Michel Plaa

He was born on March 27, 129 in Anhaux, France, Located in the Basque Country to Arnaud and Marie Plaa.

When he was 24, Michel followed his older brother, Arnaud, to the United States, immigrating in 1953. He quickly made his way to the Chino Valley and worked as a ranch hand and milker on his brother's dairy, located on Sultana Avenue in Ontario. Having grown up on a family farm in France, Michel loved working with cows on the dairy, which led to a 60-plus year career as a successful and greatly admired dairyman.

Michel married the love of his life, Jeanne Errecalde, in Norwalk, CA on April 16, 1955. They were married for Nearly 62 years when Jeanne passed in March 2017.

Michel was an active member of Basque Community and played bugle in the Klika (Basque Drum & Bugle Corp) at local Basque picnics for many years. He was also a devout Catholic and a parishioner of St. Anthony's Parish in Upland, CA since 2001.

Michel was devoted to his family and will be remembered by all that knew and loved him as an outgoing, considerate and generous person with an amazing memory, uncanny ability to remember everyone's birthday, and a handshake you would remember for the rest of your life.

Michel is survived by his Daughter Jeannine (Richard) Bockstahler, Son John (Julie) Plaa and his sister Felicie Changala of France. He is also survived by Grandsons, Michael (Jillian) Bockstahler, Kevin (Sarah) Bockstahler, Brian Bockstahler (Justine Jones), Great-Grandchildren Nathan, Grace, Adam, Maverick and Banks Bockstahler, Sister-in-law Noeline Mocho, Nieces Bernadette Quincey, Suzanne (Gary) Wahl, Nephew Michel (Tammy) Plaa, Great Nephew Nicholas Quincey, Great-Niece Alexandra Quincey, and many more nieces, nephews, and friends in the U.S. and the Basque Country.

Michel was one of four children and was preceded in death by his Father Arnaud, Mother Marie, Brother Arnaud, Twin Sister Alice, Sister-In-Law Marie Plaa, Brother-In-Law Jean Mocho (Business Partner in Mocho & Plaa Dairy), Raymond Arrossagary, Jean Changala and Nephew Benjamin Plaa.

A visitation for Michel will be held Thursday, March 20, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Stone Funeral Home, 355 East 9th Street, Upland, CA 91786.

A Rosary at 10am, and funeral mass will occur Friday, March 21, 2025 from 10:30 AM to 11:15 AM at St Anthony Catholic Church, 2110 N San Antonio Ave, Upland, CA 91784.

A graveside service will occur Friday, March 21, 2025 from 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM at Bellevue Memorial Park, 1240 W G St, Ontario, CA 91762. A rosary will occur Friday, March 21, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM at St Anthony Catholic Church, 2110 N San Antonio Ave, Upland, CA 91784.

In lieu of flowers, kindly make a donation in Michel's name to the Charity of your choice.