Craig LaBeau

Central Lake will never laugh the same again. The one liners, deadpan jokes, and witty comebacks are only in our memories now. You just now  thought of one of his jokes, didn’t you? Craig Matthew LaBeau passed away peacefully, on August 10th, 2021,  surrounded by his family, after a brief but courageous battle with cancer.

Craig was born in Heidelberg, Germany on September 4, 1968, to Jerome and Deanna (Davis) LaBeau. He graduated from Central Lake High School in 1986 and served in the U.S. Navy for 4 years, stationed at the Pentagon. His career was based in HVAC, and he specialized in servicing marine equipment. Craig also helped his friend Chris out at the Tavern in his final years, and loved his tavern family.

Other than his Navy service, Craig was a lifelong resident of Central Lake, spending much of his time in the woods and on the lakes. His hobbies were bow hunting and year-round fishing. He loved his family and friends fiercely and would sacrifice anything to make sure they were taken care of. Above all, his joy came  from making others laugh. His smile and his laugh will be greatly missed.

Craig is survived by: parents  Jerry & Dee LaBeau, brother Keith LaBeau, sister Kim LaBeau Fernandez (Cecil), his darling nieces Gabrielle and Sydney, all of Central Lake, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins, and many dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents Harry & Ida Davis and Henry & Dorothy LaBeau, Aunt Pat LaBeau, Uncle Harry Davis, cousins Kurt LaBeau and Hunter Johnson, and best friend David Ellison.

The family will receive friends Monday, August 16th from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Southern Cemetery in Central Lake.  Graveside Funeral services will be held Monday, August 16th at 12:30 p.m. with Fr. Ray Cotter officiating.

Memorial contributions can be given locally to Chain O' Lakes Relay For Life, c/o the American Cancer Society, 732 Line Street, Boyne City, MI 49712 or online at relayforlife.org/chainoflakesmi.

Arrangements are in the care of the Central Lake Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.  Please sign his online guestbook www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com