DONALD JOSEPH LaBONTE

Donald Joseph LaBonte, 89, of Ossineke, passed away Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, at Jamieson Nursing Home.

Don was born on Indian Reserve Road on April 7, 1935, to the late Felix J. and Annabelle M. (Aube) LaBonte. On Nov. 3, 1956, he married MaryAnn Carol France in Sault St. Marie. She preceded him in death on Sept. 15, 1964. On Aug. 21, 1967, he married Margot Ann Flynn. She preceded him in death on March 20, 2009.

Don was a farmer all his life and enjoyed working with his Draft horses. He also loved to entertain his children and grandchildren with stories about the variety of jobs he had, including laying block at the cement plant, driving a school bus, and delivering fuel. Once retired, he enjoyed driving around the country where he would often park and watch other farmers as they worked in the fields.

Don is survived by his loving partner, Lois Rosek; two daughters, Cynthia (John) Swise, Sherry (Ephraim Olson) Werda; eight grandchildren, Jamey (Mary) Allen, Casey R. LaBonte, Katherine (Ash) Swise-Shah, Joshua (Karrie) Werda, Emilee A. Rowe, John (Stephanie) Swise, Lindsay R. Miller, Jamie L. Miller; ten great-grandchildren; Megan and Evelyn Allen, Jory, Gabriel and Dmitri Werda, Layla and Eliza Rowe, Molly, Nathan and Adrew Swise; and four sisters, Mary E. Shiemke, Shirley M. Standen, Joyce M. Higgs, and Jane T. O’Neil.

Don was preceded in death by his daughter, Charlene Miller; his great-grandson, Benjamin Allen; and a sister, Margaret A. Reynolds.

Memorial visitation will take place Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, at St. Catherine Catholic Church from 10 a.m. until the time of Mass of Christian Burial at noon Cremation arrangements have been handled by the Bannan Funeral Home.

Inurnment: St. Catherine Cemetery

Memorials: The Friendship Room or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital