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NEGAUNEE, MI – Donald Arthur LaForest passed away peacefully at his daughter and son-in-law's home September 1, 2026 after celebrating his 88th birthday one day prior.
Don was born August 31, 1938 in Ishpeming to Arthur and Aune (Aho) LaForest. He was proud of his Finnish heritage, learning the Finn language early and speaking fluently until his passing. He attended Negaunee Schools, Palmer and National Mine, and graduated while he was in the military.
A proud veteran of the United States Coast Guard, Don honorably served from the Bering Sea to South America. He spent the majority of his working career as a union carpenter, traveling throughout the US constructing houses. He spent his final employment years working as a corrections officer at Marquette Branch Prison.
Don was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Negaunee, Little Lake American Legion Post 349 and American Legion Greenwood Post 114. A lover of the outdoors, he enjoyed hunting, fishing and running beagles. His favorite place on Earth was the camp he built at Charlie Lakes. He was a great storyteller and had his wits and sense of humor until the very end. Don loved being with his family, especially his beloved grandchildren.
Surviving are his loving wife of 44 years, Sandra (Pomeroy) LaForest; his daughter, Leah (Adam) Karki of Ishpeming Township; step-sons: John Hartman of Gladstone and Christopher (Tara) Hartman of Iron Mountain; daughter-in-law, Karen Hummel of Evansville, Indiana; one brother, Francis (Ice Supannee) LaForest of Thailand; one sister, Lois (Dan) McCartney of Naples, Florida; seven grandchildren: Matthew (Caitlyn), Sarah (Isaiah), Jackson, Grant, Katie, Harrison and Ford; four great-grandchildren: Maddie, Cora, Olivia and Maya; brother-in-law, Arlen Pomeroy; sister-in-law, Winifred (Andrew) Budkis, Susan Hansen and Virginia (Larry) Thorsen); along with several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, John Hummel; grandson, Drew Hartman; his mother- and father-in-law, Elvira and Floyd Pomeroy; brothers-in-law: Dennis (Jean) Pomeroy, Donald (Suzanne) Pomeroy, Charles Hansen; and his sister-in-law, Judith Pomeroy; a nephew, Gene Harrison; nieces: Andrea and Melissa LaForest; and his good friends, Rick Shepley and Dennis Salmer.
Don's family extends a heartfelt thank you to UP Home Health and Hospice for their wonderful care.
Graveside services will be held at 12:00 noon on Friday, September 4th at the Negaunee Cemetery with Rev. Virginia Paulson officiating. Military honors will be accorded by the United
States Coast Guard Honor Team. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Immanuel Lutheran Church or an American Legion Post of your choice.
Don's memorial page may be viewed at koskeyfuneralhome.com.