Obituary of Paul James LaPlante

LaPlante, Paul Plainwell, MI Paul James (PJ) LaPlante of Plainwell, MI, age 52, died unexpectedly on May 3, 2021 while working in Portland, OR. Paul was born October 14, 1968 to Judyth (Morrison) and Paul LaPlante in Kalamazoo. He will be remembered for his incredible laugh and giving nature. Paul was a stand-out athlete for the Schoolcraft High School Eagles Football team, recognized with individual All-State honors. After graduation from Schoolcraft High School, Paul enlisted in the US Navy, serving as a Fire Control Technician B (Ballistic Missile Fire Control) in U.S. Navy Submarine Service aboard the USS Daniel Boone from 1988-1994. Paul’s world revolved around his children, Ashley (Eric) Carr and Connor LaPlante, and his grandson, Cameron LaPlante. Paul worked for American Axle in Three Rivers, where he remained until 2007 when he moved to Menominee, Michigan. After living in the Upper Peninsula for several years, he moved closer to his family in the Plainwell area, where he started a new career as an over-the road driver in 2016. He especially loved this work, which gave him a chance to see the country, visit family in different states and meet new people. Paul is preceded in death by his brother, Chris LaPlante (1994) his father, Paul LaPlante (2007) and his Aunt Carolyn Taylor (2018). He is survived by his mother, Judyth (Irwin) Bolenbaugh; children Ashley (Eric) Carr and Connor LaPlante; grandson Cameron LaPlante; siblings Ken (Lisa) LaPlante, Jodi (Chris) Hinman; stepmother, stepsisters, stepbrothers, and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. Services Gathering for graveside memorial service: May 15, 2021 at 9 am at Mt. Ever-Rest Memorial Park Kalamazoo, MI with brunch to follow at the VFW on 8845 S. Sprinkle Rd, Portage, MI 49002. Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers can be made in honor of Paul LaPlante to : Grandson Cameron LaPlante at IQ credit union.