Obituary of Paul E. LaPointe

Paul Elroy LaPointe, 96, of Dundee, MI, died peacefully at home with family at his side on Monday, March 5th, 2018. Born August 28, 1921 in Erie, Michigan he was the son of Clifford and Rose (Deszell) LaPointe, and loving husband to Mercedes (Sancraint) LaPointe upon marriage October 19, 1946. As a graduate of Central Catholic High School in Toledo, OH, and obtaining an Associate’s Degree in Agriculture, Paul carried on the family business of farming by supplying potatoes from his farms in Erie, Petersburg, Dundee, Palms and Edmore, MI to companies such as Better Made, Superior, New Era and Frito Lay. Paul served as President of the Michigan Potato Growers Association, received the Farm of the Year award in 1957, was on the Board of Monroe County Bank, Lector and Church Council President of St. Irene Catholic Church, served on the Summerfield Township Zoning board and Summerfield Planning Commission, and was on the Summerfield School Board handing diplomas to each of his children during their graduations from 1971 to 1984. He enjoyed family time at their cottage on Sand Lake in Irish Hills until retirement when he and Mercedes experienced life traveling to all 50 states in their “playhouse” motorhome and spending time with friends at the Dundee Senior Citizens Center. He is survived by his loving wife of 72 years, Mercedes Catherine (Sancraint) LaPointe, six children, Ronald James (Sara) LaPointe, Thomas David (Neil Oberstein) LaPointe, Paula Catherine LaPointe, Kenneth Charles (Jann) LaPointe, Phillip John (Bet) LaPointe, Lisa Anne LaPointe; 9 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren. Paul was preceded in death by three children, Michael, Calvin, Nancy; 3 brothers, Ralph, James and Gilbert and 2 sisters Lorna Behan and Helen Galvin. At the request of Paul, cremation has taken place and a Mass of Christian Memorial will be on Saturday, April 7th, 2018 at St. Gabriel Parish/St. Irene Catholic Church 576 Main Street in Dundee, MI. Gathering at 10:30AM with Mass beginning at 11:00AM. A Celebration of Life Luncheon will follow the Mass at the Old Mill Museum, 242 Toledo Street, Dundee, MI. If you desire to pay respects, please join the family at the luncheon and share fond memories of a loving father. If Memorial donations are desired, a suggestion from Paul is to the St. Joseph Mercy Home Care & Hospice, 34505 W. 12. Mile Rd, Farmington Hills, MI 48331 or St. Gabriel Parish/St. Irene Catholic Church.