THOMAS PAUL LaCOURT

Thomas Paul LaCourt, 58, former resident of Baraga, resident of Prior Lake, Minnesota, passed away peacefully in his sleep on April 22, 2014 at the Marie Steiner Kelting Hospice home in Chaska, Minnesota following a four year long fight with cancer. Tom was born on August 17, 1955, the youngest son of Orville and Margaret (Archambeau) LaCourt in Hancock, Michigan. Tom attended Baraga Township Schools and graduated with the class of 1973 and went on to receive his teaching degree from Northern Michigan University in 1977. Shortly after graduation Tom moved to Thorp, Wisconsin and later moved to Chippewa Falls. During his years in Wisconsin Tom taught middle and high school in Stanley-Boyd consolidated school district for 23 years. Tom received several teaching awards while working at Stanley-Boyd school district and was nominated for teacher of the year in Wisconsin for his innovative teaching of new technologies to his students. Tom left the teaching profession and went to work for Wells-Fargo in Minneapolis to implement new products being introduced by Wells Fargo. Tom rose to the level of vice president of his division and finally left Wells –Fargo due to illness. Tom enjoyed life. He particularly enjoyed spending time in his native Upper Michigan with his family, raising and showing Newfoundland dogs, Minnesota Twins baseball, riding his motorcycle, and traveling both domestically and abroad. Tom was preceded in death by his parents Orville and Margaret and special uncles Roland and Raymond Archambeau and aunt Yvonne (Archambeau) Collins. Tom is survived by his longtime partner James Speral of Prior Lake, Minnesota, brother’s Michael (JoAnn) of Houghton, Michigan, John (Donna) of Gwinn, Jerry (Dorothy) of Pelkie, Michigan, and Philip (Mary) of Keweenaw Bay, Michigan along with an aunt Alice Archambeau, several nieces, nephews, and cousins who were all very proud of Uncle Tom. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial contributions can be made to the KidneyCancer association (KidneyCancer.org) or the Northstar Newfoundland Club Rescue Program (ncacharities.org). Funeral services were held at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Baraga, Michigan on Wednesday, April 30th. Visitation was held from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. and the service will be held at 11 a.m. A luncheon followed in the church reception hall after the service.

THOMAS PAUL LaCOURT

August 17, 1955 - April 30, 2014