Harold "Lucky" LaFleur's Obituary
The year 1935 began with new hope and continued rebuild of America following the devastation of the depression. Franklin D. Roosevelt was beginning his second term as United States President and a future singer by the name of Elvis Pressley had just been born. Excitement was also mounting in the household of Harold W. and Dorothy (Strickler) LaFleur as they welcomed their first born child Harold Austin into their home in Ludington, Michigan.
Harold was followed in the LaFleur family by brother’s Brian and Jon, and sister Diane. His father, known by the nickname “Loppy” worked as a Millwright while Dorothy stayed home caring for their family. Harold attended Ludington schools through the 11th grade and worked on the C&O Car Ferries as a dishwasher during the summer before starting his senior year at Ludington High School.
Following World War II and veterans returning home and rejoining the workforce, good work for Loppy became scarce in Mason County, causing him to look out-of-state for employment. The decision was made to move their family to California causing Harold to be unable to graduate from LHS with the class of 1953. He was always considered a member of the class however.
As the Korean Conflict was entering into cease fire, Harold was drafted into the United States Army in August of 1953. He served in Germany, which was still rebuilding from the effects of World War II, as a transport truck driver. Cigarettes were plenty for troops overseas and Harold soon earned the nickname of “Lucky” because he always had a pack of Lucky Strikes in his pocket. Following his service and discharge in 1956, Lucky returned to California and began working as a Plumber for McDonnell Aircraft. McDonnell eventually merged with Douglas Aircraft from Missouri forming McDonnell-Douglas Aircraft. Lucky worked for them for over 30 years, retiring in the late 1980’s.
While in the service, Lucky was married to Vivian Sudgen in 1954 and together they adopted a son Lance. He later married Oleta M. Chryst in 1974 and following his retirement, moved to Crowder, Oklahoma where they lived until Oleta’s death in April of 2003.
Back in Ludington during 2003, the LHS class of 1953 was preparing to recognize their 50th class reunion. Always considering Lucky a member, his class invited him to join them for the celebration at the Harborfront Pavilion. Lucky looked forward to visiting with the friends of his youth and eagerly made the trip “home.” He reunited with many of his classmates during the event and one classmate stood out more than any other, Betty (Elkins) Stuyvesant from Grand Rapids. The two hit it off and decided to continue to see each other. It didn’t take long for Lucky to ask for her hand in marriage as they were married on November 19, 2003 in Grand Rapids. They decided to live at Lucky’s home in McAlister which lasted until 2006 when Betty was tired of fighting snakes. Mason County was always considered home for both of them and they moved back to Michigan, settling in their new home on US 31 Highway, north of Scottville.
The combination of growing up in the 40’s, and Lucky’s father Loppy playing the saxophone when Lucky was younger, instilled the love of “Big Band” music in Lucky. He and Betty enjoyed listening to old records on his Phonograph and following the Scottville Clown Band during the summer months. Lucky was also able to rekindle his love of woodworking where Whirligig’s became his specialty, sharing them with his many friends and family. Since he was a kid, Lucky always wanted to have a dog he could name “Whipper Snapper.” “Whipper Snapper” and “Callie,” their beloved wiener dogs were able to give Lucky comfort in his final days.
Harold “Lucky” LaFleur passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 3, 2018 at his home with Betty by his side. Along with Betty, Lucky will be greatly missed her children Deb Scherner and husband Mike of Loveland, CO, Sue Luczyk and husband Rusty Pinkerton of Longmont, CO, 7 grandchildren, several great-grandchildren, his brothers Brian (Karen) La Fleur of Fallon, Nevada, and Jon (Roberta) La Fleur of Santa Anna, CA, and their dear friends Jim and Amy Frost of Scottville. Lucky was additionally preceded in death by his son Lance, Betty’s son Chris Luczyk, and his sister Diane Woods.
A Memorial Service will be held for Lucky at 12:00 noon on Saturday, May 12 at his church, Summit Church of Christ, with Damon Beaver officiating. Friends may meet with Betty and their family for a time of visitation on Saturday morning from 11:00 am until time of services at the church. Lucky will be buried by his grandfather Russell La Fleur in Lakeview Cemetery, Ludington. Those who wish to remember Lucky with a memorial donation are asked to consider Harbor Hospice, or Summit Church of Christ.
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