Lawrence G. LaPorte

Lawrence G. LaPorte Portage Lawrence G. "Larry" "Butch" LaPorte, age 70, of Portage, passed away Thursday morning, October 16, 2008 at Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo. He was born April 18, 1938 in Detroit, the son of Lawrence S. and Mary (Fitzpatrick) LaPorte. Larry was a veteran of the United States Air Force serving from 1956-1960. On June 21, 1958, he was united in marriage to Judith Clancy. He was employed by W.L. Molding for many years before working for Kal-Aero (Duncan Aviation) where he retired from in 1996. Larry was a charter member of St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, Portage. He was the president of the South Portage Little League and was avid sports fan, who loved baseball and enjoyed playing golf, hunting, and spending time at his cabin. Most of all, Larry loved his grandchildren, and always attended their events. Surviving are his wife and caregiver of 50 years, Judy; 4 children, Jeff (Patti) LaPorte of Vicksburg, Todd (Peggy) LaPorte of Scotts, David (Kim) LaPorte of Schoolcraft, and Lisa (Scott) Butcher of Bellevue; 7 grandchildren, Ryan, Katie, Alex, A.J., Jeffrey, Chelsea, and Dawson; 1 great-granddaughter, Makenah; 2 sisters, Marie (Bob) Janssen of Kalamazoo, and Sue Schiebergen of Kalamazoo; 3 brothers, Jerry (Linda) LaPorte of Portage, Richard (Elaine) LaPorte of Parchment, and Tom (Linda) LaPorte of Paw Paw; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were his parents; 1 son, Steven LaPorte on September 7, 1980; and 1 brother, James LaPorte. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12:00 p.m. on Monday at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, 1150 W. Centre Ave., Portage, with Father Kevin Covert, celebrant. Interment will follow in Portage South Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family on Saturday (today) from 6-8 p.m. and Sunday (tomorrow) from 4-7 p.m. at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Portage Chapel, 411 E. Centre Ave. Portage, with a Rosary on Sunday at 7 p.m. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be directed to Kairos Dwelling, Kalamazoo or St. Catherine Parish -Funeral Committee. Online condolences may be left at www.langelands.com 269-343-1508