Date of Death: June, 23 2016

Napoleon J. LaBonte, Jr., 91, of Spalding, MI, passed away surrounded by his family, Thursday June 23, 2016, at Pinecrest Medical Facility.
          Napoleon (Nap or Junior) was born at Spalding, MI, on May 14, 1925, to the late Alida (Betters) and Napoleon LaBonte, Sr.
          A 1943 graduate of Powers-Spalding High School, Nap began his career as a machinist by supporting the war effort at Republic Aircraft in Detroit before his induction into the U.S. Army on October 31, 1944. He served as an infantry rifleman in the European Theater of World War II and was honorably discharged on November 30, 1945.
          Nap married Joanne LaCoursiere, the love of his life, on June 5, 1948, at Hermansville, MI. As a machinist, Nap worked for the A.O. Smith Corporation at Milwaukee, WI, from 1947-51. He then returned to the U.P., employed by Harnischfeger Corporation until his retirement.
          Above all else, Nap loved his family, both nuclear and extended. Gatherings meant games like cards and horseshoes and food and drink for an army. He loved sports and was a fan of the Tigers, Lions, High School teams, and the Hermansville Gold Medal Tournaments. He loved the woods and the waters – hunting, trapping, and fishing. Garden and lawn at home and at camp had to look their best.
          The foundation of Nap’s life was his Catholic faith; he was a life-long member of St. Francis Xavier/St. John Neumann Church.
          He was also a life-time member of these organizations: The United Auto Workers (Steward), The American Legion (Tony Revord Post #244), and the U.P. and National Trappers Association.
          Before becoming a patient, he was a volunteer at Pinecrest.
He is survived by Joanne, wife of 68 years, his daughter Renee (Duane) Faust, Madison, WI; Cheryl (Russ) Pirlot, Wilson, MI; Michelle LaBonte, Spalding, MI; Lynette LaBonte, Hermansville, MI; and sons Michael (Lennea), Spalding, MI; Patrick (Debra), Hermansville, MI; Keith, Spalding, MI; Kevin (Sheri), Spalding, MI; Dale (Mary), Spalding, MI.
          He also is survived by 29 grandchildren and 51 great-grandchildren. Brothers Clell and Lemrod (Ethel). Sisters-in-law, Joyce Mills, Mae St. Juliana, and Mary Lee LaBonte, and many nieces and nephews.
 
He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Gwenivere Gulseth, Alida Prey, Valeria Sperko, Joan Larson; brothers Kermit and Stephen. Granddaughter Shasta Pirlot and grandson Chad Hafeman.
 
          Friends may call from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. (CST) on Monday June 27, 2016 at the Allo Coolman Funeral Home in Spalding with Tony Revord American Legion post #244 rites at 6:30 p.m.. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 2:00 p.m. (CST) on Tuesday June 28, 2016 at St. John Neumann Church with Fr. Michael Vichich officiating. Burial will follow Mass in the Spalding Township Cemetery. A luncheon will be held in the church parish hall.
 
          Please visit www.allofh.com to send online condolences to his family.