William LaBonte obituary
William James LaBonte, age 84, of Lake City, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, May 29, 2026.
William, known to many as Bill, was born on November 17, 1941, in Stanley, Wisconsin, to William and Leone (Jay) LaBonte. Bill graduated from Stanley-Boyd High School and proudly served in the United States Army.
On October 24, 1964, Bill was united in marriage to Regina “Gena” Wendt at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Suring, Wisconsin. Their marriage was a loving partnership that spanned more than six decades.
Bill dedicated 30 years of service as a manufacturing engineer with Federal-Mogul Corporation, working in Lake City and Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Bill was a faithful member of St. Mary of the Lake Catholic Church and an active member of the Knights of Columbus.
Bill is survived by a loving wife, Gena; children Laura Schneider (Kurt), Sherri Lancour (Jon), Michael LaBonte (Tara), and Christopher LaBonte (Susan); and cherished grandchildren Alexandra Schneider, Samantha Ericksen, Sydney Elstran, Ryan Lancour, Cassie LeDuc, Shelby Johnson, Cameron LaBonte, Ashlyn LaBonte, Hannah and Natalie LaBonte. Bill was also blessed with great-grandchildren Brecken, Vinnie, and Hayes Ericksen; Sutton and Rowyn Elstran; Owen LeDuc, Thatcher LaBonte and William (Will) LaBonte. Bill is also survived by a sister, Margaret Ragatz, along with many nieces and nephews.
Bill was preceded in death by parents William and Leone LaBonte and a brother, Jay LaBonte.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Mayo Hospice, with special recognition to Brenda, RN, and Abby, Social Worker. Sincere thanks are also given to the on-call staff and those who delivered equipment to help care for Bill at home. Deep appreciation is extended to friends and family who visited during the past months—those visits brought Bill great joy.
A Memorial Mass will be held on Thursday, June 11, at 11 a.m. at St. Mary of the Lake Catholic Church in Lake City, with Father Thé Hoang officiating. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service at the church. A Celebration of Life will follow at Lake City VFW Post 8729 from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Online condolences may be placed at www.mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com.