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Roger Joseph Lapierre, age 86, of Sturgis, Mich., passed away Saturday evening, July 28, 2012, at his home.
He was born March 13, 1926, in Detroit, a son of the late Hermenegilde and Albertine (Villeneue) Lapierre.
Mr. Lapierre resided in Sturgis since 1971 coming from Vista, Calif.
On Oct. 9, 1948, he married Emmaline L. “Amy” Tulloch in Honolulu, Hawaii. She died Feb. 25, 1996.
Mr. Lapierre was very proud to have served his country in the U.S. Marine Corp for 28 years earning the rank of Master Sergeant before retiring. While in the Marine Corp he served in World War II, the Korean War and did two tours of duty in the Vietnam War. Following his retirement he worked at Sturgis Iron & Metal, Frank Krontz Construction Company, Formed Tubes and retired for the second time from Rood Industries after 16 years of employment.
He was a past member of the Loyal Order of Moose #574, a Life member of Captain John J. Kelley Post #1355 VFW and the Eagles Lodge #1314. He enjoyed woodworking and was a loyal fan of the Detroit Tigers, Red Wings and Pistons. Roger truly loved times he was surrounded by his family.
He is survived three daughters, Dorthea (Donald) Pinkerton of Auburn, Ind., Michele (Richard) Palmer of Sturgis and Denise R. Lapierre of Garrett, Ind., one son, Richard Lapierre of Cheyenne, Wy., eight grandchildren, Kerri, Christy, Donny, Lacey, Melanie, Jenna, Matthew and Kim; two step-granddaughters, Melody and Christina; 10 great-grandchildren; six step-great grandchildren; eight great-great-grandchildren; one sister, Lucille (George) Dalian of Livonia; one brother, Norman Lapierre of Royal Oak; special friends, Dale and Vicky Klopfenstein; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; one daughter, Laura Lapierre; one son, Lawrence Lapierre; one granddaughter, Amy Lynn Pinkerton; daughter-in-law, Natalie Lapierre; two brothers, Maurice Lapierre and Eugene Lapierre; and two sisters-in-law, Dorothy Lapierre and Shirley Lapierre.
In accordance with his wishes cremation has taken place. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday at the Hackman Family Funeral Homes – Hackman Chapel, 114 S. Nottawa St., Sturgis, MI 49091, 269-651-2331. A memorial service celebrating the life of Roger J. Lapierre will be held at 3 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. The Rev. Father German Perez-Diaz will officiate. A graveside committal of the ashes will follow the service at Oak Lawn Cemetery in Sturgis where full military honor will be conferred by Captain John J. Kelley Post 31355 VFW and the U.S. Marine Corp Honor Guard..
The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Mr. Lapierre’s memory consider Hospice of Sturgis, P.O. Box 126, Sturgis, MI 49091.
The obituary is also at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhome.com where personal messages of support may be left for the family.
