Ernest Henry LaJoie, 91, of Negaunee, passed away peacefully Sunday afternoon, January 24, 2021 at the Eastwood Nursing Center.
Ernie was born February 17, 1929 in Negaunee to Louis E. and Mary L. (White) LaJoie and graduated from Negaunee High School, Class of 1947. He worked as a miner for over 40 years; beginning at various locations before starting his career with Cleveland Cliffs at the Mather ‘A’ and Mather ‘B’ mines. He retired from the Empire Mine as a shovel operator with over 30 years of service with CCI.
Ernie was a lifelong member of St. Paul Catholic Church, Negaunee, belonged to the Negaunee Eagle’s Club, served as treasurer for many years for the Negaunee Senior Center and was also on the board for the Commission on Aging. He was a dedicated lifelong Negaunee Miner sports fan. He also enjoyed Northern Michigan University sporting events, listening to Elmer and old country music, was an avid Detroit Tigers and Green Bay Packers fans, and as a talented woodworker and knitter he was selfless with giving of gifts. Most importantly, Ernie loved his time spent with family and friends at the camp he built on Charlie Lakes in Gwinn.
Surviving are his daughter, Rosemary (James) Larson of Ishpeming; son, James (Kim) LaJoie of Marquette; seven grandchildren: Anne (Joshua) Daugherty, Michael (Bri) Larson, Lars (Danielle) Larson, Larissa (Tyler) Buen, Sarah (Marco) Guidotti; Melissa LaJoie and Zach Buzzo; nine great-grandchildren; his brother, Robert (Alice) LaJoie of Negaunee and Janet LaFond of Ishpeming; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Jerome ‘Jerry’ LaJoie in 2009; sister, Patricia Sowden; an infant brother Walter and an infant sister Mary Lou.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 5:00 pm on Thursday, January 28th at St. Paul Catholic Church with Rev. Larry Van Damme officiating. Interment will take place in the Negaunee Cemetery. The family will greet relatives and friends from 4-5pm prior to Mass at church on Thursday. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed in Mr. LaJoie’s memory to the Negaunee Senior Center or the Superior Health Foundation.
In accordance with COVID-19 precautions, anyone attending services is encouraged to wear a face covering and practice social distancing.
Ernie’s memorial page may be viewed at koskeyfuneralhome.com.