Ronald Roy Lantagne, age 72, of Gladstone, died Monday, February 27th, 2006 at St. Francis Hospital in Escanaba after a courageous battle with cancer.

Ron was born July 22nd, 1933 at St. Francis Hospital, the son of Archie and Melina (LaMarche) Lantagne. He was a longtime resident of the Escanaba vicinity, being raised in the Riverland area, and afterwards relocating to the Flat Rock locale. He married the former Joan J. Anderson, July 25th, 1953 and they moved to Gladstone to raise their family. Ron was employed as a welder for Harnischfeger Corp. in Escanaba for 13 years and later became an agent for Metropolitan Life Insurance Company for some 20 years until his retirement.

Ron and his wife, Joan, had also operated an adult foster care home for more than 12 years at their home in Gladstone.

Most of his life, snowmobiling, fishing, golfing, gardening, and hunting were all pastimes he really enjoyed. He was particularly fond of the times he had at the “Whitetail Camp” in Stonington with all his buddies. Ron was the lead singer in the camp band, “Grandpas Plus One”.

He took special pride in the home he built and was especially fond of his garden and yard. Anyone who knew him could count on seeing him in the yard almost every day of the summer.

Ron was very active in his church, All Saints Church of Gladstone, and served as Eucharistic Minister as well as many other positions within the church. He was also Past President of the Gladstone Rotary and assisted in the building of the Gladstone Pavilion and was involved in the Gladstone 4th of July festivities.

Ron and Joan enjoyed the past several winters in the South at Gulf Shores, Alabama and Biloxi, Mississippi. He and his brother, Orville, and many local friends enjoyed the warm weather and the friendship they shared.

Even while Ron was suffering from cancer, he continued to help and encourage others to continue the fight. He made many friends at the “Beacon House” in Marquette and considered the people there to be his main support from day to day. They knew what he was going through and he understood how they felt. He was very fond of the friends he made there.

Ron was most dedicated to his family and was the happiest when all his children and grandchildren were around. He left a huge void when he passed away that no one will ever be able to fill. Ron also left a wonderful family that will carry on his memory and he will be forever missed in their hearts.

In addition to his devoted and loving wife of 53 years, Joan, Ron Lantagne’s survivors include:

4 Children: Ronald J. (Nancy) Lantagne of Escanaba; Bryan M. (Anne) Lantagne of Escanaba; Lisa (Jeff) Lantagne Valiquette of Appleton, WI; Rory (Heidi) Lantagne of Orlando, FL

12 Grandchildren: Jason, Tommy, Angie, Magan, Garrett, Kyle, Adam, Paige, Alec, Anna, Olivia, and Elliot

1 Brother: Orville (Mary Lou) Lantagne of Escanaba

2 Sisters: Marlene (Jon) Servant of Escanaba; Sharon (John) Chaillier of Escanaba

A very special aunt: Jeanette Lantagne, of Escanaba.

In addition, he is also survived by

Brothers-in-law: Wesley and Donald (Ruth) Anderson,

Sisters-in-law: Virginia (Jim) Paquin, Diane (Richard) Bannon, and Kathy Anderson,

Numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

The family of Ronald R. Lantagne will receive friends on Friday at All Saints Church in Gladstone from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will follow on Friday at 6:00 p.m. at All Saints Church with Rev. Fr. Arnold Grambow officiating. Luncheon will follow service in the church parish hall. Burial will be in the Gardens of Rest Cemetery; Wells. The Lantagne family respectfully requests memorials in Ron’s behalf be directed to the family for special memorial projects to be decided by them in the future. Envelopes will be available at All Saints Church during the visitation and the Skradski-Boyce Family Funeral Homes of Delta County who are assisting the Lantagne family.