IRONWOOD, Mich. - Gene L. LaCosse, 85, of Ironwood, passed away peacefully on Monday, Oct. 9, 2023, at the Gogebic Medical Care Facility in Wakefield.

Gene was born on Oct. 28, 1937, in Negaunee, to Eugene and Sylvia (Saari) LaCosse. He attended school within the Champion School District. Gene was united in marriage to Karen J. Sampson on Feb. 20, 1987.

He proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1955 to 1959.

Following his honorable discharge, Gene graduated from Northern Michigan University in Marquette, with an associate degree. He utilized his degree working as a lab technician serving the patients of Grand View Hospital in Ironwood for many years. Gene took great pride for his involvement in ministering to the patients he encountered and was known for his active participation in the support and growth of Cornerstone Church.

In his free time, Gene enjoyed playing golf, hunting grouse, an annual fishing trip to Baraga Lake with his son, Chris, and the local streams fishing for brook trout. He loved watching the local sports teams compete, the Detroit Tigers and the Green Bay Packers.

Gene is survived by his loving wife, Karen; children, Nicole (Dan) Lavinder, Chris (Renee) LaCosse, Mike Roberts, Rich (Lisa) Roberts, Lori Roberts and Toni Hudson; 13 grandchildren; five great-grandsons; a brother, Stanley LaCosse; and many nieces and nephews.

Gene is preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Robert LaCosse; and a sister, Ilena "Kathy" Peterson.

The family will greet relatives and friends on Saturday, Oct. 14, from 1 to 1:45 p.m., at Cornerstone Church, N10344 Mill St., in Ramsay, with the honor guard beginning at 1:15 p.m. Full military honors will be accorded at the church by the combined Wakefield American Legion Geroux Post 11 and Wakefield Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9084 Honor Guard, assisted by the U.S. Navy Funeral Honors Team. A memorial service will follow the military honors at 2 p.m. The Rev. Todd Winkler and the Rev. Roy Speck will officiate.

A luncheon will be served at the church fellowship hall immediately following the memorial service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Ironwood High School Athletic Fund or the Ironwood Booster Club, in care of Ironwood Area Schools, 650 E. Ayer St., Ironwood, MI 49938.

The family of Gene wishes to extend their sincere thanks to the Gogebic Medical Care Facility staff.

Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield, is assisting the family with arrangements. To send online condolences or to share a memory, please go to lakesidememorialchapel.com.