John E. Laurent

John E. Laurent of Cadillac passed away Friday, August 10, 2018 at his home. He was 86. He was born December 1, 1931 in Cadillac to Fred and Jennie (LaMarre) Laurent. Mr. Laurent graduated from Cadillac High School in 1950 where he was a member of the 1949 undefeated Cadillac Football team. He married Joyce E. English on August 23, 1952 at St. Ann Catholic Church in Cadillac. Mr. Laurent attended and graduated from Western Michigan University in 1954 before reporting to active duty with the United States Marine Corp. He proudly retired as Lt. Col. in the reserves after 21 years of service. Mr. Laurent was a teacher and coach at Anchor Bay High School in New Baltimore, Michigan where the highlight of his coaching career was leading the winless Anchor Bay Tars to two undefeated seasons and several conference championships. While at Anchor Bay he received his MA degree in Education from the University of Michigan in 1962. In 1965 he became the Assistant Principal at East Grand Rapids High School and in 1969 he returned home to Cadillac as the principal of Cadillac High School. He then became principal of Lincoln Elementary school for nine years retiring in 1987 after 30 years in education. As principal of Cadillac High School, he established the Veterans Day Assembly in 1969 and was proud to be made an honorary member of the band, "KISSÃ¢â‚¬Â , when they came to Cadillac as part of the homecoming celebration in 1975. Mr. Laurent was a member of the Elks Lodge and Saint Ann Catholic Church. He enjoyed golfing, talking politics, sports and casino trips. Mr. Laurent was an avid University of Michigan fan. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Joyce along with sons, David A. (Tina) Laurent of Dewitt and Gregory S. Laurent of Cadillac; grandchildren: Ryan, Kyle (Tianna) and Devin Laurent and Ashley and Christopher Laurent; great-grandchildren: Rowan and Hadley and Knox Laurent; brother, Richard Laurent of Greenville and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Mary Ziska; brothers: Leland, Kenneth, Howard, Jim, Max, Doug, and Gerry; in-laws: John and Micky English, John R. English, Frank Ziska, Evelyn Tyler, Barb Laurent, Marjorie Laurent, H. Joyce Laurent and Delores Laurent Long. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 AM Tuesday, August 14, 2018 at Saint Ann Catholic Church in Cadillac with Rev. Michael Janowski as celebrant. Visitation will be from 4-7 PM Monday at Peterson Funeral and Cremation Services in Cadillac with the rosary being prayed at 7:00 PM. His final resting place will be Mount Carmel Cemetery in Cadillac. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Cadillac Viking Boosters, Saint Ann Catholic Church or Elks Lodge of Cadillac. An online guestbook is available at www.petersonfh.com.

John E. Laurent

December 1, 1931 - August 10, 2018