Lawrence LaPointe, age 89, a resident of Wheaton, IL, died Tuesday, June 5, 2018, at Rosewood Care Center in St. Charles, IL. He was born August 7, 1928 in Chicago, IL.

Larry grew up in Chicago, Illinois and spent his life as a building engineer and electrical technician. When he wasn't working, he enjoyed being creative in his shop at home building model steam engines. He was a member of the Chicago Model Engineers Association (CMEA) since early 1970. His lifelong mechanical skills and model building made it possible for him to build and operate his "inch and a half" (1:8) models at the Illinois Live Steamers track. His built-from-scratch CA&E 2000-series freight motor is the epitome of his work. The two year project was assembled with 2,306 rivets, each of which was drilled and inserted by Larry. The unit was built using an actual General Electric blueprint plan given to him by the superintendent at the CA&E Wheaton Shops during his employment there. It was well worth the effort because it was the first scratch-built riding locomotive built by him, and he said it was the most interesting two years of his life. He was so proud of this achievement. To relax, he would enjoy a good book and over the years he read hundreds. He was a history buff and it goes without saying, a fan of the railroad. Larry enjoyed roller skating, especially after he met Ruth, his wife of 68 years, at the Villa Park roller rink. They later married and had four (4) children. They had such a strong love for each other and that love radiated and it became a part of the family. They both were avid sport fans and enjoyed the outdoors. Camping in Colorado was always a welcomed vacation. His wife died just 5 weeks ago and both would have turned 90 years old in August.

He is survived by his four children, Steve (Pam) LaPointe of Lee's Summit, MO, Dan (Mary) LaPointe of Wasco, IL, Theresa Cramer of Wheaton, IL., and Mike (Patty) LaPointe of Glen Ellyn, IL; seven grandchildren, Shane, Jimmy, Danielle, Cathy, Joe, John and Kenny; five great-grandchildren, Terrance, Ja'Siah, Ariyanna, Parker and Barrett; his sisters, Janet O'Day, Katie (Gordon) Schildgen, Jean Riley, and brother David LaPointe (JoAnne).

He was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Ruth Ann LaPointe; his brothers, Phil LaPointe and Bob LaPointe; and his sister, Rita Griffith.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, June 7, 2018 from 5-8 p.m. at Hultgren Funeral Home, 304 N. Main St., in Wheaton, IL. A funeral service will be held on Friday, June 8, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Hultgren Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Mt. Emblem Cemetery in Elmhurst, IL.

Memorial gifts may be directed to the Salvation Army , P.O. Box 269, Alexandria, VA 22314.