Clarence Vaudrin

Clarence Edgar "Frenchie" Vaudrin, age 81, of Gentilly, MN, died Monday afternoon, October 13, 2014, at the Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, ND, with his loving family at his side. Frenchie peacefully left this world for another after courageously battling failing health for many months. He was the fifth of seven children of the union of Albert and Mary (Derosier) Vaudrin; born on the family's farm in Kertsonville Township, near Gentilly, MN, on April 6, 1933. Frenchie was baptized and confirmed at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Gentilly and attended nearby country school. He then worked on the farm with his family for several years. On March 31, 1959 he was united in marriage to Marlys St. Marie at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Red Lake Falls, MN. Frenchie and Marlys settled on the farmstead he grew up on and together they raised five children: Darrell, Vicki, Gary, Kevin, and Cherie. For several years Frenchie worked for the Rene Amiot, Vern Jensen, and Eickhof and Sons Construction Companies. In 1978, he established his own business known as 'Frenchie's Woodworks.' His reputation as an artist in woodworking grew by leaps and bounds, and, to this day, evidence of his creativity and fine craftsmanship can be found in countless numbers of area homes and businesses. In fact, it became commonplace for his many customers to brag to others, "Frenchie made this for me." He physically retired a few years ago, but in spirit went to his shop every day.

Frenchie had a lifelong passion for archery and took great pride in bow hunting with his sons and Vicki, target shooting with them, and scouting the woods together. He was instrumental in establishing the Crookston Archery Club many years ago, teaching and welcoming new young archers to the sport. Frenchie enjoyed sharing stories of the hunt with friends, and throwing the occasional horseshoe. He liked to play all sports while growing up, but hockey was special. Not only did he play the game very well, but was a coach who helped mentor his kids and some of the grandkids as well. He shared 55 wonderful years with his beloved wife and best friend, Marlys, and gave thanks everyday for waking up to the sun rising on the homestead on which he lived his entire life. Frenchie's passion, humor, faith, and contentment, will be treasured by his family. His son-in-law, Mark, summed up his legacy best of all, "The world was a better place because Frenchie was in it!" Frenchie takes leave of his wife, Marlys, and their five children: Darrell Vaudrin of Crookston, Vicki (George) Walters of Erskine, MN, Gary (Barb) Vaudrin of Park Rapids, MN, Kevin Vaudrin of Crookston, and Cherie (Mark) Steinmetz of Paradise Valley, AZ; nine grandchildren: Richard, Jessica, Elizabeth, Mady, and Ally Vaudrin, McKayla and Kyle Walters, and Amanda and Sydney Steinmetz; sister, Irene Skelly of Tacoma, WA; sister-in-law, Verna Vaudrin of Weslaco, TX; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Mary; an infant brother, Theodore; three sisters: Florence (Louis) Maygra, Lucille (Bill) Demarais, and Jeanette (Russell) Glass; brother, Delbert Vaudrin; and brother-in-law, Lewis Skelly. Blessed be Frenchie's memory.



The Mass of Christian Burial for Clarence "Frenchie" Vaudrin will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, October 18, 2014, at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Gentilly, MN, with The Rev. Vincent Miller, presiding, and Deacon Dennis Bivens, homilist. Visitation with the family will be held at the Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home in Crookston on Friday from 5-7:00 p.m., with a 7:00 p.m. prayer service, and also for one hour before the memorial service Saturday. Inurnment will be in St. Peter's Cemetery. Online registry:



www.stenshoelhouske.com

Funeral Home: Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home 615 South Minnesota Street Crookston, MN US 56716

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Previous Events

Visitation
Friday, October 17, 2014
Service
Saturday, October 18, 2014
cemetery
Saturday, October 18, 2014