George Jacob Lagina

George Jacob Lagina, 91, of Kingsford, passed away on Thursday, Nov. 18, 2010, at Evergreen Assisted Living in Kingsford. He was born in Niagara, Wis. on April 29, 1919, the son of the late Jacob and Julia (Bartolac) Lagina. George graduated from Niagara High School in 1936 and worked for a short time at the Niagara Paper Mill. He was inducted into the United States Army in 1941 and served during World War II in Panama and the Philippines before being honorably discharged in 1945. George married Ann Cavalieri on June 5, 1948, and in 2010 they celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary. He was a devoted husband and father. Following their marriage, George attended Marquette University in Milwaukee, graduating in 1951 with a B.S. degree in accounting. After graduation, George and Ann settled in Kingsford and were life-long members of the Iron Mountain-Kingsford community. He worked for the W.B. Thompson Company for 30 years retiring as office manager and partner. After semi-retirement, George devoted much time and effort to the Trico organization, furnishing employment opportunities for disadvantaged workers. George and Ann lived their lives in service to others. He was an active member of St. Mary and St. Joseph Church since 1951 and served the church as an usher, lector, money counter, member and President of the Parish Council. He also taught religious education classes. George has belonged to the Bishop Baraga Council Knights of Columbus since 1939. He was especially proud of the key role he played in establishing the local Eucharistic Adoration Chapel. George was a member of the Paisano Club and spent many hours volunteering at St. Vincent de Paul. He was a member of Pine Grove Country Club and had served on the board. George was an avid golfer and found much joy and peace on the golf course with his friends and children. George and Ann were able to winter in Florida in their later years where he was able to continue with his passion for golf. They loved the sunshine, the warmth and long walks on the beach together. He is survived by his four children; Marianne (Jim) Gardner, Rick Lagina, Marty (Olivia) Lagina and Terese (John) Fornetti and nine grandchildren, Andy (Chris) Gardner, Steve (Katie) Gardner, Cristina Gardner, Alex Lagina, Maddie Lagina, Daniel Fornetti (fiance' Mary Gloss), David Fornetti, Julia Fornetti and Peter Fornetti. His is further survived by two great grandchildren, Noah Gardner and Avery Gardner. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ann on Aug. 24, 2010, his parents, two brothers, four sisters and one grandchild, Lauren Mari Lagina. Visitation will be Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at St. Mary and St. Joseph Church. Funeral services will be Tuesday at 12 noon at the church. Fr. John Longbucco will offer the Mass of the Christian burial. Burial will be in Cemetery Park. Pall bearers will be George's grandsons, Andrew Gardner, Stephen Gardner, Alex Lagina, Daniel Fornetti, David Fornetti and Peter Fornetti. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his memory to the Dickinson Co. Right to Life. Condolences to the family of George Lagina can be expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the funeral arrangements.