Robert E. LaFreniere

LA FRENIERE, Robert E. Portage Mr. LaFreniere passed away early Tuesday morning, January 9, 2007. He was born May 16, 1926 in Norway, MI, the son of the late Earl and Katherine Simon LaFreniere. Bob was a veteran of the United States Navy Air Corp. serving during World War II. Mr. LaFreniere was employed by State Auto Insurance Company for 30 years until his retirement in 1987. He enjoyed golfing, fishing and other outdoor activities and he was very active in his church. Bob was a member of St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church in Portage; he delivered Meals on Wheels, and volunteered at the Kalamazoo Air Zoo and at Red Cross Blood Drives. On June 5, 1948, he was united in marriage to Mary ?Joan? Horan in Lansing. Surviving are his wife of 58 years, Joan; four children, Peter LaFreniere of Blue Hill, Maine, Mary Len Harrison of Vicksburg, Larry Susan LaFreniere of Lubbock, Texas, Paul Ruth LaFreniere of Grand Rapids; daughter-in-law, Barbara LaFreniere of The Woodlands, Texas; nine grandchildren; and his sister, Erleen Sonny Anderson of Sun City, Florida. Preceding him in death are his parents; and one son, Andrew LaFreniere. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 AM on Saturday at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, 1150 W. Centre Avenue, with Father Kevin Cover celebrant. Friends may visit with the family from 2-4 PM on Friday at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Portage Chapel, 411 E. Centre Avenue and from 9:30-10:30 AM on Saturday at the church. Private interment will be in Ft. Custer National Cemetery. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be directed to Kalamazoo Air Zoo or Loaves and Fishes.