Ormal W. LaBay

Ormal was born to the late Gilbert and Cleo (Wellman) LaBay on July 31, 1948, in Escanaba, Mich. He was a combat veteran that served in the U.S. Army during Vietnam.

Ormal is survived by four siblings, Gilbert (Pat) LaBay, Claudette Therrian, Mona Christy, and Gerald (Dawn) LaBay; three Children: Victoria (Keith) Krenzke, Fence, Wis., Christopher LaBay, Coloma, Wis., Melissa Becker, Coloma, Wis. He is further survived by nine grandchildren, one great grandchild, and many nieces and nephews.

Ormal was preceded in death by his parents.

Ormal fought a long battle with lung cancer and is now at peace. There are two quotes that Ormal wanted family to include when the time came; “I tried my best. I didn’t accomplish all of the things that I could have or that I should have.” And “My biggest thing was that I tried to respect people.” Ormal loved meeting new people and was always willing to walk right up to a stranger just to talk. He had a gift for humor and always had some kind of joke to tell. He loved playing cribbage and rarely did anyone beat him. He could just look at the cards and in a matter of seconds tell you how many points were there. His laugh, kindness, and sense of humor will be remembered by friends and family alike. He will truly be missed by those that knew him.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff at UP Health Systems and his medical team for their care of Ormal.

Graveside services with military honors will be at 11 a.m. EST on November 7, at the South Ford River Cemetery. A lunch will follow at the Ford River Community Chapel.

The family is encouraging that masks are worn if you choose to celebrate Ormal’s life with them.

You may leave a condolence or tribute for Ormal’s family online at www.JacobsFuneralHomes.com.

The family has chosen the Jacob Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Iron Mountain, Mich., to honor Ormal’s legacy of life.