Charlie (Clarence) LaPan was born in Bay City, Michigan. He lived there until he was two years old. He then moved to Montreal, Canada with his parents, Alvin and Flori LaPan, who were originally from there.

When he was sixteen, Charlie moved back to Bay City. He taught himself to read and write English and then joined the Merchant Marines. He settled in the Detroit area where, through his sister, he met Loretta LaVoy.

Loretta was born in Deerfield, Michigan, to Gilbert and Addie LaVoy. After finishing school, she would visit her sister in Dearborn, where she met Charlie. They were married on February 2, 1935.

They settled in Dearborn, where Loretta worked for a while as a teacher, and Charlie worked in a factory. They welcomed their first three children: Juanita, Gerald, and Daniel. They then moved to Deerfield, where they welcomed nine more children: Paul, Michael, Kathleen, Rita, Carolyn, Loretta Ann, Joseph, Thomas, and Renee. Charlie worked in Adrian building furniture, and Loretta tended to a garden, canning vegetables and jams, all while nurturing and caring for their children. For a few years, they also welcomed Karen and Paula LaVoy, who brought richness and loving addition to the family that still stands today.

Charlie and Loretta raised their children with intestinal fortitude, strength, resilience, and a deep faith in God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. The Lord was at the center of their household. They didn’t just practice religion; they lived it, bringing Christ’s love and a sense of closeness that still lives on today.