Donald LaCosse

Donald was born December 21, 1936 in Ishpeming, MI to Edward and Grace (Duhame) LaCosse. He graduated from Champion High School, Class of 1954. He earned his B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Michigan Technological University in 1958 after serving in the Air Force ROTC and the Army National Guard in Ishpeming. In 1956, Donald was united in marriage to Patricia Dallas of Negaunee. Don and Pat celebrated 68 years of marriage this past December.

Mr. LaCosse entered active duty with the Air Force in 1959 as a pilot trainee. In his flying career, he piloted several types of aircraft, including his favorite, the KC-135 Stratotanker. He was also a decorated veteran of the Vietnam War, awarded The Bronze Star Medal and the Republic of Vietnam Air Service Medal. He was among the last group of active duty servicemen to depart South Vietnam, assisting in the closure of Tan Son Nhut Air Base and other operating locations. He was also instrumental in repatriating POWs throughout Vietnam that were imprisoned by the Viet Cong. He retired from the US Air Force in 1979 as a Lieutenant Colonel at K.I. Sawyer AFB, Michigan.

After retiring from the military, Lt. Col. LaCosse served the state of Michigan as an employment counselor with Job Service in Marquette, later known as MESC and Michigan Works! He took great pride in helping other veterans gain civilian employment.

Donald was a member of St. Paul Catholic Church, Negaunee; Disabled American Veterans; The Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 380; The American Legion; and the Knights of Columbus.

In his free time, Don enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing, and was an avid cribbage player who loved to teach the game to friends, family, and strangers alike. He and Patricia were grateful for winters spent in Florida and the many good friends they had there. Most important to him was his faith and family.

Surviving are his loving wife, Patricia LaCosse; daughter, Catherine (Michael) Windberg of Menominee; son Jason LaCosse of Sands Township; grandchildren: Tonya (Jim) Allen, Kelli (Damian) Sleger, Chris (Danielle) Windberg, Jessica (Mikal) Gunderson, Traci (Ken) Buran; great-grandchildren: Michael and Zachary Allen, Bella Sleger, Wyatt Windberg, Hannah and Aksel Gunderson, Matthew and Marla Buran; brother, Francois LaCosse, sisters: June Contratto, Eileen Stebbins, Lois (Jim) Racine and Susie Nurmela; brother-in-law Gerald Pirkola; sister-in-law, Pat Froberg; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughters: Debbie LaCosse and Theresa Marra; brothers: Clifford and Robert LaCosse; sisters-in-law: Catherine Bennett, Mary Lou Pirkola and Carolyn Gulas; and his in-laws, Nick and Mary Dallas.

Donald’s family extends a heartfelt thank you to the staff of the DJ Jacobetti Home for Veterans for their excellent care, love and support for Don and his family over the past five years. He was treated like family and it’s greatly appreciated.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:30 am on Wednesday, March 12th at St. Paul Catholic Church in Negaunee with Rev. Larry Van Damme presiding and Monsignor Michael Steber concelebrating. Visitation will be held from 10:00 am until 11:15 am at the church on Wednesday, at which time military honors will be accorded by the United States Air Force and VVA Chapter 380. Following Mass, a luncheon will be held in the St. Paul Gymnasium.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed in Donald’s memory to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, nationalmssociety.org.

Mr. LaCosse’s memorial page may be viewed at koskeyfuneralhome.com.