Republic – Curt P. "Yote" LaForge, age 50, of 4882 Cut Across Rd., Republic, passed away on Monday, Aug. 5, 2013 while at the home of his sister of an apparent heart attack. Curt was born October 8, 1962 in Ishpeming the son of Robert and Arlene (Hakala) LaForge. Curt was a lifelong Republic area resident and a graduate of the Republic-Michigamme High School, Class of 1980. He married Kristi K. Maki on July 21, 1989 in Republic. "Yote" had worked for many years as a HVAC specialist for Maki Refrigeration and Heating in Republic starting there in 1987. He went on to work for Jacobson Plumbing and Heating out of Iron Mountain and most recently for the Rec. Depot out of Marquette. Curt was also a licensed contractor. Curt was a member of the Republic Volunteer Fire Dept. since 1984. He was a member of the Republic Twilight Horseshoe League, and the North American Hunting Club. Yote was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying activities such as hunting and fishing, camping with family and friends, Off-Road Muddin, watching Nascar, and playin with his "Toys". He could often be found passing time doing Suduko puzzles. Survivors include his wife Kristi LaForge of Republic, 2 sons – Justin (Sarah Wasmuth) LaForge of Republic and Lee (Amanda Bertucci) Warlin of Republic, his parents Robert and Arlene LaForge of Republic, a sister Sherry (Kevin) Warlin of Republic, a brother Bobby Joe LaForge of Marquette, a granddaughter Phoenyx Bertucci of Republic, his mother-in-law Norine Maki of Republic, brother-in-law – Jeff (Bobbie) Maki of LaGrange, NC, and nieces – Theresa (Matt) Greer and Laura (Chris) Stanolis both of Negaunee, and special friend Christina Anthony. He was preceded in death by his father-in-law Larry Maki. The family will greet relatives and friends from 1pm until 3pm on Thursday August 8, 2013 at the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home in Ishpeming. A memorial service will be celebrated at 3:00pm on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2013 with ( ) to officiate. Inurnment will take place at the Republic Cemetery. A luncheon will follow the services at the Republic EMS building. Honorary Pallbearers will be members of the Republic Volunteer Fire Dept. The funeral service recording, when it becomes available, can be heard by clicking here.