Francis ‘Butch’ A. LaLonde

Butch was born on December 12, 1942 in Garden, son of Fred and Agnes (Chadonais) LaLonde. He attended school in Garden and then at a young age, his family moved to Escanaba.

From 1964 until his honorable discharge in 1967, Butch proudly served in the U.S. Army. A Vietnam veteran, he was awarded a Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and three Overseas Bars.

Following his years in the military, Butch attended a welding trade school. He excelled with his career as a welder and was employed with Harnischfeger until their closure.

Butch loved spending time with his family and enjoying the simple life of sitting at the kitchen table watching westerns. He also appreciated spending time outside doing yardwork.

Among survivors are nieces and nephews, James (Lisa) Ansell, David (Karen) Ansell, Rick (Audrey) Ansell, Mary Beth Ansell (Buzz Tyler), Ken (Jackie) LaMarche, Pat LaMarche, John (Laura) LaLonde, Lynda (Rick) Zimmer, Randy (Heather) Brown, Bey (Pam) Brown, Terry (Debra) Paul, Joe Plourde, Becky Plourde, Dawn (Joe) Hereau, and Edward LaLonde; special family, Tom (Denise) Garbe, Dottie Renier (Rose Barke), and Debbie (Mark) Maulding; and numerous great-nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by siblings, Betty (Elmer) LaMarche, Bert LaLonde, Eva Brown, Anne Plourde, and Eddie Jo LaLonde.

Visitation will be on Monday, November 6 from 12 to 1:30 p.m. at the Crawford Funeral Home, 302 S. 13th St., Escanaba.

Military honors will take place at 1:30 p.m. and the funeral service will immediately follow with Rev. Fran DeGroot officiating.

Burial will be in Gardens of Rest Cemetery.

A message of condolence may be directed to the family by visiting www.crawfordfuneralhomes.net.

The Crawford Funeral Homes are assisting the family.