John V. LaPorte

John was born January 10, 1949 in Escanaba, Mich., the son of Ray Laporte and Helen (O’Callahan) LaPorte. He attended Holy Name High School and took up photography as a profession shortly after graduating. He owned and operated LaPorte Studio on Ludington Street in Escanaba for over 50 years. He specialized in taking school pictures throughout the Escanaba area, and he particularly enjoyed taking the creative portraits that made him famous.

John loved his wife and family dearly. John married his soulmate, Mary Beth Kroll, at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church on April 30, 1993 and they spent 28 loving years together. John was a family man first, and a photographer second, but he had many joys in life. John spent countless days working outside at his beloved cabin on the Ford River, and he also loved riding his Vespa scooter as much as he could.

In addition to his wife, Mary Beth, John is survived by: sisters, Mary Laporte and Nancy Conklin; brothers-in-law, Mark (Carol) Kroll and John (Lori) Kroll Jr.; stepdaughter, Courtney Anthony; stepson, Robert Anthony; nieces, Emily (Jeff) Kroll, Allison Kroll, Megan Kroll, Laura Conklin, and Sandy Conklin; nephews, Mark (Renee) Lachniet, Matthew (Loc) Lachniet, and Ben (Christine) Kroll.

John was preceded in death by his parents and In-laws, Catherine and John Kroll.

Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for Thursday, October 28, at 2 p.m. at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Escanaba with Rev. Fr. Rick Courier officiating. The mass will be live-streamed on the St. Thomas the Apostle and St. Anthony of Padua Churches Facebook page. The family is requiring all to wear a mask regardless of vaccination status. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the LaPorte family. Please visit www.skradskifuneralhomes.com where you can leave a message of condolence to the family.