Joseph LaBelle

Mr. Joseph "Joe" LaBelle, age 95, Iron River, MI died Friday, August 31, 2007 at the Iron County Medical Care Facility, Crystal Falls, MI. Born: June 3, 1912 in Florence, WI The son of the late Joseph and Mary (Lietzske) LaBelle attended the Florence, WI and Stambaugh, MI schools. He moved from Florence as a young boy in 1924, settling in West Iron County, MI. He married the former Betty Verville on September 4, 1943 and the couple made their home in Stambaugh, MI. She preceded him in death on May 13, 1955. Joe worked for his uncle on his farm and also in the area C.C. Camps. He was later employed as a baker for "Big Joe Bakery", the Roberg Bakery, and retired from Angeli Foods in 1974. Joe's family was his life. His wife Betty died young and he raised their four daughters. He is adored by his grandchildren and his family call him their "IRONMAN". He could handle anything that was dealt to him and made it appear effortless. He helped many people with their chores after his retirement and was always there for them and his family. Joe was an avid Packer fan. He was a member of St. Cecilia Catholic Church, Caspian, MI and the former Blessed Sacrament Church. Joe was also preceded in death by a daughter, Judith Marie Maki, three brothers: Edward, Frank, and Verne "Pike", and three sisters: Rose Johnson, Almede Kavech, and Ann Meyers. He is survived by 3 daughters; Janice (David) Cunningham of Bryant, WI Joanne Clay of St Paul, MN Joetta Greig of Caspian Son-in-law; Kenneth Maki of Iron River Brother; Walter Tass of Iron River 12 grandchildren; Narissa, Melissa, Christy, Lisa, Deborah, Betty Ann, Sarah, Fred,Jeanetta, Mike, J.T., and Jenna 20 great grandchildren Many nieces and nephews Visitation: Sunday, September 2, 2007 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Jacobs Funeral Home, Iron River. Funeral Service: Monday, September 3, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Cecilia Catholic Church, Caspian, MI, with Rev. Norman Clisch to offer the Mass of Christian Burial. Interment: Stambaugh Cemetery, Iron River, MI Funeral Arrangements by the Jacobs Funeral Home, Iron River, MI