James R. Laru

Jim was born on September 8, 1935, the son of Andrew A. and Fannie S. (Niemi) Laru in Painesdale, MI.

He was a 1953 graduate of Jeffers High School in Painesdale, Mi.

Jim was a miner for Copper Range in Painesdale, before enlisting in the US Marine Corp in 1956, and he was honorably discharged in 1958 at Camp Pendleton, CA. Jim was considered an expert rifleman, rated 2nd of 150 men.

He was united in marriage to the former Sharon Steffes on July 30, 1960 in Cudahy, WI.

Jim worked for Wisconsin Power Company in Milwaukee before moving back to Painesdale to mine.

They later moved to Toivola, MI where they bought a grocery store and ran it until 1988, when they moved to Owen WI. Jim then worked for Land O Lakes in Spencer, WI until he retired in 1999.

Jim was a member of the South Range Eagles, Toivola Volunteer Fire Dept., Copper Range Historical Society and Painesdale Mine and Shaft.

He was proud that he designed and built two homes, one on Torch Lake in MI. and the other in Owen, WI.

Jim enjoyed hunting, fishing, wood working, gardening and watching sports, especially the Detroit Lions and Tigers.

He liked spending time at the lake and getting together with family and friends, most importantly spending time with his grandchildren.

Jim is survived by his wife: Sharon of Owen, children: Wanda (David) Sommer of Owen, Jacqueline (Gary) Guisfredi of Lake Linden, Jim Laru Jr. Of Owen, and Carol Laru of Marshfield; grandchildren: Corey Sommer, Aaron Sommer, Crystal Marten, Jessica Bessner, Rick James, Angela VanWagner, Jim Laru III, Derek Laru, Damon Laru and Brenna Laru. He is further survived by a sister: Joyce Swan, sister-in-law: Marilyn Laru; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents; brother: Richard Laru and brother-in-law Bill Swan.

A burial service will be held for Jim at the Mountain View Cemetery in South Range on Saturday, October 8 at 1. Pastor Chuck Bylkas from the Range Apostolic Lutheran Church will officiate.