Albert “Al” John Latasiewicz, age 87, Moccasin Lake, died on Wednesday, September 13, 2006 at 2:15 p.m. at the Fraser Villa Care Center in Fraser, Michigan. He was born on September 20, 1918 in Johnstown, Pennsylvania to Albert and Katherine (Grab) Latasiewicz. Al graduated from St. Ladislaus High School in Hamtramck, Michigan. He entered into the U.S. Army on November 16, 1943 and served in the Eastern African European Mediterranean Theater. Al was involved in battles at Normandy and Northern France. He earned the American Theater Ribbon, EAME Ribbon with two Bronze Stars, the Good Conduct Ribbon, WWII Victory Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, and the Purple Heart for wounds received in France on July 8, 1945. Following the War, Al remained overseas as a Polish translator in England for two years. He attended University there and then returned to the States. He worked for a manufacturing company before becoming a D.N.R. officer. Al loved his job. In 1946, he came to Alger County and made it his home. He was an active member of Sacred Heart Church, a Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus, member of the American Legion, and member of the Polish American Society. Al loved to sing and was in the Munising Vanguards for over twenty years. He sang "Ave Maria" and "Beloved Mother" at many weddings and funerals. He enjoyed gardening, canning, hunting, fishing, and being outdoors. He loved his black lab, Babe. To say that Al was a great cook and baker would be an understatement. He was EXCELLENT. He was always generous and willing to share his recipes. Al loved his Church and he loved his heritage. Those who knew and loved Al Latasiewicz were blessed.

Al is survived by one nephew – Bernard and Ilene Latasiewicz of Clinton Townshp; one niece - Carol Banker of Macomb Township; three great-nieces – Katherine (Jeff Kirk) Latasiewicz, Kristen (Paul) Zelenak, and Rebecca (Don) Antonow; three great-great nephews – Michael, Steven, and Jacob Zelenak, and Joshua Antonow. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers John and Walter, and sister Stephanie Latasiewicz. Visitation will be held at the Bowerman Funeral Home on Sunday evening from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. A combined Knights of Columbus and Parish Vigil Service will be held at 7:00 p.m. The Vigil Service will begin with the Vanguards at 7:00 p.m. Father Chris Gardiner will celebrate a Mass of Christian Burial at Sacred Heart Church on Monday, September 18, 2006 at 10:00 a.m. Interment will be at the Maple Grove Cemetery in Munising where the Alger County Veterans Council and American Legion Honor Guard will conduct military honors.

Submitted by Char Livermore