Eugene Thomas LaCroix Jr., age 72, of Caledonia finally won his battle with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (“PSP”) on Saturday, June 20th, and is now free of pain and physical limitations. He is survived by his wife of fifty years and caregiver, Nancy; children, Jon (Suzanna), Amy, Gene (Kelly) and Cara (Luke) Younger; his beloved grandchildren, Damian, Devin, Brayden, Justin, Harper LaCroix, Jack and Avery Younger; and great-grandchild, Micaiah Baldwin; his siblings, Dave, Holly (Jim) Johnson, Steve (Lee), Don (Denise), Suzanne (John) Petz, Mark (Lori); and many nieces, nephews, and a host of life-long friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Eugene T. LaCroix Sr.; mother, Jeanette LaCroix; and stepmother, Betty LaCroix. Gene was born on July 27, 1947 in Bay City, MI. His family lived in Midland until 1959 when they moved to Grand Rapids. Gene and Nancy raised their family in Jenison. He was a wonderful husband, dad and grandpa, loving every minute spent with family, especially at sporting events. He treasured the time at his Pretty Lake cottage with family and friends over the years. Gene was an avid golfer up until he could no longer physically play, loving the personal challenge of the game as well as time spent with friends. Gene was one of Michigan State’s greatest fans, as is his whole family. He and Nancy met there, graduated and sent all four of their children through the hallowed green halls! Go Green! Gene started working with Sun Life of Canada, where his dad was branch manager. As the time went on, he widened his practice with other insurance and investments. He attained many awards and designations throughout the years, working as an independent agent and acquiring many loyal and trusting clients. He worked full time until being forced to retire due to PSP. Gene was accepting of his disease although he suffered greatly, gradually losing his ability to function. He participated in a clinical study for PSP at University of Chicago Hospital for almost 2 years, helping to try to find a cure for this terrible disease. We will be forever grateful to all of Gene’s caregivers over the years, especially Jessica, Paul and Kim and his daughter, Amy, and grandson, Devin, who dedicated countless loving hours helping Gene and Nancy. They all made it possible for him to stay at home and be comfortable. Thanks to Faith Hospice for all their help and assistance. Visitation will be Sunday, June 28th from 2-4pm and 6-8pm at O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Chapel (3980 Cascade Rd SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546). We will be following Covid restrictions per the executive order. Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, June 29th at 11am at Holy Family Catholic Church (9669 Kraft Ave SE, Caledonia, MI 49316). Rev. Robert LaCroix presiding. Please note that masks will be required at both the visitation and funeral. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to either CurePSP (www.psp.org) or Faith Hospice (https://faithhospicecare.org/).
18 Responses
My condolences to Jon, Suzanna and Family. Your father sounded like a wonderful man. Our family will keep yours in our prayers during this difficult time.
Jon, condolences from the Jonckheere family and from the West Michigan Spartans. We will keep you in our prayers.
Sending our heartfelt condolences to the LaCroix Family. What a beautiful tribute to a wonderful man! May he Rest In Peace, and may you all experience the Peace that surpasses all understanding.
May the Lord rest his soul in peace
Nancy and all, our heart is heavy for you. These last years have been painful yet Gene’s exuberant spirit often lit up the room. We will be out of town for the viewing and service but know that you’ll be in our hearts.
Our sincere condolences to all of the family. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this most difficult time.
My heartfelt condolences to you and your family Jon.
You will be missed, my thoughts are with your family.
My deepest condolences to Nancy, Jon and the family. I’ve known Gene since the early 1980’s and always enjoyed out yearly chats, talking about family, life, and finances. He was a man of great integrity..
Gene was my financial advisor for years and supported me by playing in my golf fundraiser outings for many years. A man of integrity and trust. My condolences to all!
Will fondly remember Gene’s warm welcome at Spartan tailgates and all of the hard work he put into making sure everyone had a wonderful time. Sending prayers to the entire LaCroix family, May Gene be at peace in the arms of our loving Father.
So very sorry . My deepest condolences to all of the family.
Eugene was our financial guru for many years. He was a wonderful and great friend. Our condolences to Jon and all his family. You are missed, God Bless.
Eugene was our financial guru for years and was a wonderful man. Our condolences to Jon and all the family. He will be missed. God Bless.
I worked with Gene at Parker, LaCroix & Cosgrove in early 1990’s while I was at GRJC. He was my favorite as we were fellow Spartans! My daughters currently attend there as well and I have shared with them that I wish I could sit closer to the 50 yard line like Gene did! I remember enjoying Nancy and meeting his kids and just thought the world of him. Sending prayers of comfort and peace to the LaCroix family.
Dear Nancy and Family,
We were very saddened to hear of Gene’s passing. While the Pretty Lake beach will miss him greatly, we are sure that he is in a better place without the suffering he has endured over the past few years. I remember him well as one of the “older” kids who led the rest of us in games and athletics. Those days bring back very fond early memories of Jaeger Drive.
While we know that the next few months and years will be difficult, we would like you and your family will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers, as you have been. Please feel free to call on us if we can be of any help.
With Sympathy,
Dave, Noel, and family
So sorry to hear about the passing of Gene, we were on the same golf league for many years. My condolences and prayers to the family.
We are very sad about Gene’s passing. Words can’t really express the heartfelt sympathy we feel for the entire family. Gene was a great neighbor. His dedication to the cottage and the lake is memorable. The car would arrive, he would carry things in and then start to work. Mow the grass, sweep the cob webs, rake the beach, chase away the fisher people and then have a beer. We have many great memories of Gene that we will cherish. He will be missed!