Van Buren--- Chanel Laplante, 97, peacefully entered into Eternal Life and into the waiting arms of his beloved wife on November 9, 2023. He was born January 24, 1926 in Van Buren, a son of the late Charles and Azilda (Cyr) Laplante, and cherished over 74 years of marriage to his late wife, Leola (Michaud) Laplante.

Chanel was a well-known businessman in the Van Buren area and was a jack-of-all-trades. He and his wife were devoted parishioners of St. Bruno-St. Remi Church.  Chanel was a Fourth-degree member of the Knights of Columbus, and life member of the Lions Club.  He and his wife loved spending time with all their family, enjoyed many summers at the family camp on Long Lake, and wintering at their home in Florida. Chanel and his wife were exceptionally family oriented and cherished the many memories they created over their exceptional life with children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

He is survived by four children, Bill Laplante and his wife Donna of Van Buren, Donna Albert and her husband Greg of New York, Brian Laplante and his partner Trent Davis of Massachusetts, and Scott Laplante of Van Buren; daughter-in-law, Lucille Laplante of Van Buren; two siblings, Eileen "Lou" Cyr and Patrick "Pit" Laplante; 10 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; one great granddaughter on the way; and many nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, Chanel was predeceased by one son, Rick Laplante in 2022, and siblings George Laplante, Bernard Laplante, Emile Laplante, Jeanne Tilley, Germaine Moran, Theresa Laplante, and Gerard Laplante.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated for both Chanel and his wife Leola at 10 AM on Tuesday, November 21, 2023, at St. Bruno-St. Remi Catholic Church, Van Buren. Spring interment will be in Grand River Cemetery, Van Buren. In lieu of flowers or donations, it was Chanel's and Leola's wish to extend an act of kindness to others in need in their memory.  Arrangements are a service of Lajoie Funeral Home, 118 High St., Van Buren.