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Robert Keith LaCosse

Robert Keith LaCosse

MARQUETTE, MI – Robert Keith LaCosse, also known as “Bobby” or “Bob”, aged 80, died peacefully in his sleep from natural causes on May 1, 2019 at the Jacobetti Home for Veterans, Marquette, Michigan.

Robert was born January 18, 1939 in Champion, Michigan, to Eugene and Sylvia (Saari) LaCosse, who both have preceded him in death. He has two brothers, Gene LaCosse, of Ironwood, Michigan, and Stanley LaCosse of Gwinn, Michigan, and a sister, Ileana “Kathy” (LaCosse) Peterson who has preceded him in death.

Robert graduated from Champion High School in 1957 where he played varsity basketball and also played in the school band. He joined the United States Marine Corps later that year. Robert was a corporal who masterfully played alto saxophone in the Marine Band while stationed in Okinawa from 1957-1960.

After returning from his service in the Marine Corps, Robert married Janet Manzoline on May 5, 1962, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Ishpeming, Michigan. Robert and Janet moved to Chicago, Illinois in 1962, later moving to Buffalo Grove, Illinois in 1967 where they lived there for 32 years before retiring to Marquette, Michigan. Robert received a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from DePaul University, Chicago, Illinois in 1975, after going to night school at DePaul for almost 9 years while still working a full-time job. Robert became a Certified Public Accountant in 1977.

Robert was an expert in the field of financial accounting, starting out at small businesses, then moving to General Tire, then Ecko Products, Inc., in Wheeling, Illinois, and finally Morton Chemical Company in Chicago, Illinois from 1969-1999. His role at Morton grew from accounting into financial planning, where he utilized computers to analyze potential acquisitions that the company was considering to expand their markets. He also provided income tax preparation services gratisto his friends and family.

Robert became a Deacon of the Catholic Church in 1990, being ordained by the late Joseph Cardinal Bernardin. Robert and Janet were active members of St. Mary’s Catholic Church during their entire time in Buffalo Grove, Illinois. Robert became part of the diaconate staff at St. Mary’s after his ordination. Robert and Janet also received a Papal Blessing of their marriage in 1987 from Pope John Paul II. Robert was also a Deacon at St. Michael’s parish during his residence in Marquette. He also worked in the diocese office in Marquette, providing financial and analytical services to the Bishop and the diocese. During their time in Buffalo Grove and Marquette, they entertained many friends and clergy at their home. Robert was also a member of the Knights of Columbus.

In the late 1970’s Robert taught himself acoustic guitar and he would practice for many hours locked in a bathroom with his guitar, known as the “bathroom jam sessions.”

He regularly played guitar for about 10 years, many times to guests at their house. Robert also earned his amateur radio license, call sign KA9DHB, in 1979 and was very active making many Morse code contacts for years. Robert was an avid fisherman, where he always looked forward to going fishing with friends or family. Robert was a big fan of Chicago sports teams, namely the Chicago Bears football team, Chicago Bulls basketball team and later in life, became a fan of the Detroit Tigers baseball team.

Robert is survived by his wife of 56 years, Janet (Manzoline) LaCosse, who is a resident of the Jacobetti Home for Veterans, in Marquette, Michigan. He is also survived by his children Jeffrey Paul and his wife Davida Breaux LaCosse, of Millbrook, New York, Scott Norbert LaCosse, of Arlington Heights, Illinois, Robert Michael LaCosse of Marquette, Michigan, and Lee Ann LaCosse of Arlington Heights, Illinois. Robert has 6 surviving grandchildren: Daniel LaCosse, Justin LaCosse, Marielle LaCosse, Anna Leigh Nestor, Kevin LaCosse, and London LaCosse. Robert has two surviving siblings, Gene LaCosse of Ironwood, Michigan, and Stanley LaCosse, of Gwinn, Michigan. Robert’s surviving nephews and nieces are Nicole (LaCosse) Lavinder, Chris LaCosse, Keith LaCosse, Catrina (LaCosse) Prisk, Mark Mahoney, Michael Mahoney, Terri (LaBo) Gillotte, and Ann (LaBo) Gereau. Robert’s surviving in-laws are Karen LaCosse, Carolyn LaCosse, Louis Peterson, and Kay (Manzoline) LaBo.

Robert was predeceased by his father, Eugene LaCosse (1977), his mother, Sylvia (Saari) LaCosse (2009) and his sister Ileana “Kathy” (LaCosse) Peterson (2018). Robert was also predeceased by his father-in-law Michael Manzoline (1960) and mother-in-law Mary (Roti) Manzoline (2004).

The LaCosse family will greet relatives and friends on Friday, May 31st at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Ishpeming beginning at 10 a.m. until the time of the Mass of Christian Burial at 12 Noon in the church with Rev. Gregory Heikkala and Rev. Msgr. Michael Steber concelebrating. Members of Bishop Baraga the Snowshoe Priest Assembly Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus will act as honor guard.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the St. Vincent de Paul Society of Marquette, 2119 Presque Isle Ave., Marquette, MI 49855.

Appreciation is given to the Jacobetti Home for Veterans for the loving and outstanding care they provided Robert in his final years.

“Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me” (John 12:26). Robert was a true servant, and he lives on through the good actions of those he touched.

The Canale-Tonella Funeral Home is assisting the LaCosse family where memories may be shared at canalefuneral.com.