Obituary of Milton LaVigne

Milton Neil LaVigne was born in Monroe, Michigan on March 14, 1933. He was one of three children born from the union of the late Howard "Clair" and Hilda Emma-Louise (Fuerstenberg) LaVigne. Milton graduated from Monroe High School. He proudly served in the United States Army during the Korean War; serving his country honorably, earning many commendations. Milton married the love of his life, the former Lorraine Marie Yoas on September 3, 1955 in Newport, Michigan and from this union would come the birth of four children. Family was very important to him, as he cherished the time spent with his wife and children. Milton was well known for his great sense of humor and his witty personality. Milton was a very hard and dedicated worker. He supported his family for twenty-eight years working at the Ohio China Company. Milton continued on to the United States Postal Service as a Postal Carrier for fifteen years, until taking retirement in 1996. In Milton's younger years he threw Monroe High School's first complete no hit, no run baseball game in 1951. The love of baseball continued on, as he coached boy's baseball and girl's softball for many years at various places. Milton was an avid sports fan of Michigan sport teams such as, Detroit Tigers, Red Wings, and University of Michigan. He played a lot of euchre, always enjoying the game with his nephew Scott LaVigne and his wife Jill. Milton Neil LaVigne, age 81, of Newport passed away at his home on Tuesday, January 6, 2015. In addition to his parents, his passing was preceded by a brother: Keith LaVigne and by an infant brother: Richard LaVigne. To cherish his memory Milton leaves his beloved wife of fifty-nine years: Lorraine Marie LaVigne; four children: Randall Neil LaVigne of Nashville, Michigan, Rick Alan LaVigne of Monroe, Lynette Marie (Jeff) Dowler of Newport and Liane Rochelle (Jim) Vaslo of Newport; five grandchildren: Camden (Kara) Dowler, Bailey (Mike) Schmidt, Chelsea Dowler, Felecia LaVigne and Chase Dowler; and four great grandchildren: Noah Dupuis, Russell Dowler, Luke Dowler and Annalee Dowler. Friends may gather from 2:00pm until 8:00pm on Friday, January 9, 2015 at Merkle Funeral Service, South Monroe; 14567 South Dixie Highway (734) 241-7070. A Celebration of His Life will take place at 11:00am on Saturday, January 10, 2015 also at Merkle's with Pastor Chris Pittman of Elevate Church officiating. Procession will follow to Roselawn Memorial Park in LaSalle. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort, share a photo, or make a donation by visiting www.merklefs.com and then selecting the Online Tributes page.