Obituary of Wesley Rennie LaPalme
Wesley Rennie LaPalme was born on May 21, 1945, in Dearborn, Michigan. He was the only child born to the union of Rennie LaPalme and Lois (Perron) LaPalme. As a young boy he helped his father at their Texaco gas station while his mother cared for patients at the Allen Park Veteran’s Administration Hospital as the head nurse. He attended Dearborn High School, graduating with the Class of 1963.
Shortly after high school, Wes enlisted in the United States Navy serving aboard the flagship of Amphibious Squadron 8, the USS Guam (LPH-9) as a SFP3 (Shipfitter E-4). His unit was assigned to patrol south of the Dominican Republic and the Caribbean from February of 1967 through September of 1968. The USS Guam prepared to land troops at any point in the Caribbean where she might be needed to protect the freedom and integrity of the Americas following the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962. After accumulating one year, ten months and eighteen days at sea and fulfilling his military obligation, Wes was bestowed the National Defense Service Medal as well as his honorable discharge.
In 1967, just a year into his Naval Service he married the love of his life, the former Christina Bettinger. The couple honeymooned in Marquette, Michigan and spent time on Mackinaw Island. To travel home while on leave from the Navy, and spend time with his lovely bride, Wes often shot pool to earn extra money. They later were blessed with three children: Jon, Wesley, and Jennifer.
To provide for his family, Wes worked as an IT technician at the Daimler Chrysler Warren Stamping plant for over thirty-five years before his retirement. During his tenure at Chrysler, he received an associate's degree from Baker College.
Wes loved the outdoors and staying active. In his youth he loved to play hockey, football, bowl, shoot pool, work on cars, drag race, and fish in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. When he wasn’t bowling or fishing with his father, Wes spent numerous days with friends racing his Plymouth Road Runner at the Detroit Dragway taking home numerous trophies. In fact, he showed a knack for winning throughout his life, proving it time and again in various competitions. His bowling allowed him to participate in numerous leagues and even national tournaments. He rolled a perfect game not once but three times along with an 800 series at Garden Lanes and Oxford Bowling Alley.
Wes continued his love of sports by passing the torch onto his children. The family moved from Dearborn to Newport, Michigan on Lake Erie where he continued fishing, boating, and golfing. He loved spending time on Drummond Island and at Fletcher’s Pond in Northeastern Michigan reeling in salmon, bass, pike and walleye. Wes provided loved ones with a lifetime of memories, sitting around campfires and playing cards all while having fun in Michigan’s outdoor paradise.
When Wes wasn’t enjoying the great outdoors with family, he continued to serve his country by developing new essential products for the Naval Special Warfare Group, Marine Special Forces Operations Command, the United States Air Force, and the United States Coast Guard. His work surely helped to save the lives of thousands of Marines, Airmen, and Soldiers. Wes had a big heart, and the love he gave to family and friends and the love he received in return was a testament to the wonderful life he lived and earned him the nickname “Big Wes”.
Wesley Rennie “Wes” LaPalme, age 79 of Newport, Michigan passed away on Monday; December 9, 2024, at Corewell Health Taylor Hospital in Taylor, Michigan. His passing was preceded by his parents: Rennie and Lois LaPalme.
To cherish his memory, Wes leaves his loving wife of fifty-seven years: Christina LaPalme of Newport, Michigan; a daughter: Jennifer (Dan) Wades; two sons: Jon (Tracey) LaPalme and Wesley LaPalme; eight grandchildren: Devin (Jasmine), Jon, Dani (Raquel), Elek, JT, Brooklyn, Kash, and Adonis; and his first great granddaughter on the way: Franshesca Wades.
Friends may gather from 10:00am until 11:00am on Monday; December 16, 2024, at St. Anne Parish; 2420 North Dixie Highway, Monroe, Michigan 48162. The Mass of the Resurrection will begin at 11:00am with Father Kishore Battu as celebrant. Military Honors will follow under the auspices of the Monroe Veterans of Foreign War Post 1138 ritual team. His care has been entrusted to Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe; 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162 (734) 384-5185. Cremation has taken place through Covenant Cremation of Erie, Michigan, a division of Merkle Enterprises, Inc.
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