Patti LaFond

Patti was born January 14, 1953 in Ishpeming, to Joseph and Marie (Larch) Kratz. Patti attended the St. Paul Catholic School for many years before graduating from Negaunee High School, Class of 1971. After graduation, Patti started her family with her husband, Douglas, and worked several part time jobs throughout the years. She always found time to participate in many community service activities, such as serving as a Girl Scout troop leader and was a member of the Negaunee Township Parks and Recreation Committee, and also voluntered for the Negaunee Township Fire Department Auxiliary and Negaunee VFW Auxiliary.

Patti loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She enjoyed playing the family’s favorite card game, “Push” and would never refuse a cup of coffee. On football Sundays, the neighbors probably heard her cheering on the Green Bay Packers. She would most likely be on the Top Ten List for “Most Books Checked out of the Negaunee Public Library” if a list were made. Patti will be remembered most for the ways that she always found that extra special gift for people or never complained about life or the people around her.

Patti is survived by her husband, Douglas LaFond; her dog, Willow, a spoiled rotten Jack Russell Terrier; two daughters, Amy (Chris) Anderson and children Judge and Cadence of Palmer, and Jenny (Darren) Holmgren and children, Grace and Luke of Oconto, Wisconsin; sisters, Renae Petrocik of Negaunee and Lori (Dan) Skytta of Virginia Beach, VA; her brother, Dennis (Kathy) Kratz of Ishpeming; sister-in-law, Linda Kratz of Ishpeming; brother-in-law, Gordon Wittler of Skandia; numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews; and special friend, Patty Garbett.

Patti was preceded in death by her parents; brothers: Joseph “Butch” Kratz, Gary Kratz, and Michael Kratz; father and mother-in-law, Douglas and Janet LaFond; brothers-in-law: Thomas Petrocik, Dennis “DJ” LaFond, and Dennis Trudgeon; sisters-in-law: Mary Wittler, Jean Trudgeon, Gaye Kratz, and Barb Kratz and special friend, Joanne Williams.

Patti’s family would like to thank the staff, especially Tori and Josh, of the 6th floor nursing staff at UPHS – Marquette for their loving and compassionate care.

Per the family’s request, there will be no public services.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed in Patti’s memory to the Negaunee Public Library. Friends and loved ones are encouraged to honor Patti by yelling “Go Pack Go!” extra loud during the next Packer game they watch.

Mrs. LaFond’s memorial page may be viewed at koskeyfuneralhome.com.