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RAYMOND L. LACROSS

Raymond L. LaCross, 88, of Alpena passed away peacefully surrounded by his family Saturday, Jan. 14, 2017 at the Mid-Michigan Medical Center of Alpena.

He was born Feb. 19, 1928 to the late Leo and Aurelia (St. Charles) LaCross in Flint. Ray served in the United States Air Force during the WWII era. He flew a B-29 Superfortress out of Schofield Baracks with the 15th Air Force. On July 7, 1949, he married Iva June Lipski, she preceded him in death on May 10, 2010. He worked for Besser Company from 1950, until 39 years later when he retired in 1989. Later he owned and operated Ray’s Gun Shop in Maple Ridge Township. He was known on the local, state and national levels for skeet, trap, pistol and rifle honors. He was inducted into the Sportsman’s Hall of Fame in 1998. Ray was a member of the Alpena Rifle League, Alpena Sportsmen’s Pistol League, Besser Rifle League, and the P.K. Fletcher Gun Club. In 1949 as a pitcher for Maple Ridge baseball team, he helped win the county championship. He was also a member of the St. Mary Catholic Church.

He is survived by his eight children, Judy (Pete) Lis of Alaska, Sandy (Terry) La Londe of Ossineke, Rodney (Tammy) LaCross of Trenary, Cindy (Dan) Szymanski of Ossineke; Greg (Diana) LaCross of Alpena, Linda (Jim) Tanner of Alpena, Rick (Roberta) LaCross of Lachine, Brenda (Paul) Storm of Rockford; 15 grandchildren;16 great-grandchildren; six great-great- grandchildren; his sister Audrey MacNall of Alpena; his brother Daniel (Pat) LaCross of Alpena; and several nieces and nephews.

Ray was preceded in death by his sister Betty Johnson.

Family and friends will gather for visitation at Karpus-Hunter Funeral Home from 2-8 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2017. Visitation will continue from 10-11 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2017 at Karpus-Hunter Funeral Home. Funeral service begins with Fr. Joe Muszkiewicz officiating, followed by Full Military Honors accorded by the VFW Post 2496 and the Michigan Army National Guard.

Internment is at Holy Cross Cemetary.

Online condolences can be made at www.karpushuntercares.com