Jake Laverty

Jake J. Laverty, 74, of Curtis, enjoyed a career as a welder and logger in western states before his retirement brought him home to the Upper Peninsula. Mr. Laverty died Wednesday, February 7, 2007, at his home, surrounded by his family and under the care of North Woods Hospice.

He was born April 4, 1932, in Curtis to Jake M. and Nina (nee Painter) Laverty.

He married Sally Abram November 1, 1950, in Lakefield Township.

Mr. Laverty was employed as a certified welder in Oregon from 1963 to 1970. He then worked as a logger in Idaho from 1972 until his retirement in 1986. He has lived in Curtis since his retirement.

Mr. Laverty enjoyed fishing and spending time with his family, and was an avid fan of the Green Bay Packers and the Detroit Pistons.

He is survived by his wife, Sally, of Curtis, nine children and their families, Patricia and Tom Satre of Belgrade, Montana, John and Georgia Laverty of Engadine, Cindy and Albert Hoyt of Creswell, Oregon, Tom and Elizabeth Laverty of Gould City, Doug and Janet Laverty, Kenny and Misti Laverty, and Danny and Christian Laverty, all of Curtis, Gus Laverty of Gwinn, and Joe and Machelle Laverty of Curtis, 23 grandchildren with one more expected, 35 great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings Orville, Everett, Nina Buhl, Evelyn Swisher, and Darlene and Memory Laverty.

Services were held Saturday, February 10, at 11 a.m. at Beaulieu Funeral Home of Newberry, with the Reverend Patrick McNeil officiating. Friends called at the funeral home Saturday from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. Interment will take place at Woodlawn Cemetery in Curtis.