Brent Lantagne

Resided in Escanaba, MI
Died November 4, 2008

SFC Brent J. Lantagne, age 38, of 4974 Highland 17.6 Drive, Escanaba died unexpectedly due to the result of an automobile accident on Hwy 41 in Marinette County, Wisconsin on Tuesday, November 4, 2008.
Brent was born August 4, 1970 in Escanaba, the son of Bill Lantagne and Jan Lavigne. Brent was a 1989 graduate of Bark River High School. At the age of 17, Brent enlisted in the U.S. Army National Guard, beginning his career with Company C., 107th Engineer Battalion of Gladstone. Brent went on to excel, throughout the years, in firearm weapons training and was currently instructing and training military troops with small arms, at various locations throughout the United States. During Brent

2 Tributes for “Brent Lantagne

    I met Brent at the 2008 Wisconsin State Outdoor Pistol Championships and will forever remember his enthusiasm for the sport; and his generosity and patience around newcomers like myself. Brent’s amiable nature touched the lives of people well beyond his family and local community. I will truly miss not seeing him on the line next year. My sincere and heartfelt condolences to his wife and family.
    John McFadyen
    Milwaukee, WI

    I met Brent 3 years ago as a fellow competitor at the National Pistol Matches at Camp Perry, OH. Ever since then I have looked forward to seeing him at matches. His enthusiasm and joy were infectious. I will miss him.

    To his family I offer my thoughts and prayers. I wish I could offer some kind of condolence, but words fail me. I only knew you through Brent’s stories. My thoughts will be with Brent and you often. I wish you Godspeed in recovering from this loss.

    Steve Turner
    Elmhurst, IL

    Sorry to learn of Brent’s passing…he will be missed by the military competitive shooting community. But heaven’s just picked up a top-notch shooter! A friend from the Air Force Pistol Team.

    Col Dave McCormick
    Springfield, VA

    I had the privilege to know Brent as a fellow Bullseye pistol competitor. He was a regular at our annual Wisconsin State Championship as well as other local matches and we would also see Brent at the National Championships in Camp Perry, Ohio. Brent was an accomplished ?Distinguished Master? level shooter; a level of skill that takes years of hard work and determination to attain. He was an intense competitor who took these matches very seriously, yet he was very outgoing and always willing to befriend an unknown competitor or offer advice to help someone new to the game. His sense of humor and soft-spoken manner will be sorely missed by all of us throughout the country that shot with him. 10s and Xs my friend.

    Walt Jackson
    Janesville, WI

    Brent was a GREAT person and will be missed. He always spoke frequently and fondly of his wife and children. He said his children were his legacy. I appreciate all the time he spent teaching me to shoot a pistol well. He was a very patient and positive encouraging type of teacher. Brent really knew how to cheer people up, since he was so intuitive. Brent, I am glad you convinced me to ride all those rollercoasters that day, it really did make everything all better.

    1SG Jane F. Payeur
    Tallahassee, FL

    “Huckleberry”, I didn’t know you had left us. You were a good friend. I will miss you so much. Thank you for your service to our country. God bless your family. Peace my friend. Rick

    SSG Rick Hollister {ret.}
    Manistique, MI

    My sincere condolences to Brent’s family. I am so sorry for your tragic loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

    Simmi Mosier
    New Franken, WI

    My deepest sympathies to your entire family. I still remember playing football out in the yard with Brent and Todd like it was just yesterday. Brent will be deeply missed by all. I am sorry I was not able to make to the funeral.

    Mark Erickson
    Cheboygan, MI

    Jennifer, Ashley and Nick-

    Thinking of your family and keeping you in prayer.

    The Craig Barnhart Family
    Escanaba, MI

    I was so sorry to see the news of Brent. I served with Brent and his dad in the Guard and have many fond memories. Brent was always fun to be around and he served his country with pride. I will miss him alot.

    Ron Hess
    Gladstone, MI

    Jennifer and family,

    I am beyond sorry to hear about the untimely death of Brent. Life does horrible and unpredictable things at times. My prayers are with you during this difficult time. Be strong and know that you have the support of many people around you.

    Stacie Maynard
    Iron Mountain, MI

    Jennifer,

    I was so sorry to hear about Brent’s death. There are no words that can heal your pain right now. Just remember there are people that care about you and think about you and will keep you and the rest of your family in their thought and pray’s including myself. Take care of yourself and hold your children close each and every day.

    My sincerest condolences,

    Adele Grimes
    Escanaba, MI

    The Lantagne family, I am very sorry for your loss. Brent was a great person and he was a pleasure to be around. I knew him from athletics and serving in the Gaurds.
    Scott Johnson and family
    Escanaba, MI

    Dear Jennifer and kids,

    I am so deeply saddened by your tragic loss. I have only known Brent for a few years as he always made sure he came into Ferdinands (where I work) whenever he was home and his ticket was always wrote up as “Brent-burger”. His smile always lit us up and his intellect was above words. He will be sadly missed by all. Hugs to all of you.

    Denise Miller
    Cornell, MI

    Jen, Nick, and Ashley,

    Mike and I are truly sorry for your your loss. If there is anything at all we can do, please don’t hesitate to call. We promise to do everything we can to help Nick through this very sad, and confusing time. You are very much a part of our family, and we will always be here if you need us.

    Sending you our thoughts and prayers,

    Mike and Opal Hoffmann
    City: Gladstone, MI

    To the family and friends of Brent Lantangne,

    I didn’t know Brent well, but I was a customer at his barbershop, and we often chatted while he was giving me a haircut. I often thought that he was such a nice young man. Now that he is gone, I feel terrible that he was snatched from his family at such a young age. My prayers will be with you as you attempt to cope with your loss.

    Al Howard
    Escanaba, MI

    With much sorrow we offer our condolences. Brent was a wonderful Soldier and friend and he will surely be missed within the Military and shooting community. Since hearing of your great loss, our prayers are continually with you.

    Hubert and Celeste Denson
    Stockbridte, GA

    To Lantagne/LaVigne Families,

    There really are no words to say at a time like this. Hold on to all the wonderful memories you have, lean on each other at this most difficult time. May it help some to know how much Family & Friends are here to help you in anyway. God Bless you all

    (Jan, I’m out of town, sorry I can’t attend, keeping you in thought & prayer)

    Bonnie (Peterson) Carignan
    Escanaba, MI

    Jennifer, Todd and the rest of the Lantagne family,

    Words cannot express what I felt when I heard of Brent’s passing.

    While I no longer live in the Upper Peninsula, I would always stop by while I was in Escanaba to visit Brent. Whether it had been 2 months or 2 years since I last saw him, he greeted me like I had never moved away and we were still the best of friends.

    I have great memories of the time we spent in the National Guard together. I have equally great memories of the times we shared outside of the Guards as well.

    Brent was a great friend. I will miss him.

    Please take solace from knowing that Brent touched many people and his legacy will live on in all of us.

    My thoughts and prayers are with you.

    Matt Szukalowski
    Hudsonville, MI

    I was privileged to meet Brent while on active duty and we instantly became great friends. It is easy to like someone as talented and friendly as Brent. We were together so much that many people in our unit referred to us as ?twins?, something I take pride in.

    Godspeed, Brother!

    John Buol
    Belleville, WI

    I was very sorry to learn of Brent’s accident and his passing. He was a former student of mine while he was in high school. Brent had a delightful sense of humor and I know he will be missed by his family and friends.

    Please allow me express my sympathy. I am so very sorry.

    Paul and Vera Blewett
    Escanaba, MI

    My sincere condolences to your family. I have been a part of C Co, 107th EN, now 1430th EN, since Feb or 2003. That is were I met Brent. Regetablly I will not be able to attend the services because I will downstate. My heart goes out to you and your family and will say a prayer for you all. Brent was a good soldier and a wonderful leader. He will be greatly missed.

    SPC Tracee McQuiston, Medic, 1430th EN
    Charlevoix, MI

    Jen & Family,

    We are so very sorry to hear about Brent’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Ashley and Nick.

    Jen, Ryan & Graison Pare
    Gladstone, MI

    Words cannot convey the sadness we feel for your family in this tragic loss. Brett was known and loved by all who have met him! I knew Brent back in high school (17 years ago). It was to my suprise, that my son (Cain) and Ashley are in school together at Holy Name. It’s a small world. Please know that we keep your family in our thoughts and prayers. The entire school is praying for your family.

    Tori Rabitoy
    Gladstone, MI

    My heartfelt sympathy to Brent’s Family for their great loss.

    Donald Chevalier
    Waterford, MI

    Jennifer, and family ,

    I have had the honor of living next to your for almost 9 years now. Our son’s are best friends and I enjoy every minute I spend with you and your family. Please know you can call on us whenever you need us- morning , noon or night ! It was an honor to know Brent and an honor to become friends with such an amazing family. Here for you always, we love you all !

    Terry, Kellie, Riley and Rianna Anderson
    Escanaba, MI

    I am proud to have been able to call Brent my friend. We shared a passion together while serving at SARG and the shooting teams and he will be sorely missed.

    My prayers and thoughts for his family.

    SSG Stanley Hayes
    Los Alamos, NM

    I got to know Brent years ago when he dated my sister. He was always a kind and respectful man and clearly dedicated to his family and country. My entire family was saddened to hear about his untimely death. May you find comfort in knowing how many lives he has touched and that he will forever be watching over you and the children.

    Amy Cook (Oleszak)
    Appleton, WI

    Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss of Brent…our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.

    Sara and Brad Trombley
    Gladstone, MI

    Lantagne Family,

    Please accept my Sincerest Sympathy on your loss. I had the pleasure of knowing and serving with Brent for the past few years at the Small Arms Readiness Group. He and I sipped a bit of bourbon together in GA before I was deployed to Iraq. He will be remembered as a Friend, a Good Soldier, and a Fine American. He will be missed always, but, never forgotten. Those of us that served with him are much the richer for it.

    Chuck Rotramel
    Milwaukee, WI

    Jennifer,

    I am so sorry for your loss! To know him was to love him! I know I have fond memories from high school (funny, funny boy!!) to the times he cut Hunter’s hair, to the Munkey Junk times! He will be so dearly missed! I pray for you and your family and please know, that if there is any thing at all that we can do to help ease this pain, do not hestitate to call on us! We will always be here for you and Brent will never be forgotten! Hugs & Prayers!

    Jennifer LaChance
    Escanaba, MI

    Jennifer and Family,

    I am so sorry to hear about brent passing, just know my prayers are with you thru this most diffucult time. I have a lot for great memories of Brent playing in Munkeyjunk over the years, we will all miss him. If there is anything I can do just ask.

    Mike Shanahan (shags)
    Escanaba, MI

    I am so very sorry for your loss. My prayers and thoughts are with you all. My deepest sympathy.

    April Johnson
    Bark River, MI

    I was crushed when I found out about Brent’s untimely passing. I have known him since Kindergarten and I have some great memories of us learning to play music together. Jam sessions with Brent, Randy, and my brother Al are some of my fondest high school memories. I’m really going to miss him. We will pray for his family… what a tragedy.

    Ron and Candice Denoo
    Fort Wayne, IN

    Didn’t know him for very long. I came to the SARG in AUG 08. But he always came into the admin office to tell stories of his travels to his rifle matches. We will always cherish him in our memories.

    Donna Fieldcamp
    Fairburn, GA

    Jenny, I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. Brent was a good man and it is not right that he was taken so soon. I wish I had the words to comfort you and your children now, but unfortunately I don’t. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. I pray that God gives you the strength you need to get through this awful, trying time. You are strong and he will walk by your side. Brent is with you too. Not in flesh but in spirit. Take comfort in that.

    Please don’t hesitate to contact me if there is anything you need.

    Amy Johnson
    Escanaba, MI

    Hi My name is Patrick Wandahsega, I knew Brent for sometime now. Brent was a very nice guy. He used to cut my hair when he worked for Don’s Barber shop before he bought it. I too recently lost family and I feel your pain. Brent was a great soldier and his service to our country is much appreciated. I wish you and your family the best. May GOD be with you.

    Patrick Wandahsega
    Wilson, MI

    I am very saddened and shocked to hear about Brent’s passing. My prayers go out to his wife, children and family. I knew Brent and served with him proudly as part of the 1075th Maintenance Company. SFC Lantagne will be remembered as a great soldier and friend.

    SGT Sherri Niemi
    Michigamme, MI

    Dear Jennifer, please accept thecondolences from Ann and I. If we can be of any help please ask.

    Love, Ann and Bill Fairchild
    Escanaba, MI

    I am so saddened by the news of Brent’s passing that at moments, it seems unbearable. To all of the Lantagnes – I wish that I could be with you now to share in our support of each other in our grief and also to share the inevitable happy, funny and comforting memories we have of Brent. There are so many; I am comforted to think of how he made me feel good about myself each time I got to spend time with him. For a person to be able to do that for another person is a God-given gift, and I don’t know if he was even aware he had that gift. I hope that he knew how much I loved him. I am comforted to remember the little smile he always seemed to have on his face – it was like he was always slightly amused, or that he was always waiting for a punch line. I admired his good nature. I miss him. I will always carry him with me, though, and I am so proud that he was my cousin.
    Love to you all.

    Lisa M. Lantagne
    Columbus, OH

    Jenny & kids,

    I’m so sorry for the loss of Brent. I met him years ago when we skied together at Gladstone. What a great guy! I’ll be thinking of you and the kids through this tough time. All my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

    Heather VanBrocklin, Brad Peterson & Kids
    Gladstone, MI

    I met SFC Lantagne at the Small Arms Readiness Group, he was a very nice person. I was shocked and saddend by his sudden death. May God’s peace and comfort be with you. I pray/know that God will give you the strength that you need to make it throught this diffucult period in your life. SFC Lantagne was a great soldier.

    Vanessa Mark
    Fairburn, GA

    Dear Jenny & family, I have a heavy heart with the news of your loss today. I am soooo very sorry to hear about Brent’s accident. May God comfort you and your family now and always. Love, Holly

    Holly Suerwier
    Escanaba, MI

    Jennifer, I miss seeing you on Sunday nights at volleyball, I am so saddened by the news of Brents accident. May he watch over you and Ashley and Nicholas from a higher place.

    Mary C Malnor
    Rapid River, MI

    Words cannot begin to express how deeply saddened we are by Brent’s tragic passing. His memory will forever live within us and within this community. Our families have shared so much together the last ten years; I wish there was more that we could to ease your suffering. Like we always say, Jen, friends are the family you choose. Know that as your extended family, we are here for you always.

    Jennifer, Todd, Megan, and Lindsey McCann
    Gladstone, MI

    Jennifer, Ashley, Nicholas, and family,

    I am so sorry for your loss. You have my heartfelt sympathy in dealing with this tragedy. If there is anything I can do to help please let me know.

    Kevin R Denecke
    Ford River, MI

    We are so sorry to hear about Brent’s accident. Norman really enjoyed talking to him when he cut his hair. We will be praying for all of you, that the Lord will comfort you and help you through this very difficult time.

    Norman and Joanne Chenier
    Flat Rock, MI

    Our deepest sympathy to all the family. Brent served his country and his community with honor. We will hold you in our prayers and hearts.

    Glendon Brown & Marilyn Kinsey
    Escanaba, MI

    Brent and I will forever be brothers. I will never forget all the days(and nights) playing ball with Brad and Todd. It was never fair…..Brent and I would always be on the same team, and laugh about kicking our younger brother’s butts. We shared a love for sports and music, and though we rarely saw each other the past 20 years, we could always pick right back up where we left off. My goal as a kid….was always to make Brent laugh. He always found my sense of humor amusing, and I took well advantage of that as often as I could. I can still feel the happiness of seeing Brent and Todd coming over the hill from their house (every day), to spend the day with us on the baseball field that was our yard.
    My heart is heavy for you Bill, Jan, Todd, Jennifer, Ashley and Nicholas. Brent will be missed greatly, and though he is gone……he will never, ever be forgotten.

    Goodbye my brother. I’ll see you again someday.

    Randy Erickson
    Iron Mountain, MI

    There are no words to express our shock and sadness to hear this news. Jenny, Ashley, Nick, Uncle Billy and Sally, Auntie Janny, Todd….our hearts have crossed the bridge and are with you even though our tears are falling in Ohio. Lisa and I keep talking, remembering times we played as little kids and Brent’s great visits in his early 20’s from Livonia, remembering when he brought you to Ohio, Jenny, to meet us and you went to Cedar Point….we had a blast the night after Paul’s wedding, going out with Wayne and Brent talked our ears off past 4 in the morning… there was no one like Brent. He was a golden boy, a wonderful man I was proud to call my cousin. He always made us laugh, was so open and honest…we are so glad we got to see him at Grandma’s 90th birthday party. That is the way he will forever be, strong and handsome and fit and happy, fulfilled in his service and interests, and so proud of his beautiful wife and children. We will never, ever forget him.

    Laura Leiendecker and family
    Canton, OH

    I recall fond memories of our championship year in Little League as the “Brewers” along with all the games in “Uncle Larry’s” yard with Brent, Todd, Randy Erickson, Brad Erickson, & Mark Erickson. Brent was a class act and will be greatly missed.

    Mike Erickson
    Warren, MI

    Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. Hold your children close, and know that he his now watching over you from heaven.

    Tammi
    Cooks, MI

    Dear Jenny and family,

    I pray that God will give you comfort at this time of your life. Brent was a wonderful person and it was a pleasure to know him.

    Mary Wilbur – Bowl-a-rama Cook
    Escanaba, MI

    Jennifer,

    I am so sorry for your lost. May God guide you and the children during this very difficult time. Brent can now fly with the butterflies in heaven.

    Judi Good
    Escanaba, MI

    To Brent’s loving family,

    I am very sorry for your loss. Brent was a very nice person and a fondly remembered classmate.
    Our prayers are with you.

    The Maguire Family

    Sonia Maguire (Anzalone BRH ’89)
    Trenton, MI

    To the family: We are deeply sorry for your loss. Brent was a good friend of mine. I served with him in the Guards, was on the rifle team with him. My family would like to say may the grace of God be with your family through this difficult time.

    Russ Sturdivant
    Green Bay, WI

    Dear Lantagne family,

    I wanted to personally let you know how much we regret the loss of SFC Brent Lantagne. The entire Small Readiness Group (SARG) Supply Platoon joins me in sending our deepest sympathies during your period of bereavement.

    I am personally aware of the numerous professional roles SFC Lantagne completed in such a short time to support our entire Platoon. In addition, SFC Lantagne was also very active within our weekly section planning, particularly with his role as the team’s activity leader and in our weapons support details. He was the first to bring people together, share a funny story, and be a positive leader for others to follow.

    SFC Lantagne was a top-level performer in all things. His achievements were well-earned. He spoke so highly and fondly of his family, especially his children. Knowing he was serving his family brought him endless joy, and his kindness will not be forgotten.

    We all share in your pain and sorry. We would like to pay our final respects to one of our best members. He will always be missed.

    Deepest sympathies,

    Xavier D. Landers
    MAJ, QM, USA
    Small Arms Readiness Group (SARG)

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