John "Jack" LaFountain

Ishpeming, MI - John E. "Jack" LaFountain, age 85, of 1775 Glendora Lane, Ishpeming, passed away after a short illness on Thursday, August 22, 2024, while in the loving care of his family, Marquette County Medical Care Facility staff and Lake Superior Hospice.
Jack was born on July 11, 1939, in Iron River, MI to the late Earl and Mildred (Olson) LaFountain. He attended local schools through the 10th grade and then started working to help out the family. Jack had a long mining career which included diamond drilling, underground mining at the Mather B Mine and open-pit mining at the Tilden Mine. He retired from Cleveland Cliffs Inc. at the age of 58.
Jack married Donna St. Onge on January 21, 1961, in Iron Mountain, MI and started raising a family. They were blessed with five children during the first eight years of their marriage. The family lived in various places in the UP and Wisconsin while following mining jobs and eventually settled in Ishpeming. Jack's family traveled back to Iron River many weekends to watch him play softball and to celebrate holidays with loved ones, leaving his children with great memories. Later pastimes with his wife included bowling, bingo, and casino trips. Jack was a devoted fan of the Detroit Lions and Tigers and watched every game he could. Most of all, Jack loved spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild. He spent much of his life attending their various sports and events and always had words of encouragement to give. His presence will be greatly missed.
Jack is survived by son, John A. (Cheryl) LaFountain of Ishpeming, and children, Matthew and Ryan; son, Donald (Carol) LaFountain of Longmont, CO, and children, Robyn and Todd; son, Ricky (Sherry) LaFountain of Taylor, MI, and children, Michael and Sierra; daughter, Lori (Douglas) Sicotte of Ishpeming, and children, Ashley (Kevin) Price and Chelsea (Ross) Montcalm; son, Robert K. LaFountain of Marinette, WI, and stepchildren, Sara (Chris) Welker and Tori (Ryan) Lindmark; great-grandson, Blake Christian; step great-grandsons, Lucas Olive, Colt and Cooper Lindmark; sisters, Carol Lamminen of Iron River, Lois (Russell) Kopidlansky of De Pere, WI, and Kay (James) Wester of Iron River; sisters-in-law, Lucille LaFountain of Iron River, and Bonny Koski of Gwinn; numerous special nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Jack was preceded in death by his loving wife, Donna, with whom he shared 55 years of marriage; brothers, Robert E. LaFountain and Richard J. LaFountain; brothers-in-law, LeRoy Lamminen and Danny Koski.
Jack's family will greet relatives and friends from 2:00-4:00 pm on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, at the Bjork and Zhulkie Funeral Home where a memorial service will be held at 4:00 pm with Bishop Emeritus Thomas Skrenes to officiate. https://www.facebook.com/events/2383091568697533?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[]%7D
Memorials in Jack's memory may be directed to the Marquette County Medical Care Facility or Lake Superior Life Care and Hospice.
Jack's obituary may be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.