Obituary of Kevin Jerome LaFrance

Kevin Jerome LaFrance, 68, of Hermantown, Mn, passed peacefully into God’s loving arms on February 28, 2024. Throughout his final days he was surrounded by those who loved and cared for him and who handed him off to all those eagerly awaiting his arrival in Heaven.

Kevin was born April 1, 1955 in Duluth, MN to Bill and Sally LaFrance. His life did not follow the usual template, having been born with cerebral palsy and significant mental deficits. He was slight of build but strong as an ox and entertained all who cared for him with his colorful shenanigans. He loved his many hats and is known to have once sported a total of 8 of them on the top of his head…at once. He had a lifelong passion for car rides and could never get enough of “bye-bye in the car.” Prying him out of a vehicle at the end of a drive was an adventure all its own. Kevin enriched the lives of those around him in extraordinary ways.

Kevin was preceded in death by his loving parents, Bill and Sally; siblings Billy, Phil, Gary, Suzie, and an infant brother Kevin.

He is survived by his brother, Steve (Jeanne) LaFrance of Lake Nebagamon, WI; sisters Jeanine (Norman) Hubbard of Brooklyn Park, MN; Ann Louise (Dan) Ogg of Hibbing, MN; sister-in-law Donna LaFrance of Lakeville, MN; numerous nieces and nephews.

Caregivers of people with special needs are unsung heroes among us, and Kevin’s life was filled with them, most notable his EBI family. Unending gratitude to each and every one of them, with special thanks to Sarah and Lisa who loved and laughed with him for decades until his final breath.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 PM on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, at Cremation Society of MN, Duluth (4100 Grand Ave), with visitation one hour prior starting at 2:00 PM.

Run free, Kevin, unfettered and basking in the perfect light of God.