As received from the Pearce Funeral Home. If you have questions about, or potential corrections to the content, please contact the funeral home directly.
Lake Linden: Beloved father and grandfather, devoted son, brother, friend and gifted chef, Jon Paul LaHaie passed away with his mother by his side on November 3, 2025, at Intersect Healthcare, of complications from multiple sclerosis which he battled and endured with grace and stoicism. While MS may have limited his physical abilities, it never diminished his sense of humor, sharp mind, or his love for life. He faced MS with grace, strength, and dignity, showing incredible courage in facing life’s challenges.
Jon was born on December 7, 1961, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the son of Marlene (Pitz) and James LaHaie. From an early age, he was drawn to the kitchen, a passion that would define his extraordinary life and career. After training at The Culinary Institute of America, he became an amazing chef. His culinary career spanned over 27 years, during which he brought joy to countless patrons in New York, Ohio, Florida, and Michigan.
Beyond his culinary talents, Jon’s greatest joy came from his family. He was a wonderful father to his daughter Jessica LaHaie, and a wonderful stepfather to Ryan and Andy Tauriainen, embracing his blended family with an open heart and unwavering support. He was a man of integrity, known for his quick wit, infectious laughter, and belief that any problem could be solved with a home-cooked meal and a listening ear. Jon’s laughter, wisdom, and warmth will be deeply missed, but his optimistic spirit will live on, leaving a mark on their hearts that will never fade.
Jon is survived by his daughter Jessica LaHaie; stepsons, Ryan Tauriainen, Andy Tauriainen; grandchildren, Nicholas (Gabby) Hodges, Iris Tauriainen, Belle Tauriainen, Brady Tauriainen, Jackson LaHaie Hutson, and Quinley Jackman; his siblings, Julee (Kevin) Stortz, Jackie (Scott) Heikkinen; and numerous nieces, and nephews. He is also remembered fondly by his former spouse, Linda Josephson, with whom he shared a significant chapter of his life raising their shared children.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Ann and Leonard LaHaie; Beulah and Fredrick Pitz; and grandson Tahner LaHaie Hutson.
Visitation will be from 5 until 7 PM on Friday, November 21, at the Pearce Funeral Home in in Lake Linden. A celebration of Jon’s remarkable life will be held on Saturday, November 22, at the Lakes Lounge in Lake Linden from 5-7 PM. All who knew him are invited to join us in honoring his memory, legacy of love, and positivity. A special thank you to the staff at Intersect Healthcare, Dr. Fletcher, MD, Dr. William Liston, DO of UP Health -Portage, and Aspirus Keweenaw Hospital for their care and compassion in treating Jon.
The Pearce Funeral Home in Lake Linden is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at pearcefuneralhome.com
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