Bernard Mercil LaChance
Bernard Mercil LaChance, 80, NE Minneapolis, entered eternal rest on Monday, October 2, 2017 at Johanna Shores in Arden Hills, MN where the staff compassionately cared for Bernard during his stay.
He was born on September 23, 1937 to Emery and MaeBelle LaChance in Red Lake Falls, MN. In 1956, Bernard graduated from Lafayette High School. He was a Navy Veteran of the Korean War serving from 1956 until 1958. Bernard worked for his uncle’s body shop in Crookston for a short time. In 1960, Bernard joined the Crookston Police Department where he worked until retiring in 1982 and achieving the rank of Lt. Detective. He moved to the state of Washington where he owned and operated a drive inn restaurant until moving back to Minnesota in 1984 where he worked in building maintenance. On February 14, 1987, Bernard married Jean Cegla in St. Hedwig Catholic Church in Minneapolis. They lived in Northeast Minneapolis through the years. Bernard’s great love was his faith, his family, his country and the community of Crookston that he proudly served and protected.
Bernard was a member of the Tri City American Legion Post #513. He enjoyed hunting and fishing through the years.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Emery and MaeBelle LaChance; brothers: Ronald LaChance and Richard LaChance; and brother-in-law: Leighton “Butch” Lindwick.
Bernard will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 30 years, Jean; five children: Rick (Janet) LaChance of Fountain, CO; Kevin LaChance of Sedro Woolley, WA; Kimberley Benoit of Burlington, WA; Jolyne LaChance of Sedro Woolley, WA; and Bernie (Sue) LaChance of Mount Vernon, WA; brother: Russel (Barbara) LaChance of Crookston; two sisters: Donna Lindwick of Moorhead and Patricia (Charles) Wilson of Lincoln, CA; seven grandchildren; several great grandchildren; two aunts: Elaine LaChance of Minneapolis and Maria Reopelle of Thief River Falls; and numerous nieces, nephews, very close first cousins and friends.
Mass of Christian Burial 11 AM Friday, at St. Hedwig Catholic Church, 129 – 29th Ave. NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418. Visitation 9:30 AM – 11 AM at the church.
Burial will be on Saturday, October 7, 2017 at 11 am in St. Isidore’s Cemetery, Sturgeon Lake with Military Honors accorded by the Sturgeon Lake/Denham American Legion Post #361. Memorials to the charity of the donor’s choice are preferred. Arr. By Hamlin-Hansen-Kosloski Funeral Home, Moose Lake, MN and KOZLAK-RADULOVICH CHAPEL.