Patrick James LaJoice

Patrick James LaJoice, 83, of Jacksonville, FL, formerly of Eaton Rapids, died peacefully on October 25, 2022, at his home in Florida. Patrick was born April 5, 1939, in St. Ignace, MI, the son of George Francis and Margaret Charlotte (Gallagher) LaJoice. Many will remember Patrick as an easy-going man with a good sense of humor, always willing to joke with his close friends and family. Patrick proudly served in the U.S. Navy aboard the U.S.S. Furse before his honorable discharge in 1963. Soon after, he worked aboard the famous Edmund Fitzgerald ship on the Great Lakes. Patrick worked at General Motors in Lansing, retiring after 30 years with an impeccable work record.
Patrick married the love of his life, Rose-Ann Marie Rapson on November 9, 1964, in Brimley, MI, and the two enjoyed 54 years of marriage until her death in 2018. Patrick was a loving husband, father and friend. He and Rose-Ann enjoyed traveling, including a memorable family trip to the Vatican in Italy. Patrick grew up in the Catholic Church and was active in the Knights of Columbus in the 1980s. Some of his favorite trips were out West, to Wyoming, Colorado, and Arizona. He loved time in the outdoors, especially fishing in Michigan and Tennessee. He was a man of many talents, including growing vegetables and berries in his garden, and working with tools, most recently building birdhouses. He was a proud member of the Chippewa Indians of Northern Michigan https://www.saulttribe.com/ through his paternal grandmother’s full Chippewa heritage. Patrick enjoyed living most of his life in Michigan, but also loved becoming a Floridian, living with his son and daughter-in-law his last two years.
Patrick is survived by his sons, John K. (Debra) LaJoice of Jacksonville, Florida, Ray P. LaJoice, and Michael G. LaJoice, both of Eaton Rapids; grandchildren, Eric LaJoice, David LaJoice, Chad LaJoice and Kaylee Connor; great-grandson, Remington Connor; brothers, Robert (Nancy) LaJoice of Jackson, Wisconsin and Anthony (Debbie) LaJoice of Linden, Michigan; and sister, Linda Niemi of Danville, California. He was predeceased by his parents; his infant son, James LaJoice; sister, Myrna King; and brother-in-law, Edward Niemi.
Friends are encouraged to support Patrick’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A Memorial Service was held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 11, 2022, at Pray Funeral Home with Rev. Fr. Dwight Ezop officiating. Interment will follow at Munger Cemetery in Eaton Rapids. The funeral was webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Patrick’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Community Hospice and Palliative Care, 4266 Sunbeam Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32257 (866-253-6681). The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.