Raymond J. LaPorte
Raymond J. LaPorte, age 76 of Durand, died Tuesday, July 26, 2016 at his home in Durand.
Ray was born on June 25, 1940 in Escanaba, MI. He was the son of Clement and Teresa (Bogar) LaPorte. Ray grew up in Calumet, MI and as a teenager moved with his family to Durand where he graduated from Durand High School in 1959. He joined U.S. Navy and served on the aircraft carrier, USS Forrestal for two tours on the Mediterranean. Ray married Kathleen Will on December 29, 1962 in Durand. After marriage, Ray started his own construction business, Prissel & LaPorte Construction and helped raise his family. In the early 1980’s Ray took a job at Federal Mogul in Lake City where he worked as a machinist. He retired from Federal Mogul in 2006.
Ray enjoyed golfing, woodworking, hunting and watching the Green Bay Packers. He enjoyed taking trips to his home town to see family and friends. Most of all, Ray enjoyed spending time with family and friends.
Ray is survived by his wife of 52 years; Kathy, four children; Rae Ann (Jeff) Hetrick, Troy (Tammy), Tracy (Dave) Fayerweather, all of Durand and Jay (Leane) of Tampa, FL, nine grandchildren; Thomas, Brady, John, Chase, Brett, Cassy, Brandon, April and Katie, one brother; Roger “Tony” of Mondovi, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Step-father; William Brady and one niece; Rae Lynn LaPorte.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 4-7 PM Monday at the Rhiel Funeral Home in Durand with a Prayer Service and Military Honors at 7:00 PM.
Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Durand, is serving the family.