Lemrod “Lem” A. LaBonte Sr., 90, Spalding, passed away peacefully on Monday October 27, 2025 at Cedar Hill Assisted Living in Bark River, MI. He was born on April 13, 1935 in Spalding, son of the late Napoleon and Aldia (Betters) LaBonte Sr. On June 2, 1956 he married the former Ethel McGuire at St. Joseph’s Church in Escanaba.
Lem enjoyed and was very proud of his carer as a Journeyman Lineman / Line Superintendent at MJ Electric until his retirement. He also loved being in the outdoors, especially spending time at camp with all his beloved family.
He is survived four children: Jane (Fran) Kleikamp, Lemrod (Wendy) LaBonte Jr., Debbie LaBonte and Lawrence LaBonte, twelve grandchildren, twenty-five great-grandchildren one great great-grandson, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Lem was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 60 years, five children: Cynthia, Larry, Harold, Lenard and Allen LaBonte, and eight siblings.
Friends may call from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (CST) on Friday November 7, 2025 at the Allo Coolman Funeral Home in Spalding. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12:30 p.m. (CST) on Friday at St. John Neumann Church in Spalding with Fr. Rick Courier officiating. Burial will follow Mass in the Spalding Township Cemetery. A luncheon will be held in the church parish hall.
His family would like to extend a special thank you to the caregivers at Cedar Hill Assisted Living and UPHS Hospice for their wonderful care.
Please visit www.allofh.com to send online condolences to his family.
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"My deepest sympathies to the entire LaBonte family. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Gramps was a wonderful person and touched a lot of hearts. He will be missed by many and remembered by many because of all the memories he created. Thinking of your family, Dave"
-David LaFave -
" My sympathies to your family. Sending thoughts and prayers. "
-Larry Van Boxel -
"My deepest sympathies to you on the loss of you Dad!"
-Sharon Mitchell (Tyra) -
"My deepest sympathies to you on the loss of you Dad!"
-Sharon Mitchell (Tyra) -
"My deepest sympathy for you and your family. Cherish your memories."
-Matthew J Pagnani -
"To the LaBonte family, my deepest sympathy for your loss, sending thoughts and prayers"
-Rick Vincent -
"To the LaBonte family, my deepest sympathy for your loss, sending thoughts and prayers"
-Rick Vincent -
"To the LaBonte family, deepest sympathy to you all, Ervin commented when he saw the picture and read the article "my hunting buddy" sorry to hear of his passing . Our love & blessings to all. "
-Marie & Ervin Page -
"Lem, My condolences to you and your entire family for the loss of your Father. May he Rest in Peace!🙏"
-Gary Lehman -
"Deepest sympathy to the LaBonte family on the loss of my old boyhood friend, Lemrod. I have many good memories of adventures with Lemrod, Kermit, and Stephen."
-Glenn Jamar
