Jack M. LaChapelle

Jack Maurice LaChapelle, 89, of Iron Mountain, MI, died Saturday, October 2, 2021, at the home of his grandson, Joseph Sabatini, whom he resided with for over a year. The two became very close and enjoyed each other's company, creating many memories together while battling a long illness of lung cancer. His parents, George and Henrietta (Raucher) LaChapelle, met and married in Langres, France after WWI. The couple moved to Florence, WI, where they raised their family. Jack was born on March 26, 1932, in Florence, WI, and was the second youngest of seven children. Jack attended Florence schools and joined the US Navy during the Korean War. He served as the Radio Man on the USS Salem, which was the Flagship with the Admirals aboard. He loved the sea and loved touring all of Europe while being abroad. After his service, Jack moved to the Detroit area and became a police officer. There he met his first wife, Caroline Maniaci, and they had 25 years together and raised 9 beautiful children, Linette, Belinda, Rene', Felicia, Marco, Georgette, Odette, Danielle and Nicole. Jack and Caroline both instilled a deep faith in God in their children. They raised their family in Grosse Pointe, MI, and summered at their family cottage on Cosgrove Lake in Spread Eagle. Jack had an engineering mind his entire life and was an entrepreneur. He owned and operated several businesses during his career including United Engineering Co. and B & L Rubber and Plastics Co., both downstate, and Custom Windows in Kingsford. Jack married Norma Capra on November 6, 1983, and had 36 years of marriage until her death on December 1, 2019. Both Norma and Jack loved their dogs they had over the years. He was a member of Our Saviour's Lutheran Church and was active in community and civic affairs. Jack’s love for Christ was strong his entire life. He made a Cursillo in 2005 and was an active member of the Ultreya community. Jack had brought many people to Christ and was proud of that fact. He always had a smile on his face and saw good in everyone. He had a positive attitude and even though he battled cancer three times, when asked, "How are you doing, Jack?" His response was “I feel great!” A couple of his favorite sayings were, “Don’t sweat it” and “Bend with the grass and sway with the wind.” He is with the Lord right now and he is great! Rest peacefully now Dad and watch over all of us... Jack is survived by nine children, Linette (John) Hiller of Breitung Township, MI, Belinda (Wayne) Youngblood of Highland Michigan, Rene' LaChapelle of Iron Mountain, Felicia (David) Schaible of Dunedin, FL, Marco (Michelle) LaChapelle of Sterling Heights, MI, Georgette (Colby) Cantrell of Columbus, OH, Odette (James) Stankawich of Dunedin, FL, Danielle (Jim) Kitz of Dallas, TX, and Nicole (Jamie) Horn of Madison Heights, MI; twelve grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and great-great nephews, relatives, and cherished friends. He was preceded in death by his brothers and sisters, Raymond (Irene), Rene', Dolly (Dan), Lillian (Ernest), Betty(Norb), Maxine (survived by his brother-in-law, Eugene). Visitation will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 19, 2021, from 10-11:00 am at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in Iron Mountain. Memorial services will be held at 11:00 am Tuesday at the church with pastor Paul Strom officiating. Burial will be in the Commonwealth Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church maintenance fund. Condolences to the family of Jack LaChapelle may be expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.

Jack M. LaChapelle

March 26, 1932 - October 2, 2021