Obituaries

Gerald H. LaBranche, 81, of Sault Ste. Marie, MI passed away March 9, 2023 in Sault Ste. Marie, MI. He was born December 4, 1941 in Sault Ste. Marie, MI to Joseph and Clara LaBranche.

Gerald was a proud member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians and of Local 324 Operating Engineers. He loved spending time with friends and family, watching football and Nascar, going to deer camp, and seeing his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Gerald is survived by his lifelong companion, Patricia LaBranche; brothers, Floyd LaBranche and Bob Nygard; grandchildren, Amber (Brandon) Gentry, Travis LaBranche, Joelle (Halden Shipp) LaBranche, Jordan LaBranche, Justice Ailing, Claryssa LaBranche, and Justin Pascoe; great grandchildren, Eli, Grace, Ayden Visnaw, Kayden, Draven, Aries Gentry, Danika-Jo LaBranche, and Korbin Shipp.

Gerald is predeceased by his parents; sisters, Louise Fournier (LaBranche), Grace LaBranche, and Donna Collins (LaBranche); brothers, Donny LaBranche and Sonny LaBranche; daughter, Gena LaBranche; and son, Jerry LaBranche.

Visitation will be Monday March 13, 2023 at 3:00pm until time of Traditional Services on Tuesday March 14, 2023 at 12:00pm all at the Niigaanagiizhik Cultural Building, 11 Ice Circle Chi Mukwa Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783. Final resting place is Mission Hill Cemetery in Bay Mills, MI. Memorial Contributions may be left to the family to help defer expense's. Clark Hovie Galer Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.