Donald Michael LaRocque, 79, of Cheboygan passed away Saturday, October 26, 2024 at his home surrounded by family.

The son of Edward and Lillian (Fleury) LaRocque, Donald was born in Cheboygan on April 11, 1945.

Donald graduated from Cheboygan Area High School and worked as a Machinist for Tube Forming in Cheboygan. Don and Peggy also owned and operated Buck’s Tavern for ten years. On October 24, 1964, Donald married Peggy Bruder and spent 60 interesting, chaotic and wonderful years with her. Don enjoyed metal detecting, horseshoes, lawn darts, unwinding at the casino and he loved to spend time with friends and family; especially if Euchre was involved. Don also took pleasure in sports, with his favorites being bowling and shooting pool. A long time league bowler at the Gold Front Lounge and Spare Time Lanes, Don also captured an Individual City League Tournament Championship. Along with his wife Peggy, Don enrolled his sons in Scouting. He helped them build their Pinewood Derby Cars, sell their trash bags and earn Merit badges. He also coached their little league baseball teams, and their West Side Elementary school basketball squads. Don liked to volunteer. He was a long-time member of the Cheboygan Dad’s Club, having sold many loaves of bread. For many years he looked forward to helping sell tootsie rolls for the Knights of Columbus. Don was always there to support his daughters as well, whether it was in the stands, giving driving lessons or waiting up for them to get home. Don loved many things about life; popcorn, peanuts, hamburgers, popsicles, smashed banana and peanut butter on toast, French toast for dinner, mashed potatoes, country music, family outings, His wife. His sons. His daughters.

He is survived by his loving wife, sons Donald, Daniel (Erin), and David, and daughters Melissa Wirgau, Brandy (Greg) Schmaltz and Jessie, grandchildren Shauna, Andrew, Jordan (Evan), Brooklynne, Joshua, Jeremiah (Nicole), Justin (Kelly), Gabe, Eli, Morgan, Ella, Ezra and Wyatt. He is also survived by his brother-in-law Robert, sister-in-law Katie (Ger), several great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents, 9 brothers, 2 sisters, son-in-law Mic and 3 great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will take place at the Cheboygan Eagle’s on Saturday, November 16, 2024 from 12p.m. until 3p.m.

The family suggests memorials be sent to the Cheboygan Salvation Army.

Arrangements are in care of the Beck Funeral Home.

Online condolences may be addressed through www.beckfuneralhome.org