, 2020

Lowell “Luke” Alan LaPlant, 85, passed away December 4th, 2020 in his home with his loving family by his side.

He was born in Escanaba MI on April 3rd, 1935 the son of Luke and Loretta (Boubonaise) LaPlant. He lived his entire life in Gladstone, growing up in the Buckeye. He was blessed with great athletic abilities when he graduated from Gladstone High School in 1953. Luke retired from Harnischfeger in 1983 after 30+ years.

He married his high school sweetheart, Beverly Brandl, on June 11th, 1955 and together they raised four daughters – Kim, Marsha, Lori and Maureen. He was so proud of his family and his girls were the light of his life.
Also his favorite people called him grandpa. He deeply loved and was so proud of his grandkids! He was their biggest cheerleader whether it was sports, hunting, fishing, schoolwork or just giving advice. He made each one of them feel special. In his younger years, he would rotate between Rapid River, Gladstone, and Escanaba each morning picking up the grandkids and taking them to school. They never left his house hungry or without a little money in their pocket.

Every year on our birthdays, we couldn’t wait for a phone call from him with his own version of “Happy Birthday!” We will miss his awesome chocolate malts, sense of humor, beautiful blue eyes, or how he’d yell “your grandpa loves ya” or “your dad loves ya!” or “55! and watch them lights!” out the back door whenever we’d leave his house. The way he’d sing “You Are My Sunshine” will always be a favorite since he loved our family sing-a-longs!

One of his greatest accomplishments also in life was his camp “Ironsides” in Cornell Michigan, which he built by himself in the 1950s. He and Beverly spent every weekend there waking up & enjoying the beautiful view of the sun on the river. And if he wasn’t enjoying camp, you could find him in his garage carving ducks or various things out of wood since woodworking was one of his passions.
We will miss the best husband, dad and grandpa there ever was.

Lowell is survived by his wife, Beverly of 65 years. Daughters : Kim (Don) Lauscher, Lori (Brian) Lauscher, and Maureen (Jeff) Zar.
Brothers : Vern (Dorothy) LaPlant, Gary (Helen) LaPlant, Lynn (Sue) LaPlant and sister Susan (Ken) Gustafson, & sister in law Sharon Brandl, also numerous nieces and nephews.

Luke’s grandchildren : Heidi (Bryan) Baldovski, Kurt (Kelly) Lauscher, Lindsey (Ryan) Rosinski, Jayme (Eric) Cannon, Samantha (Rick) McLeod, BJ (Sara) Lauscher, Courtney (Todd) Ruatti, Andy (Ashley) Lauscher, and Jeff (Holly) Zar.
Great grandchildren : Riley, Reece, Drew, Trent, Landon, Teegan, Scout, Bryer, Cruz, Andie, Rhett, Paislee, Maci, Tripp, Kerry, Colton, Lucas and baby Ruatti (on the way)

Luke is proceeded in death by his daughter Marsha in 1975. His parents Luke and Loretta LaPlant, in-laws Arthur and Mary Brandl, sisters in law Shirley (Alan) Newman & Donna (Todd) Boutilier. His siblings Larry (Mickey) LaPlant, Bill (Babber) & Shirley Bryan, and Betty (Joe) Depuydt. Nephews Brian Boutilier and Toddy Newman, and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

In keeping with his wishes, there will be no visitation. Our family would like to thank everyone for their kind words and prayers. A special thanks to the OSF Hospice staff and nurses for their outstanding care and also to Deacon Mike and Fr. Jamie Ziminski for their comforting words.

Rest in eternal peace with your “little bearcat” Marsha, we love you and we’ll miss you so much.
The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the LaPlant family.

9 Tributes for “Lowell Alan LaPlant”

    My condolences to the whole LaPlant family whom I’ve known most of my life. Lowell was a great man. I’m sure Marsha had her arms wide open to welcome her Dad Home. Prayers to you all. ❤️

    So sorry for you and your family Bev, my heartfelt condolences. Thinking of you, and sending my love, Diane

    RIP sweet Uncle Lowell. It sounds like you had such a wonderful and full life. I wish I could have known you better. Praying for your entire family left here with heartache. Until we meet again.

    Laplant family, sorry to hear about Luke’s passing. I have so many good memories of him when I was a young kid. He would come to our house with a pocket of change and throw it in the shag carpet that we had for us boys to find. He always told my dad he was going to adopt one of us because he wanted a boy. He was truly a good man. He will be missed..

    Lori, Heidi & Family,
    I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your father & your Grandpa. He was such a big part of my childhood & growing up, especially our Jr High years. There are so many memories of playing & being at his house with you Heidi that I’ll always hold close. Loved his sense of humor!

    My thoughts, prayers & heart are with you & your family. God bless you all & give you the strength to get through this difficult time together.❤

    Thoughts and prayers to you all on Lowell’s passing I’ve known him since the late 60’s when we worked together at Harnischfeger

    So Sorry to hear of the loss of Husband, Father Grandfather Mr. LaPlant. Growing up in the Buckeye and growing up with the girls I got to know him fairly well.
    May he rest in Eternal Peace and now be with Marsha once again.
    God Bless all the family and my condolences to all.
    Jackie (LaFond) Mott

    So sorry to hear about Lowell’s passing. Remembering the great fun up at the “Camp” with your family. Give Marsha a kiss for me too Lowell.

Post a Tribute

Your email address will not be published. Tributes are moderated before posted. Required fields are marked *