August 15, 1956 – December 30, 2025
Jerry J. “Hairy” LaVigne, 69, Silver Bay, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at Lake View Hospital in Two Harbors.
Jerry was born August 15, 1956 to Bernard and Reinette (Kelley) LaVigne in Duluth and was a life-long resident of Silver Bay. After high school he was employed by Reserve Mining Company for several years, then worked for the City of Silver Bay for 26 years in various positions until retiring. With music being so much a part of his life, he was also self-employed as North Star Sound for many years.
Jerry wore many hats throughout his life—whether as Arena Jerry, Water Plant Jerry, Sound Man Jerry, or Christmas Jerry, just to name a few. No matter the role, there was always one constant: Jerry was helping others, and he did so with a smile on his face.
Jerry enjoyed many things, including watching his kids and grandkids grow up, hiking, going out for drives, watching sports, playing music, traveling, watching ships and trains, and basically anything that involved spending time with his family.
His dedication to his family, friends, and hometown was steady throughout the years, whether it was widely noticed or quietly given. As a devoted family man, Jerry made time for his family in countless ways— coaching youth sports for many years, starting a family band, and always being there whenever he was needed.
Music was always a big part of Jerry’s life. As a young boy, influenced by his own mom’s passion for music, he developed a love for it that lasted his whole life. From being in several bands throughout the years to later getting into the sound production business, he worked with countless bands, musicians, and other partners in the sound business. Over the years, many of them became some of his best friends. One of the biggest highlights of his musical career was being able to play music with his own family.
Jerry’s legacy lives on in the many lives he touched and the community he cared for so much.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Nancy; children, Bill (Kelly) LaVigne, Tina LaVigne, Derek (Samantha) LaVigne, Dustin (Hannah) LaVigne; grandchildren, Lucas, Tanner, Anna, Keaton, Skylee, Kendrick, Gibson, Dorian, and Melody; his sisters, Carol Martin and Joanne Backman; and his in-laws, Bob and Anne Curry and family.
Visitation will be from 10 AM until the 11 AM service on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Silver Bay.
