Pictured receiving the honor: (from left) Knights of Columbus Supreme Membership Program Consultant, Joe Ramirez, Sr., Cheryl Ramirez, Bishop James P. Powers, Pam LaPean, Remi LaPean, Larry LaPean, Andy LaPean, Kyle LaPean, Angi Guski and Wisconsin State Deputy, Tim Guski. (Submitted photo)
The Larry and Pam LaPean family was named the 2017 State of Wisconsin Family of the Year. The family was presented the award at the 117th annual Wisconsin State Council Knights of Columbus convention in Middleton.
The LaPeans were chosen as the Family of the Year for the St. Croix Council 1762 in Hudson; their nomination was sent to the state for consideration as the Superior Diocese Family of the Year. They were chosen for this award and were honored guests at the State Deputy banquet. They were in contention with four other families for the State Family of the Year title. The LaPean family will now be submitted to the Supreme Council of the Knights of Columbus for contention in the International Family of the Year Award. If selected, they will be guests and presented the award at the Knights of Columbus Supreme convention in August in Baltimore.
Larry and Pam have eight sons: Ted (wife Jessy); Andy (wife Leslie); Kyle (wife Christa); Paul; Desmond; Keoni; Daniel and Remi. They have eight grandchildren.
Larry and Pam are very involved in many activities at St. Patrick Church, the community and the Knights of Columbus, volunteering countless hours throughout the year for the benefit of others. St. Patrick’s Church has been the LaPeans parish home for the past 41 years. Their strong Catholic faith is important to them valuing their Catholic foundation.
Their church volunteerism goes beyond their parish and into the community. God has given each of us special blessings, gifts and abilities. Larry and Pam had this calling to reach out and help others in need. Larry and Pam are required to give an unbelievable amount of time at home with a full household of special children through the foster care program.
Larry and Pam have always lead by example, for their children and within the community. Larry and Pam are known in the community for being a family to always have children. The greatest gift of love that Larry and Pam have contributed to the community is providing the love, care and support by fostering more than 76 children in the past 17 years. They have had both long-term and short-team kids in crisis placements in their role as foster parents. They have had placements of children with a variety of mental health, physical and emotional disabilities. They have demonstrated a level of care and compassion that is extraordinary. They always have their home and arms open, and always welcome them with their love. Larry and Pam have four grown sons but continued their family love by adopting four boys that were part of their foster children in their home.
The LaPean Family was the overwhelming choice to be the State Family of the Year. They were selected because of their service to God, the church and the families of St. Croix County. They were selected for what they do within our community caring for foster children and caring for special needs children. The unconditional love, support and nurturing they have provided continues today to the children in need. They were selected because they do it so willingly and tirelessly for the benefit of others.
