Obituaries

David Wade LaPonsie, age 74, of Brimley, Michigan, died at his home on May 12, 2025. He was born on June 21,1950, in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, to William “Bill” and Myrtle (Williams) LaPonsie.

David began working in the family logging business around the age of fourteen, joining his father and brothers in a tradition that would later include his own sons. It was work that shaped much of his life and reflected his dedication to family and hard work. He met Linda Crisp and the two were married on August 31, 1973, and together they built a life filled with love, laughter, and family.

David had a lifelong passion for Mopars and Harley Davidsons, and he cherished the time he spent working on cars in his younger years. He also found deep contentment in life’s simpler pleasures — tending to his lawn and vegetable garden, taking scenic rides, feeding wild birds, and caring for his beloved chickens. More than anything, David treasured the time he spent with his grandchildren, who brought immense joy and meaning to his life.

David is survived by his sons, Shawn Jamison and Jason (Stacie) LaPonsie; significant other of seventeen years, Tracy Peffers; stepdaughter, Teresa Peffers; stepson, Kenneth Peffers; grandchildren, Damien (fiancé, Julianna Carrick), Jason LaPonsie II, Jacie Scearce, Christian Knoll, Chloe Knoll, Astrid Rapson and James Rapson; siblings, Jimmy (Linda) LaPonsie, Gene (Shemida) LaPonsie, Arty (Rainella) LaPonsie, Marsha (Gary LaPlaunt) Mongene, Larry (Mary) LaPonsie and Fern McKinny; and sister-in-law, Joanne LaPonsie.

David was preceded in death by his wife, Linda LaPonsie; parents, Bill and Myrtle; siblings, Ida (Russ) Sampson, William “Billy” LaPonsie Jr., John LaPonsie, Andy LaPonsie, and Gary LaPonsie; brothers-in-law, Frank Mongene and Ted McKinny; and his beloved dog, Bud.

A Visitation will be held on Friday, May 23, 2025, at Family Life Funeral Homes, 4951 S. M-129 Sault Ste. Marie, MI, 49783, from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM. The Funeral Service will begin at 11:00 AM with a procession to Oaklawn Chapel Gardens immediately following.

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