Obituary - Louis "Louie" Virgil Laverdure

Louis "Louie" Virgil Laverdure, 86, returned to his heavenly home on January 2, 2019.

He took his final breath surrounded by his children and loving wife of almost 62 years. Louis' devotion to his family and his firm belief in God and the Catholic faith is what provided him peace.

Louis was born to Jerry and Rose (Vivier) Laverdure, a farm laborer and a homemaker respectively, in Belcourt, ND, on November 28, 1932. Louie was the 13th of 14 siblings. Losing his father at the age of 7, he attended a Catholic boarding school, graduating with a GED because he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. He served in the Air Force from August 7th, 1951, to August 6th, 1955, as a firefighter. Louis received his honorable discharge on July 31st, 1955, having served in the Korean War after being stationed in the Marshall Islands. He witnessed the testing of the hydrogen bombs.

After completing his military service, Louis attended Well Technology, now known as DeVry University, and received a degree in electronic engineering. He later obtained his FCC license and worked for Mountain Bell, later Qwest. from 1963 until 1999. During his years, he enjoyed many summers at the cabins and spending time with his grandkids. He taught himself sign language to communicate with his eldest granddaughter. He never stopped learning and trying new things to keep his mind young.

Louis was blessed with a loving family. He married his best friend, Arleen Klein, on January 19, 1967, in Deer Lodge, MT. Louis helped raise his two children with patience, discipline and laughter. He taught them to read, write and solve complex equations, and often took them on long family trips to see the natural beauty of California, Utah and Montana. From the very beginning, he dedicated his children to God and encouraged them to perform their best academically. He continued this legacy with his grandchildren, teaching them, "No one can take your education away".

Louis was an educator at heart. He was kind and soft-spoken, and always had time to answer a question or solve a problem, no matter how small. He is dearly missed by his loved ones, who celebrate the fact that he is at peace with his creator.

Louie is survived by his wife, Arleen; his two children, Debby (Robert) DiPiero, and Raymond Laverdure; sister Ramona (Laverdure) Poitra; grandchildren Roxanne Knudson, Jennifer (Scott) Durward, and Joshua (Twyla) Knudson; great-grandchildren Louis and Liana Durward and Justin and Julia Knudson. He also leaves behind a lifelong friend, Dean Fisher and his coffee crew at McDonald's.

A vigil will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, January 4, at St. Jude's Catholic Church starting with a full Rosary. The funeral with be conducted on Saturday, Jan. 5, at 11 a.m. at St. Jude Thaddeus Church with Father Dan Wathen and Deacon Tim Maroney officiating the funeral with full Mass. A reception to follow at the parish center.

The family would like to express their greatest gratitude to the Havre community and donations in memory of Louis can be made to St. Jude Thaddeus Church.

Holland & Bonine Funeral Home has been entrusted with services and arrangements. Please visit Louis' online memorial page and leave a message of condolence for his family at http://www.hollandbonine.com/.