David Emory Labonte

David "Dave" Emory LaBonte, 79, of Traverse City, passed away peacefully after his battle with cancer on Friday, May 13, 2016 at home with his devoted, loving wife at his side. His wife, children, grand children, mother-in-law and friends spent the last week with him by his bedside, working in his workshop & garden, encouraging each other, and sharing stories.

Dave was born April 18, 1937 in Leelanau County to the late Emory C. and Celia E. (Belanger) LaBonte. He went to St. Mary's School and then moved to Montana for a short period of time where he worked on the Fort Peck Dam. He was then drafted and honorably served our country in the United States Army. Upon his return from service he met and married the love of his life Marie Ellen Gatzke. The two were united in marriage at St. Francis Catholic Church on October 24, 1964. Together they lovingly raised three wonderful children; Lori, Scott and Chad. They were devoted members of both St. Francis and Immaculate through the years.

Dave had a tender & kind heart, surrounded by a quiet confidence, strong faith, and generous nature. He was a talented carpenter and loved to work with wood, making several treasured furniture pieces for his home and other families in the area. Dave built their home in 1970 and made many changes and improvements to keep up with Marie's dreams. If Dave was not in his workshop he could be found in his garden where an abundance of fruits and vegetables were shared with many. He enjoyed fishing with his grandsons on Lake Leelanau and Cedar lake, snowmobiling (life-long member of the Cedar Hilltoppers Snowmobile Club), and his annual fall hunting trips to the UP with friends and sons. Dave was also a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Family was most important to Dave. He was a devoted husband, father, and papa. He took pride in attending as many events for his children and grandchildren as possible. He was always working on a project, fixing something, or looking for the next opportunity to lend a hand. He enjoyed birthday and holiday celebrations surrounded by family. His hardworking soul and love for his family will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Surviving Dave is wife Marie of 51 wonderful years; children, Lori Van Antwerp, Scott (Kerry) LaBonte, Chad LaBonte; grandchildren, Elle, Zach, and Sophia Van Antwerp, Hailey and Ali LaBonte, Austin and Erik LaBonte; Siblings, Renee LaBonte, Lucy (Jerry) Dunklow-Burkhardt, Cathy Darga, Ann LaBonte, Martha (Gary) Neddo, Jake LaBonte, Mary Jo (Danny) Darga, Caroline (Norm) Durocher, Joe (Anne) LaBonte; sister-in-law Nancy LaBonte and many other loving family members and friends.

Dave is preceded in death by his parents, brother Sam, and brother-in-laws Don Dunklow and Len Darga.

The family would especially like to thank Wendy from Munson Hospice for all of her loving care and support.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Thursday, May 19, 2016 at St. Francis Catholic Church at 11am with a visitation held one hour prior at the church. Visitation will be held at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home on Wednesday from 4-7pm with a rosary held at 7pm. Memorial contributions may be directed to St. Francis Catholic Church or Freedom Builders. Kindly share thoughts and memories with Dave's family at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com . The family is being cared for by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.