PATRICK L. "PATTIE PIE" LaFAVE

Patrick Leo "Patti Pie" LaFave, 70, of Marquette, passed away Wednesday afternoon, December 16, 2020 at U.P. Health System-Marquette. Pat was born on June 17, 1950 in Marquette and graduated from Marquette Senior High School in 1968, as part of the first class to attend all four years in the new school. After graduating from high school, Pat worked at Clark gas station on Washington Street. In 1971 he started working for the Soo Line Railroad as a fireman. Shortly thereafter, his uncle, George, helped him become a locomotive engineer. He worked 34 years on the railroad and retired in 2005. However, Pat was not the retiring type. He quickly started driving charter bus and was regularly requested by the local sports teams. He found extreme joy getting to know the parents that were his childrens' friends when he, himself, was the parent on the bus. In his free time, Pat loved going to camp with his family, as well as camping in his 5th wheel with his wife, Denise. He took great pride in setting up the 5th wheel. Family, however, was the most important thing to Pat. He especially loved traveling the world with Denise and spending time with his brother, Ste...[more]

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and his wife, Rhonda. His most precious moments were spent at family gatherings at his home with his kids, grandkids and his sister, Tricia and her family. Survivors include his wife, the former Denise DeRoche whom he married on August 6, 1996 in Las Vegas; four children, Jeff (Corinne) LaFave of Canton, GA, Lisa (John) Nichols of Marquette, Shelly (Kurt) Richard of Mobile, AL, and Nick (Kristy) LaFave of Grandville, MI; four step-children, Jackie Willey of Negaunee, Steven Willey of Sault Ste. Marie, Christopher Willey of Sault Ste. Marie, and Brian (Sandi) Willey of Ishpeming; 15 grandchildren, Adam, Holly, Devin, Ryan, Emily, Maggie, Allie, Johanna, Ren, Scott, Shay, Deanna, Hunter, Jake, Dylan; also one great grandson, Dawson, and his first wife, Paulette (Louis) Carr. He was preceded in death by his beloved dog and walking buddy, Miss Lila. At Pat's request, there will be no visitation or funeral. Instead he would want his friends to remember him by sharing a happy memory and enjoy a drink in his honor. Canale-Tonella Funeral Home and Cremation Services is assisting Pat's family where memories may be shared at canalefuneral.com.