Delbert L. ‘Del’ LaPine

Born January 4, 1949, on Mackinac Island, a son of John and NaDeanne (Luckett) LaPine, Del was raised on Mackinac Island. At age 15, he and his mother moved to Marquette, where he was employed in a variety of jobs, eventually turning his interests to the construction trades. He enrolled in a welding course at the Jacobetti Skill Center, earning his certification. Del’s working career was in construction through the Construction and General Laborers Local Union 1329. He was employed with Menze Construction and then, for many years, with Gundlach Champion from where he retired at age 50 due to ill health. Del possessed a great work ethic, was strong willed, determined, and could, at times, be stubborn — in a loving way. However, he basically was a kind and generous man who was always willing to lend a helping hand.

In his younger years he enjoyed fishing, hunting, and being out in the woods. He loved animals and fed the chippies and birds that frequented his yard, so much so that they often ate out of his hand and climbed on his clothing.

Del was an enthusiastic Packer fan and enjoyed watching the games with his best friend, Bob Durand, in spite of the fact his children and grandchildren were diehard Lions supporters. This was often where the “stubborn” card was played! However, his greatest joy and fulfillment came from the grandchildren.

Del loved mentoring them on the things he learned and enjoyed in life. The model “grandpa”, Del built a playhouse for the grandkids and made trails in the winter so he could pull the little ones on a sled. He was always interested in their activities and enjoyed their company (except for maybe that “Packer”– “Lions” thing). Del was a member of Union Local 1329 and the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians.

Del is survived by his wife of 27 years, Nancy (Vollick) LaPine, whom he married September 15, 1990 in the Presbyterian chapel in the Sault; his children, Larry LaPine of Wisconsin, Lynn LaPine of Gladstone, Brad LaPine, Delbert Lee (Christine) LaPine, and Melissa (Glen) Alexander all of Marquette, Eric (Jessica) LaPine of Negaunee, and Angela (Daniel) Keranen of Dollar Bay; his grandchildren, Lindsea, Brittany, Christopher, Katelyn, Chelsea, Logan, Austin, Hanna, Nora, Emerson, Tommy, Harley, Scotty, Mason, Tatum, Alexander, Piper, and Lily; a brother, Frank (Sheila) LaPine of Gladstone; a sister, Ada Chambers of St. Ignace; sister-in-law, Susie LaPine of Perkins; numerous nieces and nephews, among them a special nephew and Godson, John LaPine and John’s children, Skylar and Dayne; his mother-in-law, Leitha Vollick; brother-in-law, Todd (Mary Beth) Vollick; and sister-in-law, Linda Scexnader all of the Sault.

In addition to his parents, Del was preceded in death by brothers, Dean Joseph LaPine and John Walter La Pine; a sister, Ruthie Snyder; brother-in-law, Bud Chambers; and his special friend, Bob Durand; his father-in-law, Howard Vollick; and brother-in-law, Steven Vollick.

The family will receive relatives and friends at the First United Presbyterian Church in Sault Ste. Marie on Tuesday, October 24, beginning at 12:00 noon until the time of service at 1:00 pm Tuesday afternoon. Rev. Mark Gabbard and Rev. David Henderson will officiate. A reception will follow in the church fellowship hall.

Memorials may be directed to the family.

Interment will be made in the Riverside Cemetery at a later date.

The Fassbender Funeral Home is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderfuneralhome.com