Lois G. LaBrecque

Lois G. LaBrecque, 95, of Marquette, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 5, 2025, at UP Health System–Marquette.
She was born on August 25, 1930, in Iron Mountain, Michigan, to Carl H. and Mae E. (Walz) Friberg. A proud graduate of Florence High School in Wisconsin, Class of 1948, Lois went on to earn her teaching certificate from Northern Michigan University in 1952.
Lois found great joy in teaching and continued sharing her love of learning with others for many years. She began her career in L'Anse, Escanaba, and Shorewood, Wisconsin, before returning to Marquette, where she spent many years as a beloved substitute teacher, most often at Bothwell Middle School. She later taught at the Michigan Job Corps, continuing to share her patience and kindness with students until her retirement in 2000.
On July 14, 1967, Lois married Joseph Irwin LaBrecque at St. Christopher Catholic Church in Marquette. Together, they built a warm and welcoming home filled with laughter, music, and love. Lois and Joe were known for their lively dinner parties and joyful celebrations, as well as their shared love of travel and adventure. Their son, Joe, was the center of their world, and becoming parents brought them endless joy.
Lois especially cherished being a grandmother. Her granddaughter, Lauren, was the light of her life. She shared with her a love of reading, the joy of baking cookies, the value of giving back to the community, and countless moments of laughter and encouragement.
After her husband's passing in 2003, Lois reconnected with her childhood friend, the late Ron Helgren. Together they spent many happy years traveling to Florida in the winters and enjoying summers filled with community events, laughter, and peaceful moments in nature at Ron's river camp.
Lois was a member of Messiah Lutheran Church and a lifelong learner who found joy in reading, gardening, and connecting with those around her. She will be remembered for her intelligence, quick wit, and gentle spirit-but most of all for the love she poured into her family, friends, and students.
She is survived by her son, Joe S. (Rebecca) LaBrecque of Marquette; and her granddaughter, Lauren LaBrecque. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Joseph I. LaBrecque; and her dear companion, Ron Helgren.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at Messiah Lutheran Church. A memorial service will follow at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Molly Hunter officiating. A luncheon will follow in Magnuson Hall. Interment will take place in Holy Cross Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Messiah Lutheran Church or the Peter White Public Library-two places that reflected Lois's faith and her lifelong love of learning.
Canale-Tonella Funeral Home is assisting the family, where memories and condolences may be shared online at canalefuneral.com.
A Message from Her Family
Lois will be remembered as the heart of our family-steady, loving, and endlessly giving. She poured herself into everything she did, from her years in the classroom to the way she welcomed others into her home. She had a sharp mind, a kind heart, and a wonderful sense of humor.
Her greatest joy was being a mother and grandmother. She was a constant source of love and encouragement, whether helping with homework, reading stories, or teaching the art of baking cookies just right. Her wisdom, warmth, and gentle presence will be missed beyond measure but will live on in the family she shaped with such care.
We are especially thankful for Lois's private duty nurses and in-home care workers, whose kindness and dedication meant so much to her and to our family. We also extend appreciation to the staff at UP Health System–Marquette and Brookridge Heights for their care during her final months.