Gregory P. LaPlante

Gregory P. LaPlante, age 83, of St. Anne, Illinois passed away on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at Miller Healthcare, Kankakee, IL. He was born February 19, 1941, in Oak Park, IL, the son of Edward B. LaPlante and Rita C. O’Brien LaPlante. He married Beth McMullen Naff October 8,1989, at Starved Rock Lodge, Oglesby, IL. Greg was a life-long learner and educator. He was a graduate of Notre Dame High School, Niles, IL; Notre Dame University, South Bend, IN; and Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL. Through the years he taught Latin, French, and Work-Study programs. He was an assistant principal and superintendent in several school districts in Illinois: McHenry, Astoria, Marseilles, Rock Falls and Crescent City. He then joined the University of Illinois Extension as a network administrator for the NE Region of IL. When he retired from Extension he assumed the duties of executive director of Camp Shaw-waw-nas-see, Manteno, IL. During his tenure at Camp Shaw, Greg oversaw the summer youth camps; actively worked to beautify and enhance the camp grounds; and organized many rental groups. One of his proudest collaborations is the annual Shoe Fest: a weekend of camping and music. Greg was an avid reader, enjoyed solving crossword puzzles, listening to classical and country music, scuba diving, boating, camping, landscaping, John Deere tractors, and National Geographics. Greg was also a passionate historian of all things by and about Abraham Lincoln. He was an active member of the Bradley-Bourbonnais Rotary Club. Most of all, Greg loved to spend time with his family and friends. Greg is survived by his wife, Beth LaPlante of St. Anne; daughter, Michelle LaPlante of Pleasant Prairie, WI; son, Ed (Anne) of NH; stepson, Philip (Trista) Naff of Ipava, IL; stepson, Kyle Naff of Brooklyn, NY; 7 grandchildren, Kayla, Emma, Chloe, Chase, Hannah, Aaliyah, Skylar, and one on the way; 2 great-grandchildren, Leina and Nico; sister, Cathy (Les) Maravetz of Westfield, NJ; brother Justin (Cathy) LaPlante of Valparaiso, IN; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; son Richard LaPlante; daughter Katie LaPlante Evans; granddaughter Kaitlyn; brother Bill and sister-in-law Jackie LaPlante; brother Gene and sister-in-law Ann LaPlante; and sister Collette and brother-in-law Gabe Maravetz. A celebration of life will be held Saturday, March 22, 2025. Visitation from 1:00-3:00pm, service at 3:00. with a luncheon to follow, at Jensen Memorial Funeral Home, Kankakee, IL. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Greg’s favorite place, Camp Shaw-waw-nas-see, Manteno, IL. (www.https://campshaw.org/)