Marquette––William D. LaPorte, 91, of 1952 Waldo Street, Marquette, entered eternal life Wednesday, February 7, 2007, at Marquette General Hospital.
Born December 9, 1915, in Custer, Bill was a son of John Henry and Annette (McDaquette) LaPorte, and was a lifelong Marquette resident. He enlisted in the Navy and proudly served his country. Returning from military service, Bill was employed by Montgomery Ward, doing small engine repair. Bill was industrious and clever at fixing things. His love of tinkering led him to invent many useful household items and, when faced with throwing out a worn out object, he usually opted to try and repair it. Bill was generous, gentle, and kind, and had a great love and respect for nature and all it provided. He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed the small animals and birds that inhabited his yard, especially his pet chippie, “Chip.”
Although he and wife, Dora, had no children of their own, they maintained an active interest in their many nieces and nephews, and Bill was considered the protector of the family. Bill was a member of the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians.
Bill is survived by his sister, Wilfrieda Greenway of Marquette; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Dora, in 1991; a sister, Verita Rose; and brothers, Francis, Raymond, and Donald LaPorte.
Friends may call at the Fassbender Funeral Home on Monday, February 12, beginning at 6:00 pm. Funeral services will follow at 7:00 pm Monday evening, in the funeral home, with Rev. Thomas Schmied, OFM Cap officiating. Burial will be made in the Holy Cross Cemetery.