Raymond LaJoie

We celebrate the life of Raymond Lawrence LaJoie who left this world to be with his Savior on December 12, 2020. He was born June 11, 1932 and spent most of his life just yards from the family farm where he grew up. George and Laura (Bergeron) were his parents; both of whom' s families came to the states from Quebec to raise their families. He had eight siblings with six predeceasing him, Nelson (Vic), George (Earla), Oliver, Eva (Bill Harju), Madeline (Ken Heinzen) and Elmer (Judy). His brothers, Willard "Frenchie" and Bernard (Ruth) LaJoie, remain in the area. Growing up on a dairy farm was hard work, but the family was close and loved enjoying a "loud" game of Cribbage or Aggravation. Raymond was married to Mary Lou (Albon) for 66 years and during those years were seldom apart. They lived, laughed and loved most of those years in Barbeau where they raised their seven children together. He was predeceased by his oldest son Michael, son-in-law Michael Cushman and great-grandson Dominic Rye. He was surrounded by his other children: Corinne (Dennis) Brooks, Keith (Gwen) LaJoie, Marty (Sharon) LaJoie, Suzette LaJoie, Vonda Cushman and Amy Smith, 15 grandchildren: Jason (Sasha) LaJoie, Christina LaJoie, Danielle (Kyle) Wood, Tara Rye, Eric Rye, Kirstan LaJoie, Collin LaJoie, Stacy (Matt) Storey, Darryle LaJoie, Alivia LaJoie, Michaela Cushman, Paige Cushman, Delaney Cushman, Emily Smith and MaKenzee Smith and 12 great-grandchildren: Trey LaJoie, Liam LaJoie, Elijah Semrau, Madison Semrau, Jackson LaJoie, Jagger Ackerman, Reagan Rye, Aubrey Storey, Meredith Storey, Brenna Storey, and Oaklynn Falkenhagen with another one on the way. He loved to be surrounded by his children and found even greater joy with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They will all miss his smile, teasing, quick wit and unconditional love and support. Raymond had too many nieces and nephews to list here, but he loved and enjoyed being an uncle. He was always excited to get a call or visit and so appreciated all the times they helped out in the later years with mowing, plowing, fixing and just being there to lend a hand. He was a dedicated and hard-working husband and father, who often held more than one job to take care of his family. While running his own excavating business, he was the foreman for the Chippewa County Road Commission in Pickford. Prior to this, he drove a dump truck for the crew that built the Poe Lock and had great pride in being a part of such a big part of the community. He loved helping people and no matter the weather, time or circumstances, he would always lend a hand. After he retired from the County, he continued to mow the grass along the roads of Chippewa County each summer on his little red Massey Ferguson. Raymond was a life-long member of the Holy Family Church of Barbeau. His children and grandchildren always knew it was Sunday because he oversaw the bacon and eggs. He loved making breakfast for his family before heading off to church together. He often served as an usher at the church and was always there to plow snow so everyone could attend church on Sunday. Ray did not believe in strangers; he just had not talked to them yet. He loved to help others and appreciated everyone who helped him, no matter how small or if they were just doing their job. He believed in God and that going to church on Sunday was a privilege. He believed in being kind to others and making someone laugh was his duty if it brightened someone's day. If he had one wish, it would be to say thank you to everyone who knew him. Thank you for being in his life, for making his life just that much better and for anything you may have done for him. Raymond was a 44-year survivor of cancer and 3-year survivor of a stroke. He treasured life and counted his blessings, knowing life could be challenging and difficult at times but the love of family and friends made the road easier and more worthwhile. He believed the answer to any problem was to laugh, love and work harder but giving up was never an option. He battled his illnesses with a smile and a joke, always appreciating the nurses, aids and staff who worked to help him through his challenges. Private family services will be held with internment in Spring 2021. In lieu of flowers, the family ask for donations to the American Cancer Society or Hospice of the EUP. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, May 14, 2021, at Oaklawn Chapel Gardens. A luncheon will follow.

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Raymond LaJoie

June 11, 1932 - December 12, 2020