SFC Brent J. Lantagne, age 38, of 4974 Highland 17.6 Drive, Escanaba died unexpectedly due to the result of an automobile accident on Hwy 41 in Marinette County, Wisconsin on Tuesday, November 4, 2008.
Brent was born August 4, 1970 in Escanaba, the son of Bill Lantagne and Jan Lavigne. Brent was a 1989 graduate of Bark River High School. At the age of 17, Brent enlisted in the U.S. Army National Guard, beginning his career with Company C., 107th Engineer Battalion of Gladstone. Brent went on to excel, throughout the years, in firearm weapons training and was currently instructing and training military troops with small arms, at various locations throughout the United States. During Brent’s twenty plus year enlistment, he received medals of commendation which included; the Meritorious Service Award, Governors 20, marksmanship and firearms commendations and numerous Army Achievement Awards. Brent was united in marriage to Jennifer Overgaard on January 22, 1994 in Livonia, MI. He returned to the Escanaba area with his wife following their marriage to start their life and raise their family. Brent worked for several years as a barber and eventually became the owner and operator of “Brent’s Barbershop”, in the downtown district of Escanaba. Brent was a member of the Escanaba Elks Lodge #354 and the American Legion. He was the past Master of the Delta Lodge #195 F&AM (Free & Accepted Masons) He enjoyed playing his guitar with various local bands, hunting and competitive shooting where he earned various trophies, medals and awards. He was also a member of the airport and parks boards. Brent was a family man who enjoyed spending quality time with his wife and children. He was also a beloved son, grandson and brother.
Including his wife, Jennifer, he is survived by:
His daughter, Ashley and his son, Nicholas both of Escanaba
His father, Bill (Sally) Lantagne of Perronville
His mother, Jan Lavigne of Escanaba
His brother, Todd Lantagne of Ontario, CA
His paternal grandmother, Violet Lantagne of Bark River
Step-brothers, Jeremy (Sarah) Lambert of Phoenix, AZ and Jay Lambert (Lisa Raygo) of Escanaba
Mother and Father-In-Law, Thomas and Nancy Overgaard of Tecumseh, MI
Sister-In-Law, Jill Kohler of West Bloomfield, MI
Brother-In-Law, Tom Overgaard of Redford, MI
Uncle, Louis (Rosie) Lantagne of Ohio
Aunts, Audrey (Ben) Herioux of Bark River and Joann (Alan) Stotz of Gladstone
Uncle, Charlie (Joyce) Lavigne of Wisconsin and Jim (Rhonda) Lavigne of Watson
Aunts, Bev (Don) Goodreah of Green Bay, WI, Pam (Pat) Cayer of Schaffer and Theresa (Butch) Olson of Reedsburg, WI
Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins
Brent was preceded in death by:
His paternal grandfather, William Lantagne
His maternal grandparents, Alfred and Norma Lavigne
His Uncle, Paul “P.D.” Lantagne
Brent’s family will receive friends on Saturday, November 8 from 2:00 PM until 6:00 PM at the National Guard Armory in Gladstone. Masonic Services presented by the Delta Lodge #195 F & AM are scheduled for 6:00 PM with funeral services immediately following. Deacon Ron Groleau will officiate. Brent will be laid to rest at the Gardens of Rest Cemetery with Full Military Honors. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in Brent’s name may be directed to an educational fund established at the Upper Peninsula State Bank, c/o Jennifer Lantagne, 112 N. 11th Street, Escanaba, MI 49829.
