Obituaries

Bernard “Bernie” Phillip LaJoie of Grand Rapids, Michigan, previously a lifelong resident of
Barbeau, Michigan, passed away on May 31st, 2026. Bernard was born on the family farm in
Barbeau to George and Laura (Bergeron) LaJoie on August 23rd, 1939.

Bernie was the youngest of nine children. He graduated from Pickford High School with the
Class of 1959 and married the love of his life, Ruth Avery, in 1961 at Sault Wesleyan Church.

Together, Bernie and Ruth built a life centered on family and lovingly raised their three sons.

Bernie ran the family dairy farm and milked cows for nearly forty years until his sons, Ken and Tim, took over the family farm. In addition to farming, Bernie worked at many other jobs over the years including road construction, building the Soo Locks, hauling milk for MMPA, and as a Chippewa as a County Commissioner. After he retired from farming, Bernie worked as a bank courier for Central Savings Bank.

Bernie was a longtime member of the Barbeau Lions Club and the Knights of Columbus. He and Ruth enjoyed camping, especially at the fairs in Kinross and Escanaba. Bernie was a long- suffering fan of all Detroit sports but was known to watch a Canadian Team if the Red Wings weren’t on. In his later years, Bernie enjoyed playing cards and spending time outdoors.

Bernie is survived by his sons, Tim (Amy) LaJoie, Kenneth (Michelle) LaJoie, and Russell (Emily) LaJoie; nine grandchildren, Allie, Brandon, Laura, Nathan, Adam, John, Kaden, Avery, and Samuel; and two great-grandchildren, Mazie and Christopher.

Bernie was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth Ann; parents, George and Laura; and siblings, Nelson (Victoria) LaJoie, Eva (Bill Harju and Carl Peterson) Harju/Peterson, George Jr. (Earla) LaJoie, Oliver LaJoie, Madeline (Kenneth) Heinzen, Raymond LaJoie, Leon “Elmer” (Juanita) LaJoie, and Willard (Elizabeth) LaJoie.

Bernard leaves behind a legacy of love and humor that will not soon be forgotten.

Visitation will be held on June 11, 2026, with family visitation beginning at 12:00 Noon and public visitation beginning at 1:00 PM at Holy Family Catholic Church, 4585 E. 15 Mile Road, Barbeau, MI 49710. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2:00 PM, with interment to follow at Donaldson Cemetery.

Family Life Funeral Homes – Sault Ste. Marie assisted the family with arrangements.

Condolences may be given to the family at www.familylifefh.com.