Albert LaFleche

Albert “Bert” Frederic LaFleche, 91, of Hillman passed away on December 23, 2024 at home surrounded by loved ones after an extended illness. He was born on November 12, 1933 in Montmorency County, Michigan to the late Alphonse and Elizabeth (Creamer) LaFleche. On November 24, 1951 he married Marjean Brandt. She preceded him in death on February 11, 2022 after 71 years of marriage.

Bert worked hard his entire life as part of the operating engineers, driving school bus and farming. He served on the board of commissioners for Montmorency County and many other boards, which included his work at the Hillman Senior Center. His memories were long, and his stories were great. He was proud of his work and most of all his very large family. Bert will be remembered for his boisterous laugh, his love for polka, politics and his appetite for homemade pie that he would enjoy for every meal of the day if he could.

Bert is remembered by his eight children, Gary (Sheila), Randy (Mary), Mark (Joann), Alan (Rosa), Gene (Nancy), John, Dale and Delinn (Wayne) Keetch; 21 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; six siblings, Kenneth (Geri) LaFleche, Rosemary (Art) Hunt, Peggy (Jim) Cavanaugh, Patrick (Sue) LaFleche, Glen LaFleche, Alphonse LaFleche, Jr; and many nieces and nephews. Bert was preceded in death by his daughter, Denise; grandsons, Adam and Kirk; granddaughter, ScottiJo; great-grandson, Bence; son-in-law, Gary; seven siblings, George (Dorothy) LaFleche, Joseph (Lorene) LaFleche, Gerald (Elaine) LaFleche, Betty (Donald) Dubie, MaryAnn (Gary) Brown, Donald LaFleche, and Mert LaFleche; and sister-in-law, Karen. 

The LaFleche family was very thankful for their own angel, Bert’s great-granddaughter, Ava Crawford. Ava was a very important part of being able to keep Bert at home through his journey. He was always thankful and appreciative of the time she spent with him and when Ava was there taking care of him, Bert would always have the biggest smile on his face and be at ease. Ava is a true angel and Bert always recognized that. Thank you, Ava, from Grampa and the entire LaFleche family. Thank you to Rachel and Randi from Hospice of Michigan for their kindness and care as well. 

A mass of Christian burial will take place at 11:00 AM on Friday, December 27, 2024 at St. Augustine Catholic Church, Hillman; Fr. Jim Siler officiating. Visitation will take place from 10:00 AM until the time of Mass. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bert’s memory to St. Augustine’s Catholic Church or to Hospice of Michigan.