Bertram Theodore LaFriniere, age 64, of Mahnomen, Minnesota, began his journey to the spirit world on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, from North Ridge Health and Rehab in New Hope, Minnesota.

Bert was born in Mahnomen on November 9, 1961, to Eulalia (Brisbois) and Wilfred LaFriniere. He is the youngest of 11 children. Bert attended school at Mahnomen Elementary and Mahnomen High School. He graduated from the Auto Tech and Foreign Motors program at Detroit Lakes Technical School in 1981.

He became the proud parent to Kristian (Lafriniere) Elliot, his only child. He loved her with all his heart and was so proud of the young woman she had become.

Bert loved to travel and took every opportunity he could to see this great country. He would spend time with each of his siblings, wherever they were, finding work and making his way. He spent time in California with his oldest brother and his family and also in Washington state with sister Jenny, and John Uruo.  He lived on the big island of Hawaii for a year with Jenny and John.

Bert and sister, Carol, ventured to Port Isabel, Texas across the bay from South Padre Island for one winter. He loved the ocean and enjoyed eating jumbo shrimp at Dirty Al's Restaurant there.

Bert loved to walk and ride bicycle. In his early years, he loved the stock car races and was in the pit crew. He also loved to ride motorcycle and snowmobile with family and friends.

In 2023, Bert had a heart transplant at Abbott Northwest in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He recovered in record time with no heart organ rejection. They were truly amazed at his quick recovery.

In March of this year, Bertram suffered an extended seizure that put him into a deep coma. He never recovered.

Bertram was a great brother and a good friend too many. He loved everyone, from children to teenagers and young adults to the elderly. He will truly be missed by everyone who knew him.

With his passing, he has been reunited with his brothers; Wilfred Jr., Dave, and Glenn; his sisters, Marge Roy and Josie Bellanger. His surviving siblings are Carrie Graham, Jenny (John) Uruo, Carol Mathre, Melody Lafriniere and Mary (Bucky) Tibbetts. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, all of which he loved very much.

May his spirit rest in peace and may we never forget Bertram Theodore LaFriniere. He was one of the good guys.

Funeral Services will be held Friday, June 19, 2026, at 10:30 am at St. Anne's Catholic Church in Naytahwaush, MN.  A Time of Gathering will be held Thursday June 18, 2026, from 5 – 7 pm with a prayer service at 6:30 pm at the Anderson Family Funeral Home in Mahnomen and continue one hour prior at the church on Friday.  Inurnment will take place at St. Anne's Catholic Cemetery, Naytahwaush.