Robert LaJoie

Robert was born October 19, 1935 in Negaunee to Louis and Mary (White) LaJoie and graduated from Negaunee St. Paul High School, Class of 1954. He was united in marriage to Alice DeRoche on August 5, 1961 and they enjoyed over 63 years together.

Mr. LaJoie was employed as a welder for Cleveland Cliffs for over 40 years, retiring in 1996 from the Tilden Mine. He was a devout member of St. Paul Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus and the St. Vincent de Paul Society.

Robert was strong in his faith, had a wonderful sense of humor and strong work ethic. Between working at CCI and side jobs out of ‘Bob’s Weld Shop,’ in his back garage, he was dedicated to supporting his family. He enjoyed roller skating, biking, riding his motorcycle, and attending his grandchildren’s academic and athletic events. You could always find him cheering for the Negaunee Miners at a basketball game or enjoying the Negaunee City Band Concerts. He was also an avid fan of the Boston Red Sox. But, most of all, he was grateful for the simple pleasures in life like enjoying an ice cream cone on the backyard swing next to his sweetheart, Alice, or their standing Saturday night date at the Congress in their special booth. There was nothing more important to him than his family and he showed us everyday. He was a role model to his children and grandchildren in every way and will be missed beyond measure.

Surviving are his loving wife, Alice LaJoie; children: Robert ‘Butch’ (Donita), Michael ‘Mikko’ (Cathy), Russell (Jan), David (Mami), Bradley (Ann), Daniel (Colleen), Steve (Tracy), Jon (Janet) and Teresa (Brent) Piziali; 27 grandchildren; 52 great-grandchildren; 8 great-great-grandchildren; brothers-in-law: David Sowden, Lonnie (Marion) St. Aubin, Paul (Janice) DeRoche, Peter DeRoche and James DeRoche; sisters-in-law, Rita (Ron) Sturza and Cecilia Detwiler; several nieces, nephews, and cousins; and his good friend, Wayne Young.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and infant daughter, ‘Little Alice’ LaJoie; siblings: Ernest LaJoie, Janet LaFond, Patricia Sowden, Walter LaJoie and Mary Lou LaJoie; his first wife, Lorraine (St. Aubin) LaJoie; and his mother- and father-in-law, Lawrence and Mildred DeRoche.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 am until 12:00 noon on Wednesday, March 19th at St. Paul Catholic Church in Negaunee. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12:00 noon with Rev. Larry Van Damme officiating. Luncheon will follow in the St. Paul Gymnasium. Robert’s 8 sons and 1 son-in-law will serve as pallbearers. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed in his memory to Eastwood Nursing Center and/or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

Robert’s family extends a heartfelt thank you to the staff at Eastwood Nursing Center for their wonderful care provided.

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