LeRoy "Bud" Eugene LaFriniere, age 86, passed away peacefully on August 6, 2025, at home, under the care of Hospice and surrounded by family.

Bud was born April 14, 1939, at White Earth, MN, to Joseph and Mary (Chmelar) LaFriniere, the fourth of eleven children. He attended Naytahwaush School before enlisting in the U.S. Navy at age 17. He attended the U.S. Armed Forces Institute in Madison, WI, and then served three years aboard the heavy cruiser U.S.S. Los Angeles. His military service would take him to Mexico, Australia, the Philippines, China, Japan, and Guam among other countries. After his time in the Navy, Bud returned home to Mahnomen and met the love of his life, Pamela Fjeld. He gave her a lift home from school one day and fell in love at first sight. After a whirlwind courtship, Pam and Bud were married on September 18, 1960, and then moved to Los Angeles. Once there, Bud's initial plan was to enroll in a barber program since he had cut hair in the Navy, but an admissions counselor advised him that his analytical mind might be well-suited to working with emerging electrical technology. So, Bud attended night school at the Electronic Technical Institute in Inglewood and graduated with his degree in Electronics Engineering.

He began his career with the Howard Hughes Aircraft Company, traveling to Turkey, Ethiopia, Vietnam, and other locations to install satellite communication systems, often under classified status because of their military applications. While living in California, Bud and Pam welcomed Paula in 1961 and Tim in 1966. In the summer of 1973, Bud and Pam and children moved back to Minnesota to be closer to family. They bought the Pawlitschek farm near Roy Lake, began milking cows, and later raised beef cattle. While living on the farm, Bud and Pam welcomed two more children, Annie in 1979, and Andrew in 1981. They raised their family, corn, oats, alfalfa, calves, and a large garden every year. Bud gave generously of his time, serving for 22 years on the Clover Township board, acting as Chairman for 14. In addition to farming, Bud ran his business, LeRoy's Satellite and TV Systems, installing satellite dishes for many area customers and becoming known as "The Satellite Man." He retired from farming in 2020 at age 81.

Bud had his mother's talent in the kitchen and had a knack for making a delicious meal out of whatever ingredients were at hand. He also specialized in breads, donuts, and his locally famous kolaches. Bud would often make his children a hot breakfast before school and then go put in a full day's work himself. He was known for his strong work ethic and ability to live economically, making the most of every resource and opportunity. His sharp mind and business acumen fueled an enjoyment of following economic trends and the stock market. His impeccable memory enabled him to remember incredible amounts of facts and figures as well as the face and name of anyone he'd ever met. Additionally, Bud had an excellent sense of humor and was known for funny stories, witty comments, and a bright, mischievous grin. He was a dedicated family man who found immense joy in spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and extended family. Bud was a wise and talented man who could fix anything, build any structure, untangle any knot, and solve any problem. These were skills Bud used to the good of many, leaving a legacy of kindness that touched countless lives.

Bud is survived by his wife of nearly 65 years, Pam; daughter, Paula Stock of Mahnomen; son, Tim (Tina) LaFriniere of Waubun; daughter, Annie (Miles) Baker of Ogema; and son, Andrew LaFriniere of Mahnomen; 13 grandchildren: Jason (Sarah), Jill (Kevin), Chris, Eric (Samantha), Mikel (Roshell), Erin, Indy (Darryll), Tim, Abigail, Nicholas, Alivia, Hannah, and Greyson; 28 great-grandchildren; sisters, Judy Roy, Amelia Roy, and Debra Goodwin; brother, Richard (Connie) LaFriniere; sister-in-law, Gloria "Mouse" LaFriniere; grandchildren's mothers: Jen Pawlitschek and Tricia Simon; along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Mary; infant daughter, Brenda; son-in-law, Danny Stock; an infant granddaughter born sleeping; brothers: Ronald, Robert (Lucille), Jim, and Kenny (Bonnie); sisters: Marilyn (Dan) Goodwin, and Barbara Windecker; and brothers-in-law: John Roy, Herb Roy, and Cleve Goodwin.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to HIA Health Hospice Care in appreciation of the compassionate care they provided for Bud.

A Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 pm, with a Prayer Service at 6:30 pm, on Monday, August 11, 2025, at Anderson Family Funeral Home in Mahnomen, MN. A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 am, with Visitation continuing an hour prior to the service, on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at St. Anne's Catholic Church in Naytahwaush, MN.  Inurnment with Military Honors will be held at St. Anne's Catholic Cemetery.