Hillsdale College alumnus Mike Lagassee ’65 died April 10.
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Mike Lagassee, husband of Hillsdale Academy Librarian Joan Lagassee, died at age 72 on April 10 at the Hillsdale Hospital as a result of complications from surgery.
Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Lagassee fell in love with the Hillsdale community when he achieved his dream of attending Hillsdale College, according to an obituary in The Hillsdale Daily News. A member of the class of 1965, Lagassee became active in campus life, especially the Delta Tau Delta fraternity and its philanthropic pursuits.
In addition to discovering a vibrant community, Lagassee also met his wife — Joan, a sister of Kappa Kappa Gamma — on campus at numerous Greek events. They married two years after graduation on Feb. 16, 1967. Joan Lagassee was with him through their 49 years of marriage and held his hand when he took his last breath.
Shortly after marriage, Mike joined the United States Army, which deployed him during the Korean War until 1969. When he came back stateside, Mike and Joan Lagassee decided to make their home where they fell in love, back in Hillsdale.
Similar to his time as a Delt at Hillsdale College, Mike Lagassee became philanthropically involved in the city of Hillsdale. He served the community through the American Legion, Elks Lodge, Rotary International Club, and King’s Kupboard Food Pantry.
Lagasse acquired a love of education and knowledge during his time at Hillsdale College and sought to bring those passions to the community. He served on the Hillsdale Community School Board from 1981-1984 and was a frequent substitute teacher at local schools.
He is survived by his daughters Kate Lagassee Cyrus and Karen Lagassee Wright as well as his five grandchildren: Cameron, Cyrus, Elijah, Jaxon, and Joseph.
Visitation will take place on Sunday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Van Horn Funeral Home in Hillsdale. The First Presbyterian Church in Hillsdale will hold a memorial service on Monday at 11 a.m. The family suggested memorial contributions be directed to the King’s Kupboard Food Pantry or Hillsdale College.