Obituaries

A Mass of Christian Burial for Sheila Schmitz, age 58 of Spirit Lake, will be held Friday, May 24, 2024 at 10:30 AM at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Spirit Lake. A visitation for Sheila will be on Thursday, May 23rd from 5:00-7:00 PM with a Parish Scripture Service at 5:00 PM at Turner Jenness Funeral Home in Spirit Lake. 

Sheila Marie (Funk) Schmitz, was born July 23, 1965, in Richardton, North Dakota to Nicholas and JoAnn Funk. They later moved their growing family to Red Lake Falls, MN, where Sheila graduated from Lafayette High School. She attended Moorhead State University in Moorhead, MN and received her degree in Elementary Education.

On May 27, 1989, Sheila married her high school sweetheart Steve Schmitz, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Red Lake Falls, MN. They lived in Roseau, MN, where Sheila began a fourteen year career with Polaris, holding a variety of administrative roles on the Operations and Engineering teams in Roseau, and also in Spirit Lake, IA, where they relocated to in 1994. 

Sheila’s greatest joy of all was family, and she absolutely adored her four boys Tyler, Matthew, Ryan, and Ben. She treasured being mom, supporting them in their many activities growing up, and was their rock as each one ventured out on their own.

Sheila had an abundant sense of adventure and love for the outdoors. She loved to travel, explore and hike, logging countless miles on trails throughout the US. One of the most challenging being a twelve hour trek to the summit of Mt. St. Helens, just six years ago.  She took great joy in planting and nurturing hundreds of colorful flowers that brightened the yard each year, and were a true reflection of her beauty.  Sheila had a keen sense for decorating, amazing the boys with beautiful transformations of their home throughout each season, especially during Christmas (no such thing as too many Christmas trees or nutcrackers).  When the boys were young, she was active in religious education at St. Mary’s, and the Moms & Tots organization.  Sheila had a consistent, incredibly positive outlook on life.  The warmth of her captivating smile, kindness, patience, and ability to listen with care were gifts she readily shared with all those around her.

Sheila passed away at the age of 58 on May 17th, 2024, at her home with family by her side.

She is survived by her husband, Steve Schmitz; her wonderful boys, Tyler Schmitz, Matthew (fiancée, Clara) Schmitz, Ryan Schmitz and Ben Schmitz; mother and stepfather, JoAnn and Wallace Hoselton; sisters, Christy (Steve) Leiser and Nicole (Chris) Lasota; brothers, Bryan Funk, Terry (Jackie) Funk, Darrin (Kristi) Funk, Kelly (Jamie) Funk, Curtis (Kristin) Funk and John Hoselton; mother-in-law, Joan Schmitz; brothers in-law, Mike (Gadu) Schmitz and Mark (Jolene) Schmitz; many, many nieces, nephews and friends.

Sheila was preceded in death by her father, Nicholas Funk; father-in-law, Arthur Schmitz; brother-in-law, Gregory Schmitz.

Turner Jenness Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. 

 Knowing of her love and skill in raising beautiful flowers and gardens, I can imagine that God saw the suffering and asked our Mom to join him to tend gardens in Heaven. Once she saw that her work on Earth was over, and her family will be safe in God’s hands, Mom decided to join him in his gardens for everlasting peace. I believe that God was so happy that she was joining him in his gardens that he painted the skies with the Northern Lights last week to welcome her home. 

Dorene Louise (Champagne) Cote (2/28/1936 -5/12/2024) passed away surrounded by her family and husband Maurice on Sunday May 12th, 2024, at the Benedictine Living Community in Crookston, MN. 

Dorene was a 1956 graduate of Pershing High School in Plummer, MN. Her senior quote was “I speak in a monstrous little voice once I get started.” As one of her seven children, I can attest that little lady could speak loudly when needed. 

Dorene was joined in matrimony to Maurice Cote on January 4, 1958. They moved to Racine, WI in 1959 and lived there for almost 10 years when they decided to move back to Minnesota. They settled on a farm near Mentor, MN where Dorene was a stay-at-home mother raising their seven children and working on the farm raising crops, cattle, pigs, and chickens. She also worked for Lady Slipper, Inc. for many years sewing from home making stuffed animals. Once her children began to graduate school and leave home, she enrolled in classes to become a Certified Nursing Assistant. She began work as a CNA at Pioneer Memorial Care Center in Erskine, MN where she worked for many years. She briefly worked at the turkey processing plant in Thief River Falls before “retiring” by working at the Eagle Square Deli in Red Lake Falls part-time. Our mother loved to garden and had huge gardens with vegetables and flowers. She loved plants and flowers and I honestly believe that she was happiest when she was in the garden planting, pulling weeds or harvesting the bounty of her crop.  

Dorene was preceded in death by parents: Amedie & Delima Champagne; brothers Onezime Champagne & wife Henriette; William Champagne & wife Norma; Elmer Champagne & wife Theresa; sisters Louella Bushaw & husband Ron; and Dorene’s twin sister Lorene Westman (Glen), Scott Cote (son), Samantha Cote (granddaughter) and other nieces, nephews and friends. 

Dorene is survived by her husband Maurice Cote; sons Rodney Cote (Rochelle) Oslo, MN; Marc Cote (Dorie) Sauk Rapids, MN; Jim Cote (Kim) Mazeppa, MN; daughters Nancy Lindquist, Oslo, MN; Mary Ann Anderson (Bruce) St Michael, MN; Barb Yanish (Dave) East Grand Forks, MN; and her sister Marion Martell (Red Lake Falls). Grandchildren: April Henriksen (Jason), Ryan Anderson (Christine), Adam Lindquist, Aimee Cote (Kevin Barry), Jacob Cote, Emily Cote, Brady Anderson,  Alyssa Cote, Stephanie Yanish, Dan Cote, Cody Yanish, Christian Cote, Annie Bea Cote and eight great-grandchildren along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends. 

Graveside Celebration of Life for Dorene will be held Friday, May 17th at 10am at the Saint Anthony of Paudua Cemetery in Terrebonne, MN. A small luncheon to precede after the celebration of life at the Terrebonne Community Hall located down the street. The service will be officiated by Deacon John Bruggeman, St Joseph’s Catholic Church, Red Lake Falls, MN

Services proved by Johnson Funeral Service, Thief River Falls, MN.  www.johnsonfuneralservice.com

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to either one of these organizations that the family has chosen:

Benedictine Living foundation 

BenedictineLiving.org/Giving/Memorials-Honorariums/

or

St Anthony Cemetery 

Attn: Doug Derosier (Sexton)

21969 140th Ave SE

Red Lake Falls, MN 56750

(Cemetery upkeep and maintenance - check only made payable to and mailed to)

Map link to Saint Anthony of Paudua Cemetery in Terrebonne, MN:

https://www.google.com/maps/place/St+Anthony+Cemetery,+Red+Lake+Falls,+MN+56750/@47.8338961,-96.1380209,16z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x52c7a5d741e53e67:0x28a4c60036c5d322!8m2!3d47.8336581!4d-96.1357689!16s%2Fg%2F11bvtbk3cn?entry=ttu

 Kyle Schmitz, 37, of Grand Forks passed away on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at the age of 37 years, 8 months, and 26 days, at home surrounded by his loving family. He had a good life and was loved. May his memory be blessed.

A prayer service and luncheon in memory of Kyle will be held at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Red Lake Falls on Saturday, May 11 at 11 am with his cousin, Father Adam Hamness, officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior. Interment will take place in a private ceremony this summer in Red Lake Falls.

Kyle Lee Anthony Schmitz was born August 6, 1986 (8/6/86 as he liked to say) in Thief River Falls, MN to Paul and Peggy (Dargon) Schmitz. He was baptized at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Red Lake Falls and attended elementary at St. Joseph’s School. Kyle grew up on the family farm west of Red Lake Falls. As a youngster he enjoyed playing on the swing set his dad built from railroad ties, riding the three-wheeler and snowmobile, helping his mom gather eggs, and playing Ninja Turtles with his sisters. Kyle was a sweet and caring boy who loved animals, especially his chocolate lab, Dooley. During his teenage years he played baseball, football, and hockey for the Lafayette Eagles. He graduated from Lafayette High School with the class of 2005. 

After graduation, Kyle ventured to California with a friend and worked as an auto detailer at Bellflower Collision. Upon returning to Minnesota, he became a cook at Joe DiMaggio’s in Red Lake Falls and later worked as a machinist in Crookston. Kyle moved to Grand Forks, ND in 2012 and began employment with JL Beers as a cook, quickly working his way up to manager due to his strong work ethic and reliability. This was a position he held for 10 years. Kyle had a life-long love of softball and played for Johnny’s Lounge and Casino in Grand Forks. His team was very successful, taking first place in several tournaments from 2015-2019, including the annual Simon Schmitz Softball Slam in 2017. That same year they earned consolation honors in the McQuade Charity Softball Tournament.  Described by friends as kind, funny, and sarcastic, Kyle enjoyed playing a good hand of poker and spending quality time getting into shenanigans with “The Crew.” 

Kyle met the love of his life, Audrae, in 2020. She relocated later that year, and the couple made their home in Grand Forks. They were united in marriage on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2022. Kyle and Audrae were homebodies at heart who enjoyed cooking, watching movies, playing cards, and being with their fur babies. Audrae was a ray of sunshine for Kyle and truly filled his last years with hope, love, and happiness. 

Kyle is survived by his loving wife Audrae Schmitz of Grand Forks, his mother Peggy Schmitz of Red Lake Falls, siblings Seleena Navar of Bemidji, Kelly (Sean) Hicks of Red Lake Falls, Rochelle (Marshall) Mickelson of Red Lake Falls, and Corey Dufault of Winona, nephew Vin Navar, nieces Bridget Hicks, Vanessa Hicks, and Charlize Porraz, grandparents Duane and Vicki Dargon of Mentor, many aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and his CREW.  

He was preceded in death by his father Paul Schmitz, grandparents Alois and Dorine Schmitz and Mary DeMarais, brother-in-law Christopher Navar, uncle Greg Hamness, and infant cousin Emma Proulx. 

Kyle’s family would like to extend their deepest appreciation to Hospice of the Red River Valley for their care of Kyle in his final days at home.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests monetary donations be made to Johnson Funeral Service.          

 Keith Ardell Fontaine, 88, of Mentor, MN, passed away peacefully at home on April 28, 2024.  

Keith was born in rural Whitman, North Dakota on April 5, 1936 to Isadore J. and Frieda W. (Kelley) Fontaine.  Keith was baptized at Quale Lutheran Church in Fordville, ND and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Manvel, ND. He grew up attending country schools in Nelson County, ND. Keith was a member of Maple Lake Lutheran Church in rural Mentor, MN.

Keith married Sandra Mauriece Ulland on January 17, 1959. They settled in Red Lake Falls where they raised their children, Kip, Kelly, Karl, Kris, Kraig, and Kirk. They had just celebrated 65 years of marriage. Keith retired from Transport, Inc. in 1989. He then started his second career as a bus driver for the Red Lake Falls school district, where Sandy was his boss. Keith and Sandy purchased Ulland’s Resort on Maple Lake from Sandy’s parents, Orville and Clarice. Keith was very proud of keeping the grounds mowed, manicured and park-like. He loved visiting with his campground family, often sharing a cup of coffee and a treat, and brought joy to hundreds of families that spent their summers at the resort. Keith eventually started driving school bus for the Win-E-Mac school district, retiring at age 84. Keith was extremely proud of his driving expertise and continued driving fertilizer semi-tender truck up until two weeks ago.

Keith was very active in his community. He belonged to the Red Lake Falls Lions Club for many years and was the recipient of Lions International’s highest awards: the Melvin Jones Fellow for Dedicated Humanitarian Services, the Helen Keller Sight Award for leadership in restoring and preserving sight, and the District Governor Award “For Your Unselfish Service to Others.” Sandy and he were inducted into the Red Lake Falls Blue Line Club Hall of Fame in 2014 and they received the Northwest Minnesota Foundation “Circle of Vision” Award in 2018 for their philanthropic efforts. 

Keith and Sandy loved following and watching their children and grandchildren’s extra-curricular activities. This also gave Keith, an avid and renowned raffle ticket salesman, lots of opportunities and new targets to pursue. In 2000, Keith and Sandy established a scholarship fund in memory of their son, Kris Fontaine, who passed away in 1999. The most meaningful tickets Keith sold were for a picnic table he built every year to raffle off at the golf tournament in memory of their son, Kris.

Keith was a recent widower, having lost Sandy on March 2, 2024. Keith was her constant companion and caretaker for several months before her passing. Keith is also preceded in death by his father Isadore; mother Frieda; son Kris Ardell Fontaine; and 14 siblings: Florence Olson, Fern Harrison, Douglas Fontaine, Delmore Fontaine, Frances Ackerman, Stanley Fontaine, Hazel Gunderson, Mavis Woodard, Bonnie Roch, Isadore Jr. (Ginger) Fontaine, Stillborn baby brother, Glenn Fontaine, Gloria Fontaine, and Joann Davis. Keith is survived by two sisters, Hope Lembke and Nancy (Alan) Slominski, along with several sister-in-laws, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Keith and Sandy leave behind a wonderful legacy of family. Surviving Keith are his children, Kip and Sheila Fontaine of Mentor; Kelly and Brian Wavra of Grand Forks, ND; Karl and Laurie Fontaine of Cave Creek, AZ; Kraig and Amy Fontaine of Bagley, MN; and Kirk Fontaine of Red Lake Falls. His grandchildren are: Karli and Bryce Wilson, Keaton and Kalyn Fontaine, Kristian Fontaine, Kael and Amanda Fontaine, Kloe Wavra, Kassandra Fontaine, and Kamden Fontaine. His great children are: Madalyn, Charleigh, Aksel, Krew, Rhylee, Echo, Karter, Kinlee, Anakin, and Kroix.

Services will be held on Saturday, May 4th at 11:00 AM at Bethany Lutheran Church in Red Lake Falls, Minnesota, with visitation one hour before the services.  A visitation will also be held on Friday, May 3rd from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM at Bethany with a Prayer Service at 6:30. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Red Lake Falls Blue Line Club, Attn: Legacy Fund, PO Box 312, Red Lake Falls, MN 56750.

 Thomas Huot of Red Lake Falls, MN passed away on Wednesday, April 17, 2024 surrounded by his loving family at Hillcrest Senior Living in Red Lake Falls, MN.

Mass of Christian burial for Tom will be held 10:30 AM on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Red Lake Falls, MN with Father Bob Schreiner Officiating and John Bruggeman Deacon. Burial will be held at St. Dorothy Catholic Cemetery at a later date.

Visitation will be held on Monday April 22, 2024 at St. Joseph Catholic Church starting a 5:00 PM with a prayer service at 7:00 PM and also one hour prior to the service on Tuesday. 

Thomas Joseph Huot was born September 22, 1934 at Crookston, MN son of Ernest and Emma (Benoit) Huot. He was raised and attended school in Huot, MN. He graduated from Lafayette High school in 1953. After high school Tom entered the US Navy and served his country for 4 years. While stationed in Norfolk, VA he met Elizabeth “Sue” Price. 

Following his honorable discharge, they were united in marriage October 31, 1957 in Norfolk, VA. To this union 8 children were born Teresa, Pam, Bruce, Julie, Mary Beth, David, Beth and Christopher. The couple made their home at Huot where he was employed at various jobs until he began employment at Alma which later became Detroiter. He worked at the ODC in Crookston until retiring in 1996.

Tom enjoyed garage sales, gardening, playing cards, and watching sports. He was always up for a visit and loved to make people laugh. He cared for Huot Park and served on the board for many years. He was a member of the American Legion and served as commander in 1978 and 1979.  He was a member of St. Dorothy Catholic Church until its closing when he became a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. He served on the St. Dorothy Cemetery board for many years. He was involved in The Chautauqua French Festival. 

Tom is survived by his Children Teresa (Dick) Stephens of Red Lake Falls, MN, Pam (Allan) Page of Red Lake Falls, MN, Bruce (Risa) Huot of Hanover, MN, Julie (Jim) Violette of Red Lake Falls, MN, David Huot of Red Lake Falls, MN, Beth (Chris) Olsen of Red Lake Falls, MN and Christopher Huot of Crookston, MN; grandchildren Melissa (Michael) Parkin, Sheila Olberg, Dano (Kelsey) Stephens, Trevor (Hailea) Page, Chelsea Page, Zach (Danielle) Page, Thomas (Katelin) Huot, Ally (Grant) Friendshuh, Kara Young, Jaime (Adam) Violette, Heather (Tyler) Violette, Curtis Olsen, Luke (Emily) Olsen, Tanner (Megan) Olsen, Dylan Olsen, Elizabeth Huot and Alexander Huot; great-grandchildren Lydia, Leia, Mya, Lilah, Christopher, Eli, Zeus, Juniper, Marlee, Jack, Eleanor, Adeline, Mara, Eden, Elijah, Kylar, Evie, Hailey, Olivia, Colt, Hadleigh, Jack, Amy, Connor, and Morgan; great-great-grandchildren Kennedi, Charlie, and Jr. Sister Mae Gjerstad of Huot, MN, brother-in-law Ken Hagl of Red Lake Falls, MN; along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Tom is preceded in death by Sue Huot; his parents and grandparents; infant daughter Mary Beth and infant grandson Brandon Olsen; sisters Lillian Grenier, Pat Ruth, Jean Beyer, Delores Glass, Rita Hagl, Sharon Benoit; brothers Ernest Jr. Huot and Jack Huot. 

Special thanks to the Hillcrest staff, Hospice of the Red River Valley and Johnson Funeral Home.  Your kindness and compassion shown to Dad and our family during this difficult time will not be forgotten.

John Desotell 1946 – 2024

You may know him as John, Mr. D, Diz, or JD. Whatever name you knew him by, you know he was a man of countless unsung accomplishments who had an easy laugh, endless energy, and positive attitude. He gave his all to everything he did; considering every detail and preparing for every scenario. He was a man of integrity; unwavering in his convictions, always considering the good of the whole; expecting nothing in return. He was compassionate, selfless, levelheaded, and thoughtful.

John was a teacher. It wasn’t simply his job; it encompassed every fiber his being. His lessons weren’t just in math or social studies – there were lessons of life. His gentle way of instilling confidence in students’ abilities, expecting the best yet nurturing self-acceptance, left many feeling (in the words of a former student) “…excited-smart-unstoppable. And most importantly at that age, accepted.”

Another student shared: “Mr. D was a teacher in the classroom but saw student potential and teaching opportunities outside of the material he prepped. I was a tall, uncoordinated 12-year-old, but after watching me play in a weekend basketball game, he told me after class the following week to come back to his room over lunch. I did, and he pulled a basketball from behind his desk, and we went down to the “small gym” to practice proper form for me to hold the ball and improve my free throw technique. That small gesture was not lost on me. Nearly 30 years later I still remember the fact he took time he didn’t need to, to invest in me. My basketball career never went anywhere – but the impression that gesture left, the lesson it taught has made a meaningful impact a million times over.”

In life, we all hope to leave some kind of legacy behind. His is one of kindness, of working hard, of listening without judgement, and of giving it your all. Oh, and who could forget the three day sixth-grade trip to Northern Minnesota…sleeping on hard school floors and being woken up by Mr. D circling the gym banging on a pot with a wooden spoon!

We will not be having a traditional funeral and are still considering how to touch hearts with those of you who knew him. If you have memories to share, stories to tell, or just want to let us know our thoughts are with us, please share them via Facebook or send them to Shae McKibbon, 20610 Cadwell Avenue, Brainerd, MN 56401.

As his family, we are missing his smile, and feeling a deep sense of loss.

Kim, Shaejhon & Blair McKibbon, and grandsons, Noah & Briggs. Siblings: Reaume & Vern Desotell, and Joleen Johnson.

~ y ~

Arrangements are with the Rowe Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Grand Rapids, MN. To sign the online guestbook or send condolences visit www.rowefuneralhomeandcrematory.com. 

 LeRoy Carriere, 76, of Roseau, MN, passed away on Friday, April 5, 2024, at Essentia Health, Fargo, ND.

Mass of Christian burial for LeRoy will be held 11:00 AM on Friday, April 12, 2024 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Red Lake Falls, MN with Father Bob Schriner officiating and Deacon John Bruggeman. Burial will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery near Red Lake Falls, MN. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday.

LeRoy Arthur Carriere was born on December 15, 1947 in Crookston, MN, son of the late Mark and Alice (Normandin) Carriere. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Red Lake Falls, MN. He attended St. Joseph Catholic School, and graduated from Lafayette High School in 1965. He also attended Northland College in Thief River Falls and then Bemidji State University graduating with degrees in science and history. He student taught in Warren, MN. He taught at the Cathedral School in Crookston and St. Joseph Catholic School in Red Lake Falls for several years. He worked at Detroiter Mobile Homes which later became Homark Homes in Red Lake Falls. In 1989 he moved to Roseau and started working for Marvin Windows in Warroad where he was employed until retiring in 2013. 

LeRoy loved to go fishing and hunting, enjoyed woodworking and gardening, and tinkering with small engines. He also enjoyed researching family history. When hunting he was the master of little circles while getting ready to go and the king of frying bacon at the hunting shack. He was an active member of the Jaycee’s in Red Lake Falls and achieved the rank of “retired rooster”. He was a member of the DFL, served as chairman of the Roseau River Watershed District board, and was a member of the Red River Watershed Management board. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Red Lake Falls where he had served as altar boy in his youth and later attended Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Roseau.

LeRoy is survived by his siblings Leo Carriere of Roseau, MN, Tim (Carol) Carriere of Red Lake Falls, MN, Albert Carriere of Red Lake Falls, MN, Benita (Larry) Quast of Glencoe, MN; brother-in-law Alan Ste Marie of Red Lake Falls, MN; along with many nieces and nephews.

LeRoy is preceded in death by his parents Mark and Alice, sisters Charlotte (Manuel) Cruz, and Jeannette Ste Marie, nephew Manuel Cruz Jr., and several aunts, uncles and cousins. 

Donald K. Schirrick, 92, of Red Lake Falls, MN, passed away on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at Villa St Vincent, Crookston, MN.

Mass of Christian burial for Don will be held 11:00 AM on Saturday  April 13, 2024  at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Red Lake Falls, MN with Father Bob Schreiner Presider, MSGR. Timothy McGee and John Bruggeman Deacon. Burial will be held at St. Dorothy Catholic Cemetery, Dorothy, MN.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday.

Donald Kern Schirrick was born May 24, 1931 at home in Wylie Township, Red Lake County, homesteaded by his grandfather Frank in 1881, son of Peter and Emma (Whalen) Schirrick. He was raised on the family farm and attended Black River School #124J and graduated from Lafayette High School class of 1949. He attended UND for 2 years where he studied chemistry. He was very active in 4H as a youth and attended the National 4H Club Congress in Chicago in 1951.

On September 9, 1961 he was united in marriage to Karen G. Murray at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Grand Forks, ND. To this union four children were born David, Jennifer, Daniel and Thomas. The family made their home on the Schirrick family farm. Don farmed fulltime and was employed at American Crystal Sugar in Crookston as a lab forman from 1958  and worked there until 1979. 

Don was very proud of his children and grandchildren instilling a work ethic in all of them. He was very involved in politics, was chairman of the Red Lake County DFL for 30 years. He was elected as a pro-life delegate to the national convention in New York City in 1992. Don was instrumental in the founding of the Knights of Columbus at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Red Lake Falls, MN. He was named Minnesota State Knight of the year in 1995. He served on the Red Lake Watershed district for several years. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Dorothy’s Catholic Church and was very active until the church closed when he became a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Red Lake Falls. He was named Red Lake County King Agassiz.

Don is survived by his loving wife of 62 years Karen of Red Lake Falls, MN; children David (Sandy) of Winnemucca, NV, Jennifer (Robert) Proulx of Red Lake Falls, MN, Daniel of Red Lake Falls, MN and Thomas (Vickie) of Hawley, MN; grandchildren Adrianne, Kelly, Holly, Alexandra, Jessie, Kathryn, Kristopher, Kurtis, Laura, Nicholas, Jaclyn, Wyatt, Benjamin, Peter, Emily, Grace; great-grandchildren Olivia, Beau, Grayson, Jocelyn, Mikayla, Braxton, Jackson, Sunnie, Genevieve, Theodore, Connor, William, Olive, Rome; siblings Cecelia Baatz of Crookston, MN, Carol Laier of Twain Harte, CA; several nieces and nephews. 

Don is preceded in death by his parents: siblings, infant Mary, Joseph, Peter Jr., and Madonna Peterson.

CASKET BEARERS: Kristopher Proulx, Kurtis Proulx, Nicholas Proulx, Wyatt Schirrick, Benjamin Schirrick and Peter Schirrick.

Vern Dondoneau, 85, of Grand Forks, N.D. died peacefully in his home with his family by his side on Thursday, March 28, 2024. 

Vern was born on April 10, 1938, in Red Lake Falls, Minn., to Steve and Elizabeth (Haupt) Dondoneau. He married Joan Wysocki on Nov. 18, 1961, in St. Stanislaus Church in Warsaw, North Dakota, and they were blessed with 62 years of marriage and three children: Julie, Michael, and David.

We’d like to give a special thank you to Dr. Casey Ryan, who showed incredible compassion, care and support over his many years as Vern’s primary provider. Thank you also to home hospice nurse Brittney for making him so comfortable and to long-time friend Paul Clark, who rarely missed weekly visits to sit with Vern and brighten his day. 

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Grand Forks. Address: 524 North 5th St. N, Grand Forks, ND, 58203

For a full obituary and to sign the online memorial registry, please go to www.normanfuneral.com.

Mass of Christian Burial: Will be held Thursday, April 4, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. in St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Grand Forks, N.D., with one hour of visitation prior to the liturgy in the church on Thursday.  

Visitation:  All friends and family are invited to share stories at the visitation on Wednesday from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., with Rosary Service at 6:30 p.m. and Vigil Service at 7:00 p.m. at Norman Funeral Home.  

Burial:  At a later date, in Calvary North Cemetery, Grand Forks, ND

(The Historic Norman Funeral Home, Grand Forks, ND)

David DeHaan of Red Lake Falls, MN passed away on Saturday, March 23, 2024 surrounded by his loving family at his rural home.

Mass of Christian burial for David will be held 10:30 on Wednesday March 27, 2024 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Red Lake Falls, MN with Father Bob Schreiner officiating. Burial will be held at St Joseph Catholic Cemetery near Red Lake Falls, MN. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church on Wednesday.

David Martin DeHaan was born July 19, 1951 in Grafton, ND son of Martin and Bernadette (Harold) DeHaan. The family moved around, finally settling in Red Lake Falls. Dave graduated from Lafayette High School graduating the class of 1969.

On June 20, 1981 he was united in marriage to Laurie Knott at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Red Lake Falls, MN. To this union Benjamin and Angela were born. They made their home in Red Lake Falls where Dave was employed at Red Lake Electric until retiring in 2010.

Dave loved spending time with his family, fishing, motorcycling and was very involved in the Patriot Guard. He loved Christmas with the family and all of Laurie’s cooking. Most of all he loved and cherished the time spent with family.

Dave was a member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church, and the Patriot Guard. 

Dave is survived by his loving wife of 42 years Laurie of Red Lake Falls, MN; children Benjamin (Patti) DeHaan of Red Lake Falls, MN and Angela (Frank) Gutierrez of Fargo, ND; grandchildren Elsie, Gabrielle, Hazel, Frankie, Roman, Isabella and Milo; siblings Pauline (Carroll) Drechsel of Fergus Falls, MN, Nancy (friend Warren Uncles) DeHaan of Burrum Heads Australia, Mary (Allan) Morken of Grand Forks, ND, Brian (Kim) DeHaan; along with many nieces and nephews. Uncle Gerard (MaryAnn) DeHaan of Thief River Falls, MN and Elaine “Sis” Boucher of Crookston, MN. 

Dave is preceded in death by his parents Martin and Bernadette, aunts, uncles and other family.