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Michael Lagassee Obituary
HILLSDALE - Michael Stuart Lagassee, 72, of Hillsdale, passed away Sunday, April 10, 2016 at the MacRitchie Center of the Hillsdale Hospital. He was born October 10, 1943 in Detroit, MI to Marion Stuart and Catherine (Downey) Lagassee. Mike married Joan Kruse on February 16, 1967. Just as she had for 49 years Joan was holding his hand when he took his last breath.
Mike was born and raised in Detroit, MI. His heart beat for Hockeytown. Growing up his skates were always sharpened and he played hockey in the park till the streets lights turned on. After graduating from MacKenize High School he fulfilled his dream of attending college by enrolling at Hillsdale College. While experiencing all Hillsdale had to offer he fell in love with the town and poured all he had into it.
The United States Army brought Mike to serve from 1966-1969. After finishing his tour Mike and Joan settled into Hillsdale where he was a member of the Rotary International Club, Hillsdale Golf and Country Club, American Legion and Elks Lodge. He also volunteered at the King's Kupboard Food Pantry. His passion for children to have a quality education came out as he sat on the Hillsdale Community School Board from 1981-1984.
He owned Wilchar Cleaners where he would greet every customer with a smile and a handshake. Extending his passion of teaching he was a substitute teacher favorite at the local schools. Mike was a supervisor at Fairway Products, and a Marine Patrol Officer for the Hillsdale County Sheriff Department for 19 years.
His pride and joy were his daughters Catherine (Kate) Lagassee Cyrus and Karen Lagassee Wright. His love for his girls was shown in his passion to encourage them, teach them, and support them throughout their lives. He was loved by five grandchildren Cameron and Joseph Cyrus and Elijah, Jaxson, and Lagassee Wright.
A visitation for Michael Lagassee will be held at VanHorn-Eagle Funeral Home on Sunday April 24 from 2 to 5 p.m. A celebration of Mike's life will be on Monday April 25, 2016 at the First Presbyterian Church of Hillsdale at 11 a.m. with Dr. Ken Calvert officiating. A reception will follow in the Fellowship Hall.
Memorial contributions are suggested to Hillsdale College or Kings Kupboard Food Pantry. For online condolences, please visit www.eaglefuneralhomes.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Lagassee
Sponsored by VanHorn-Eagle Funeral Home - Hillsdale.
6 Entries
Barb Stewart
April 28, 2016
Always sad to hear of a friends passing. Moving to Hillsdale in 1960s, Mike was one of the first to make me feel at home there. Never have forgotten that
Julie schray
April 25, 2016
Thoughts and prayers for a wonderful man and family. Mike helped me out so much, first as a student in high school and then again, as a young teacher first starting out, at Hillsdale High School. He will always be remembered with fondness and respect.
-Julie Schray
April 22, 2016
Dear Joanie, It was so good to see you and Mike at our 50th reunion. I also have fond memories of our 40th reunion. You and Mike so generously hosted all of us for 3 days. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Karen Burleyson Wold and Bruce Engel
David and Jeanne Wright
April 20, 2016
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Joan, Karen, Kate and the family.
Chris Paton
April 13, 2016
Joan,
Its been along time but I have never forgotten you and Mike and the great times we had a Hillsdale. I was very surprised and saddened at the news of Mikes passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
April 13, 2016
Joan,
Many fond memories ...
Thoughts and prayers.
Rosalee (Bassill)and Pete Ackerman
Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results
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Memorial Events
for Michael Lagassee
Apr
24
Visitation
2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
VanHorn-Eagle Funeral Home - Hillsdale40 S Manning St, Hillsdale, MI 49242
Funeral services provided by:
VanHorn-Eagle Funeral Home - Hillsdale40 S Manning St, Hillsdale, MI 49242
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