Theodore LaFleur

Theodore T. "Ted" LaFleur, 90, of Crookston, MN, died Tuesday, April 7, 2015, at RiverView Health in Crookston, with members of his family at his side. Ted was born on the family farm, east of Crookston, on December 3, 1924, and was the son of William and Rica (Gelder) LaFleur. He attended country school and Crookston public schools, and after working on the farm for several years entered the US Army on January 1, 1945. During WWII Ted served in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations, spending most of his time at Okinawa. While home on leave, he was united in marriage to Fern Violet Carlson on July 25, 1946 at the First Christian Reformed Church in Crookston. Ted returned to Okinawa a month later, serving until his honorable discharge on May 8, 1947. For his service to his country he was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon, the WWII Victory Medal, and the Japan Occupation Medal. Upon his return to Crookston, and reunion with Fern, Ted began working at the Crookston Milling Company. On November 29, 1949 he earned a diploma in radio repair from the Sprayberry Academy of Radio, and in March of 1951 began operating Ted's Radio Service out of his home. In late 1957 he entered into a partnership with Leo Boucher and Ardelle Hagen, establishing a new Crookston business known as Northwest Appliance. March, 1968 marked the start of his ownership of Ted LaFleur TV and Electronics, which he ran until retirement in 2012. Ted proudly worked alongside his son, Dennis, for the last 25 years of operation. Ted was a very devoted, lifelong member of the First Christian Reformed Church, where he served as an Elder for many years. He kept young by doing as many as 4 crossword puzzles a day. Ted was an avid Twins fan, and enjoyed outings to the local casinos, going out to eat, and coffee time at RBJ's. Traveling to visit family in Michigan, Las Vegas, Arizona, and the Iron Range were always fun times to look forward to, as were the annual trips to the Minnesota State Fair. Ted's greatest joy was sharing his life with Fern, and he loved their family with all his heart. He was especially proud of his grandchildren and all their accomplishments. Ted is survived by Fern, his beloved wife of 68 years; their three children and families: Bill and Kim LaFleur of Apache Junction, AZ, Dennis LaFleur of Crookston, MN, and Susan and Bill Doran of Gilbert, MN; three grandchildren: Barb LaFleur Durden of Minneapolis, Matthew Doran of Gilbert, and Jodi (Will) Enlow of Crookston; and eight great-grandchildren. He also leaves three siblings: Eleanor Morrisey of Rogers, MN, Roger LaFleur of Wyoming, MI, and Dorothy Ogden of Battle Creek, MI; a sister-in-law, Dorothy Hegg of Las Vegas, NV; and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives. Ted was preceded in death by an infant son; his parents; daughter-in-law, Cindy LaFleur; grandson, Jason Clemenson; grandson-in-law, John Durden; parents-in-law, William and Julia Carlson; brother and sister-in-law, Richard and Tillie LaFleur; sister and brother-in-law, Edna and Frank Hosmer; and brothers-in-law and sister-in-law, Charles Morrisey, Angie LaFleur, Bob Ogden, and Paul Hegg. Blessed be Ted's memory. The funeral service honoring the life of Ted LaFleur will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, April 13, 2015, at the Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home in Crookston with Pastor David Johnson, officiating. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service. Interment with military honors will be in the Oakdale Cemetery, Crookston. 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
Monday, April 13, 2015
Service
Monday, April 13, 2015
cemetery
Monday, April 13, 2015