OREGON - Pierre D. La Plante, age 80, of Oregon, passed away in the early morning hours of May 22, 2024. He will forever be remembered by those who knew him, whether it was as husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother, in-law, friend, or teacher.

Born in West Allis to Joseph and Effie La Plante on Sept. 25, 1943, he grew up in Sturgeon Bay then attended UW-Madison on a full scholarship. As a music major, he was a bassoonist, an accomplished pianist and a percussionist in the UW Marching Band, playing at the Rose Bowl in 1963.

After graduation, Pierre became the Blanchardville High School music teacher. After three years, he returned to the UW to earn a master’s degree in music. During this time, he fell in love with Laurie Scharfenberg, his wife of nearly 52 years.

After marrying, Pierre accepted a high school band director position in Prescott, Wis. Finding the role took up too much extra-curricular time, Pierre would return to Blanchardville where he taught general music and beginning band to elementary students for 26 years.

When he was not working summer jobs or busy raising his two daughters, Pierre would compose music for middle and high school bands-something he continued to do until his very last months. Pierre’s compositions have been played throughout the world. He got to travel to Dusseldorf, Germany and Aberdeen, Scotland to hear debut performances of his pieces.

While in Blanchardville, Pierre was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church. He played bassoon in local, community bands (eventually in Oregon’s) and regional orchestras (Dubuque and Beloit-Janesville Symphony) and was a member of the National Association for Music Education and ASCAP.

A man of many hobbies, Pierre especially enjoyed gardening, feeding the birds, cooking, reading, watching World War II documentaries, and driving his lawn tractor. He also never turned down a game of chess or pick-up sticks with his grandkids.

Pierre is survived by his wife, Laurie; daughters, Amy (Travis) LaPlante and Elizabeth “Liz” (Jim) Olson; grandchildren, Emily, Parker and Kate Olson; sisters, Yvonne (Gary) Miller and Renee (Hugh) Cain; in-laws, nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews; and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.

To listen to Pierre’s music, Google search his name for links to videos of bands performing his pieces. His most popular piece is American River Songs.

A funeral service will be held at GUNDERSON OREGON FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 1150 Park St. Oregon, at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 31, 2024, with a luncheon to follow. A visitation will be held at the funeral home from 9 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Pierre’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Blanchardville Pool (Friends of McKellor Park, Inc., PO Box 277, Blanchardville, WI 53516).

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Oregon
Funeral & Cremation Care
1150 Park St.
(608) 835-3515

Pierre D. La Plante

September 25, 1943 - May 22, 2024

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