John Lapointe

John D. LaPointe, Manistique, MI, died January 26, 2026, at the Schoolcraft County Medical

Care Facility. He was born April 15, 1941, in Ishpeming, Michigan to John R. and Genevieve

(Tasson) LaPointe.

He was a graduate of Ishpeming High School where he excelled in football, basketball and

track. He attended Michigan State University on a football scholarship, the only 1959 UP high

school graduate that year to win an athletic scholarship to a big 10 school and was named to

the MSU "first line" freshman team. He later transferred to Northern Michigan University to finish

his bachelor's degree and play football. He coached and taught at high schools in Meridian and

Stephenson, Michigan.

He married the former Betty Newlin on July 13, 1968, in Ishpeming, Michigan. After accepting

the head football coaching position at Manistique Area Schools, he coached and taught science

there for 26 years retiring in 1994.

He was inducted into the Northern Michigan University Sports Hall of Fame in 2018.

He was an avid walleye fisherman and hunter of brown bear, elk, caribou, moose and whitetail

in the States, Newfoundland, British Columbia and Alaska. Some of his favorite times were

spent at the cabin in Menominee County.

He is survived by his wife Betty of fifty-seven years, sons, John Derek LaPointe of Manistique,

Drew (Tammy) LaPointe and grandson, Kellan LaPointe of Royal Oak, Michigan, Brother-in-law

David Anderson of Ishpeming, Michigan, Brother-in-law Ron Newlin of Saukville, WI and several

nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Patricia Anderson of Ishpeming, Michigan.

Visitation will be held February 7th, 2026, at the Church of the Redeemer, Presbyterian in Manistique, from 11:00 until time of service at 12:00. A luncheon will follow in the church Westminster Room. The Reverend Ron Newlin of Saukville will preside.

Memorials may be directed to the family for future designation.