Ralph J. LaFave Sr., 75, of 111 Kenneally Blvd., died peacefully at his home in Gladstone Monday morning December 3, 2007 surrounded by his loving family.

Ralph was born March 12, 1932, in Hermansville, the son of Irvin and Elizabeth (Trudell) LaFave. He was raised in Hermansville until his ninth grade year, at which time, he and his family relocated to Escanaba where Ralph attended and graduated from the Escanaba Senior High School, class of 1951. Following high school, Ralph went to work for “Shaw Cleaners” and on May 17, 1952, he was united in marriage to the former Elizabeth “Betty” St. Jacques at the St. Anne Chapel in Escanaba. Together the couple made their home and began their family in Escanaba. In 1961, Ralph purchased “Shaw Cleaners” dry cleaning business and in 1964, he and Betty relocated to Gladstone. In 1971, Ralph established the new location for “Shaw Cleaners” on 10th Street in Gladstone, owning and operating his dry cleaning business until his retirement in 1995. Following retirement, Ralph went to work part time for “NuWay Cleaners”, finally retiring in June of 2007 after 50 plus years in the dry cleaning business. Ralph was a member and Eucharistic Minister at the All Saints Catholic Church. He was a dedicated member and Past Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus Brother Felix Council. He was in charge of the Knights of Columbus Bingo for over 15 years. Ralph enjoyed spending time with his family and grandchildren, bowling for the Industrial League in Escanaba for many years, hunting, and watching the Green Bay Packers. He will be deeply missed.

In addition to his loving wife Betty, Ralph is survived by:

3 Sons: Ralph (Kim) LaFave Jr. of Gladstone, MI; Scott (Kelly) LaFave of Grapevine, TX; James (Angel) LaFave of Trenary, MI

4 Daughters: Debra (Keith) Bengston of Gladstone, MI; Jean (Mark) Andrew of Kingsford, MI; Joan (James) Ball of Stonington, MI; Patricia (Chuck) Derouin of Escanaba, MI

2 Brothers: Emery (Millie) LaFave of Arizona; Robert (Linda) LaFave of Escanaba, MI

1 Sister: Gertie Boudreau of Escanaba, MI

1 Brother in law: Edsel Bedard of Escanaba, MI

14 Grandchildren: Joye (fiancé Kevin) Bengston; Cynna and Ralph III LaFave; Adam; Holly; Michelle; Luc and Devin LaFave; Tony (Mami) and Beth Andrew; Jessica (Clayton) Castor; Rob Caliguri and Brad and Rachel Derouin

3 Great Grandchildren: Reece Rane and Lahna Castor and 2 additional great grand babies expected in February & March of 2008.

Many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Ralph was preceded in death by:

Father: Irvin LaFave on December 2, 1978

Mother: Elizabeth (Trudell) LaFave on December 14, 1987

Infant son: Thomas LaFave on April 9, 1954

Sister: Lorraine Bedard on August 3, 1984

2 Grandsons: Samuel Derouin on May 18, 1993 and Matthew Bengston on September 19, 1997

The LaFave family will receive friends on Thursday from 2:15PM to 5:30PM at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Knights of Columbus Brother Felix Council Rosary services will be conducted from 2:00PM to 2:15PM, at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone and all are welcome to attend. Mass of Christian Burial celebrating the life of Ralph J. LaFave Sr. will follow visitation, at 6:00PM, at the All Saints Church, with Rev. Fr. Arnold Grambow officiating. Luncheon will follow in the All Saints Church Parish Hall. Committal will be Friday in the Fernwood Cemetery in Gladstone. Memorial contributions in Ralph’s name may be directed to the LaFave family. Envelopes will be available at the Skradski Funeral Home and the All Saints Church. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the LaFave family with arrangements.