John R. LaPres' Obituary
On March 1, 2024, John Raymond LaPres transcended his physical life here on earth to be with God and his ever-loving wife who preceded him in death in 2020.
John was born on April 28, 1941, in Muskegon to Charles and Edith (Ritter) LaPres. John was born in the home that he grew up in and lived out his life at that same address.
Sisters Midge and Betty are still living, and brothers Glen and Dave are deceased.
Growing up John loved exploring the nearby wooded areas, swimming and fishing in the creeks, and riding his bicycles wherever the wind would take him and his neighborhood friends.
After attending Muskegon Catholic Central High School John heard the call to serve his country and in 1959 he enlisted in the United States Marines. Having served honorably for four years he was discharged from active duty in 1963 at the rank of Lance Corporal. John continued as a reservist for two years and in 1965 took his final honorable discharge as a Field Wire Specialist and Sharpshooter. John also received a medal for good conduct during his enlistment.
Following his service to his country John was hired by the CWC foundry. In early 1965 he met Barbara Tice and they fell in love. Their whirlwind romance naturally evolved into true love, and they married soon after. Together they brought 7 boys to life on this earth: Scott, Greg, Jeff, Steve, Michael, Jason (Leslie), and Andrew (Kasey).
In 1982 John began his career at Johnson Technology where, odd as it may seem, he was assigned the same exact clock number that he carried so many years ago at CWC. After a successful 23 years as an electrochemical machinist, John retired from Johnsons (now General Electric) happily in 2006.
Never slowing down he was always on the move with new carpentry and remodeling projects, volunteering his time at various events for St. Thomas and other Catholic churches in the area as well as the many charities around, and helping out his friends, family, and neighbors with anything they may need without question nor reserve.
But aside from his labors and putting himself at others disposal John also had plenty of his own hobbies. He loved fishing and camping as well as spending time with his family of all boys and his 13 grandchildren making certain to attend all their sporting events, and any ceremonies they were a part of and simply spending time with all of us.
Over the entire course of his life here on earth John and Mom Barb hosted nearly every Holiday event for this family right there in the house that John himself grew up in, not to mention all of us brothers who also grew up at that address.
He also hosted a few other milestone family events in that home.
As John joins with his wife, his firstborn son Scott, two of his siblings, and a long list of pets he will be forever missed here but never forgotten by his boys, two wonderful daughters-in-law, his grandchildren, great-grandchildren Paisley, Kinslee, and Cooper, his friends, fellow parish members, and his neighbors.
A Memorial Mass will be held for John at 11:00 AM on Friday, March 8, 2024 at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church (3252 Apple Ave., Muskegon, MI 49442). Visitation with the family will be one hour prior to the mass at the church. A graveside service with Military Honors will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery at 2:30 PM on Friday. MEMORIALS to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital will be appreciated. Share memories with the family at their online Guest Book at www.sytsemafh.com Arrangements by The Sytsema Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 737 Apple Ave., Muskegon, MI 49442 (231) 726-5210
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