Ronald LaFriniere age 77 passed away peacefully April 19, 2010 during the hour of mercy while praying the Chaplet of Divine Mercy.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Mary; two sisters, Marilyn and Barbara; and infant grandson, Samuel.

He is survived by his children: Beth (Jerry) Richards of St. Paul, MN, Kris (David) Fortier of New Hope, MN, Julie (John) Munkelwitz of Eagan, MN, Joseph, Amy (Jon) Thelen of Crystal, MN, Cara (Chad) Lindner of New Hope, MN, and Molly (Duane) Eilen of Champlin, MN; 20 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; and his former wife, Elizabeth of Crystal, MN. Also survived by brothers: LeRoy "Bud" (Pam) of Mahnomen, MN, Robert of Mahnomen, Jim (Gloria) of Bagley, MN, Richard (Connie) of Mahnomen, and Kenny (Bonnie) of Mahnomen; sisters: Judy Roy of Carleton, MN, Amelia (Herb) Roy of Mahnomen, MN, and Deb (Cleve) Goodwin of Bagley. Special nieces, Sheila and Paula; and dear friends, The Ellis Family and The Treuer Family; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was an avid hunter, fisherman and golfer, loved to travel, was a great story teller. His greatest pride and joy was his family.

Ronald was born in a blizzard on March 7, 1933 in Mahnomen, MN. He attended grade school in Nay-Tah-Waush and high school in Mahnomen. After graduation, he served with the U.S Army and was stationed in West Germany during the Korean conflict. Following discharge, he was united in marriage to Elizabeth Petermeier on August 30, 1958 in Melrose, MN. He lived and raised a family in the Minneapolis area. Ron was employed by Northern States Power for over 30 years as a lineman and troubleman. He spent his free time in the woods, on a lake or on a golf course, and was especially patient with teaching his friends and grandchildren the finer art of walleye fishing or deer hunting. He insisted all of his kids take gun training and learn to pull in trout. He was a damn good cook and if you never were treated to one of his meals, you must have done something mighty bad, because, like his mother, he fed the whole of Mahnomen County. He worked his ass off and we are damn proud to have worked alongside him, especially as we got the chance to care for him following heart surgery. Miigwetch dad. We love you.

Visitation took place at the Nay-Tah-Waush Sports Complex on Friday, April 23, 2010 from 5:00-7:00 pm with rosary at 6:30 pm and drum ceremony at 7:00 pm. Funeral Mass of Christian Burial with full military honors was held Saturday April 24 10:00 am at St. Anne's Catholic Church in Nay-Tah-Waush. Father Bob Leising officiated with Jon Fortier and Jerry Richards providing special music. Pallbearers were Ron Fortier, Jon Fortier, Paul Heigel, Scott Theriault, Thomas Richards, and Zach Richards. Honorary pallbearers were Michael Richards, Mitchell Gavin, Joseph Eilen, Nathan Thelen, and Ben Munkelwitz. Military honors were provided by the White Earth Veterans Association Honor Guards. Luncheon at the church followed. Interment took place at St. Anne's Cemetery in Nay-Tah-Waush.