Michael LaPlante
October 13, 1947 - January 31, 2026 (Age 78)
Michael Friesinger LaPlante, 78 of Zanesville, OH, died Saturday, January 31, 2026, at his home following a sudden illness. He was born Monday, October 13, 1947, in Tucson, AZ the son of Walter and Ruthe (Friesinger) LaPlante. He married Catherine (Kenzie) LaPlante on Saturday, June 27, 1970, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Homewood, IL, and was a dedicated member of St. Nicholas Catholic Church.
He was a 1965 graduate of Zanesville High School, and a 1969 graduate of Davidson College. Michael served his country as a veteran of the United States Army. While serving as a linguist in the Army Security Agency in West Berlin, Germany, he earned a master’s degree in international relations from Boston University, and after his service, a doctorate in medieval history from the University of Chicago.
He returned to Zanesville and worked with his father and brother at the family business, Friesinger’s Inc., where he designed and fabricated museum quality wrought iron projects.
In addition to his wife, Catherine, Michael is survived by two sons, Charles (Connie) LaPlante, and Thomas LaPlante; grandchildren, Cora, Curtis, Clark and Colette; his brother, Peter (Connie) LaPlante; two sisters-in-law, Mary Clare (Crawford Honeycutt) Kenzie, and Amy (Chelgren) Kenzie; brothers-in-law, Patrick (Terri) Kenzie and William (Karen) Kenzie, and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Michael was preceded in death by his brother, Kristopher LaPlante, and brother-in-law, Daniel Kenzie.
Friends may call 3:00 to 7:00 PM, Friday, February 6, 2026, at the Hillis Combs Funeral Home, 935 Forest Avenue, Zanesville, where a Christian Vigil will be held at 6:45 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:30 AM, Saturday, February 7, 2026, at St. Nicholas Catholic Church, 925 East Main Street, Zanesville, with Fr. Martin J. Ralko as celebrant. Mike will be laid to rest in Zanesville Memorial Park with full military honors conducted by the United States Army, and VFW Post 1058. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Michael’s memory.