Francis Norman "Fran" LaFave

Francis Norman “Fran” LaFave, 84, of Quinnesec passed away on Tuesday, July 25, 2023, at Marshfield Medical Center – Dickinson. He was born in Iron Mountain on Feb. 27, 1939, son of the late Col. Norman and Evelyn (Bryson) LaFave. Fran graduated from Norway High School in 1956. During his senior year of high school, at the age of 17, with his father’s consent and encouragement, Fran enlisted with the Army National Guard. Over Fran’s 27-year commitment to the National Guard he had honed his talent for mechanics and enjoyed working in the motor pool at the armory. After Fran’s service with the National Guard, he worked several different jobs, including operating his own business, Fran’s Fun Center, and eventually settling down with Kingsford Broach & Tool. In 2001, Fran retired from Kingsford Broach & Tool but it wasn’t long before he was back to work running Fran’s Green Grass Power Products until 2015. Fran attended both Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and St. Mary and St. Joseph Catholic Church and was proud to serve his community through the Knights of Columbus and serving 2 terms as the Breitung Township Trustee. Fran loved the outdoors and just about anything with a motor. He raced at the Norway Speedway and in Escanaba. Hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, camping, and traveling were also favorites. More than anything, he loved time spent with family and friends. Fran will be remembered for his strong work ethic, big laugh, and maple syrup. Fran will be missed by his children, Tom (Kelly) LaFave, Cheryl (John) Tramontin, Scott LaFave, Michelle LaFave-Drew, and Norman (Christine) LaFave; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sisters, Rosemary Pesavento (Dennis Brand), Sue (George) Hardy, and Pamela (Richard) Burbey; companion of many years, Arlene DePas; and many other family and friends. In addition to his parents, Fran is preceded in death by a grandson, Tyler LaFave; and a brother-in-law, Wayne Pesavento. Fran’s family would like to thank the ICU staff at Marshfield Medical Center – Dickinson for their care. Visitation will be at the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home, 901 Carpenter Ave., from 12:00 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. on Aug. 25, 2023, with Msgr. Joseph Gouin officiating the service at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Fran’s name to the Carmelite Monastery of the Holy Cross in Iron Mountain. Condolences may be expressed to the family of Francis Norman LaFave online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com. The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home with the arrangements.

Francis Norman "Fran" LaFave

February 27, 1939 - July 25, 2023