Obituaries

Willard William “Frenchie” LaJoie, age 91, of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, passed away
peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of leadership, community service, and dedication to the
people he served. Frenchie devoted over five decades of his life to Central Savings Bank,
beginning as a teller in 1957 and rising to serve as President, CEO, and later Chairman. Under
his guidance, the bank expanded its presence throughout the Eastern Upper Peninsula, with
branches in DeTour, Kinross, Pickford, Rudyard, Cedarville, St. Ignace, and Mackinac Island. He
retired in 2010 after 52 years of transformative service.

Frenchie pursued excellence in banking education, completing advanced programs at the
University of Michigan Graduate School of Banking and the University of Chicago National
Installment Credit School, and was recognized by his peers with a three-year term as a Director
of the Federal Reserve Board under the leadership of Chairman Alan Greenspan.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, he was a tireless community leader, supporting
economic growth and civic initiatives in Sault Ste. Marie. He chaired United Way campaigns,
contributed to the Sault Ste. Marie Historical Sites, the Kiwanis Club, and the Chippewa County
War Memorial Hospital board. In 2002, he was honored as Citizen of the Year by Elks Lodge
#552, and in 2004 he was appointed to the Lake Superior State University Board of Trustees,
championing higher education and scholarship programs.

Frenchie’s commitment to the community included establishing and sustaining scholarships
through Central Savings Bank at Lake Superior State University for students pursuing careers in
finance and banking, as well as supporting local health and community programs such as the
“Road to Recovery” initiative.

Frenchie lived his life guided by the words he shared during a commencement address to the
graduates of Lake Superior State University in the spring of 2003: “Keep in mind the important
things in your life—family, friends, and the satisfaction of a job well done.”

He will be remembered not only for his professional achievements but for his mentorship,
generosity, and unwavering dedication to his community. Frenchie’s legacy is one of service,
integrity, and a life well-lived.

Frenchie LaJoie is survived by his children, Lawrence (Sharilynn and Ann) LaJoie, Ann (Bob)
Atkin, Lindsay (Rob) Murphy, and Gerald (Renee) LaJoie; his grandchildren, Anthony LaJoie,
Kelly (Darin) Bills, Andrea (JC) Fischer, Bobby Atkin, Nathan Atkin, Kyle Murphy, Sean
Murphy, Brandon Mikolowski, Kaylor (Mike) Taubitz, Dominic LaJoie, and Chayse LaJoie; five
great grandchildren and his sibling, Bernie (Ruth) LaJoie, who will miss his guidance, laughter,
and the wisdom he shared so freely.

Frenchie was preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth “Betty” (Yates) LaJoie; his parents,
George and Laura (Bergeron) LaJoie; and his siblings, Nelson (Victoria) LaJoie, Eva (Bill Harju)
(Carl Peterson) Harju/Peterson, George Jr. (Earla) LaJoie, Oliver LaJoie, Madeline (Kenneth)
Heinzen, Raymond (Mary Lou) LaJoie, and Leon (Judy and Juanita) LaJoie.

Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, March 23, 2026, at 5:00 pm, at St. Mary’s Catholic
Church, 377 Maple St, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783.

Final resting place will be at Oaklawn Chapel Gardens in Bruce Township, Michigan.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Hospice House of the EUP 308 W. 12th Ave.,
Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783 or the Compassionate Care Fund MyMichigan Health Cancer
Infusion Center.

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

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