Raymond LaPorte

Raymond J. LaPorte, 76, of Durand, died Tuesday, July 26, 2016, at his home.
Ray was born on June 25, 1940, in Escanaba, Mich. He was the son of Clement and Teresa (Bogar) LaPorte. Ray grew up in Calumet, Mich., and as a teenager moved with his family to Durand, where he graduated from Durand High School in 1959. He joined the U.S. Navy and served on the aircraft carrier USS Forrestal for two tours on the Mediterranean.
Ray married Kathleen Will on Dec. 29, 1962, in Durand. After marriage, Ray started his own construction business, Prissel & LaPorte Construction, and helped raise his family. In the early 1980s, Ray took a job at Federal Mogul in Lake City, where he worked as a machinist. He retired from Federal Mogul in 2006.
Ray enjoyed golfing, woodworking, hunting and watching the Green Bay Packers. He enjoyed taking trips to his home town to see family and friends. Most of all, Ray enjoyed spending time with family and friends.
Ray is survived by his wife of 52 years, Kathy; four children, Rae Ann (Jeff) Hetrick, Troy (Tammy), Tracy (Dave) Fayerweather, all of Durand, Jay (Leane) of Tampa, Fla.; nine grandchildren, Thomas, Brady, John, Chase, Brett, Cassy, Brandon, April and Katie; brother, Roger “Tony” of Mondovi; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; stepfather, William Brady; niece, Rae Lynn LaPorte.
A Celebration of Life was held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 1, at Rhiel Funeral Home, in Durand, with a Prayer Service and Military Honors at 7 p.m.
Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Durand, assisted the family.
Condolences may be made online at www.rhielfuneralhome.com.