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Donald Joseph ‘Don’ LaCroix

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

Don was born March 2, 1929, in Detroit, Mich., 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 eight years in Milwaukee (1983-1991) and two years 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 Aug. 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, Mich., Deborah (Terry) Bittner of Bark River, Barbara (Jack) Lehman of Bark River, Laurie (Doug) Morin of Niagara, Wis., Carolyn (Jeff) Jaeger of Menomonee Falls, Wis.; 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, Dec. 22, from 3 to 5:15 p.m. at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Military rites conducted by the Gladstone American Legion Post 71 will conclude the visitation at 5:15 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 6 p.m. 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. Please visit www.skradskifuneralhomes.comwhere you can express your sympathy to the family.