Thomas LaPrairie (1937 - 1964)

Ancestors

Died 18 May 1964 at age 26 in Drowned in Saginaw Bay, Michigan, United States.

Problems/Questions Profile manager: Irene LaPrairie [send private message]

Biography

He was the son of Ernest LaPrairie and Madeline Bergevin.

USA MILTARY Service - " After graduating in June of 1955, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served as a clerk while stationed in England. Malenfant, who was stationed in Germany, would often coordinate his leave with LaPrairie’s so they could meet up and enjoy some European escapades."

MARRIAGE - Sally Zaucha, after Tom's death - she remarried a "Jonas"

"Not long after returning stateside, LaPrairie caught the eye of Sally Zaucha, who was waitressing at Revette’s restaurant. They were married, rented a house on Erie Street and began to raise a fast-growing family.

RECORDS OF CHILDREN - Barbara LaPrairie

Lisa LaPrairie

Chuck LaPrairie

Tracey LaPrairie

TRAGIC DEATH OF TOM AND HIS FATHER ERNEST, 4 months after the early death of his mother, Madeline, age 46, from a 10 year battle with breast cancer. - "LaPrairie was one of his hometown’s greatest hoops heroes. But it was his death that seemed to be his lasting legacy. At the age of 26, with four children and a young wife at home, LaPrairie drowned alongside his father in the choppy waters of Saginaw Bay."

Sources

• Tragic Family Accident - https://www.mlive.com/highschoolsports/2020/07/basketball-heros-legacy-lives-on-56-years-after-drowning-trying-to-rescue-father.html

HEADSTONE INFORMATION - LAPRAIRIE, Thomas A. "Tom" LaPrairie , age 26, 1937-1964, Calvary Cemetery and Mausoleum, Kawkawlin, Bay County, Michigan, USA - https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/238446383/thomas-a-laprairie