Jerry Lafond

Gerald LaFond (Jerry), a lifetime resident of Two Rivers, WI died after a lengthy journey of deteriorating health. His latest challenge occurred St. Patrick's Day 2021, when he endured a leg amputation because of circulation issues. Jerry was a bachelor for many years, being “mother-father-brother and sister” to his two brothers, Billy and Howard. They all lived in the family home until September 1975 when he married the love of his life, Molly Longstreth. They would have celebrated forty-seven years of marriage September 20, 2022.

Jerry was a foreman at Hamilton Industries in the steel plant for all of his working years, retiring in 1992. After he retired he spent all the time he wanted in his workshop, which he loved, especially since his dad, Urban (Julia Goeler) LaFond, guided him in woodworking and making just about anything. Jerry was so handy and made many pieces of furniture over the years as well as remodeling many aspects of the family home.

Jerry was an avid hunter and both he and Molly loved to fish and travel, especially out west. Going to the Black Hills Buffalo Roundup several years ago was a highlight but Yellowstone was also a favorite. A favorite memory of his was the last time with his brother, Howard, after a planned hunting trip to Wyoming fizzled. With every deer antler he had in his shop he could tell you the story of each one.

He was a quiet guy but was like a magpie if he got on the topic of the Great Lakes fishing, especially knowing what fisherman operated which fish tugs. His dad and uncles were all fishermen out of Two Rivers on Lake Michigan. Once on a trip to Charlevoix, MI, he knew his dad’s tug was there somewhere so asked at the local fish store. He found it on land and went and spoke to the owner who updated him on it’s recent history. He was in seventh heaven!

He loved the fact that the LaFond family was one of the main families that was among the early settlers of Two Rivers. To be an “East Sider” was a badge of pride and to live anywhere else was a sacriledge to him! He lived on the East Side and wanted to die on the East Side.

When he moved permanently to Shady Lane Nursing Home in 2019, he shared with Molly that the hardest part was leaving the shrine his dad built in their yard, dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. He and his dad gathered stones all around the Great Lakes for it as they traveled in the 1950’s. It is lit at night so passersby can see it. He had a deep devotion to the Virgin Mary, praying the rosary every day of his life. He hopes in the future, after Molly moves out, that whoever lives there next will cherish it as much as he did.

His sister, Catherine, just died March 6, 2022. His two brothers, Bill and Howard also preceded him in death many years ago. Catherine’s daughter, Annie, preceded him Dec. 12, 2021. Survivors include Catherine’s children: Michael (Melissa) Bruce, Mark Bruce, Terry (Cis sy) Bruce and Julia (Howie) Jansen. A special cousin, Claudia Halonen also survives. His in laws include Molly’s siblings: Debby Michael, Sheri (Judd) Knecht and Dan (Kathy) Longstreth as well as Trish Longstreth, a sister-in-law. Three of Molly's siblings: Ann Weaver, Tim Longstreth and Susan Hayes preceded him in death. Great nieces and nephews also survive.

When reading an obit most folks check out the age, “how old were they?” Well, no age is given here because Jerry would readily tell you if asked, “Today I’m the oldest I’ve ever been!” Another thing he said recently to Molly when they were talking about the years gone by and sadness of his impending death was, “Well, life is just the way it is!”

Funeral services will be next Wednesday, March 23, 2022 at St. Peter the Fisherman Catholic Church, Two Rivers, WI with visitation beginning at 0900 hrs. ending at Mass time at 1100 hrs. The funeral service will be live streamed on the St. Peter the Fisherman Catholic Church website or St. Peter the Fisherman Facebook page.

Donations are appreciated to: Sharon Richardson Community Hospice, Sheboygan Falls, TREP (Two Rivers Ecumenical Panty) Two Rivers or the Manitowoc Humane Society, Manitowoc, WI, or a charity of donor’s choice.

Nieces and nephews, who referred to him as “Uncs,” will have a hole in their heart as will the rest of family and friends, missing him, his wisdom, memories and stories. Jerry, you have left a wonderful legacy of gentleness, love and faith that we will never forget. Thank you for it all! Now, enjoy good health with all your family.

A huge "thank you" to the Sharon Richardson Community Hospice and the staff at Shady Lane Nursing Home for the good care given him. Also, to friends who were so faithful in calling and visiting, especially Bob Bielke, and those from the gun club!