Francis Joseph LaForte

Francis J. LaForte, 92 of St. Michael, ND passed away on Sunday, September 28, 2025 at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, ND.

Visitation will be held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Thursday, October 2, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a Rosary, Scripture Service and Time of Remembrance at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be at St. Michael's Catholic Church, St. Michael, ND on Friday, October 3, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. with Reverend Paul Schuster celebrating the Mass. Burial with Military Honors will be held at St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery in Devils Lake following the funeral Mass.

Francis Joseph La Forte Jr., son of Francis J. and Jennie (Gourneau) LaForte Sr. was born on October 1, 1932 at the Fort Totten Hospital. He grew up in Devils Lake, attended his very early years of education in Devils Lake but eventually continued his education at the Fort Totten Boarding School.

Francis’s desire to serve his country started at a very young age and he actually enlisted when he was 15 years old. When his true age was discovered, he was sent back home, but when he turned 18 he enlisted in the United States Army. He proudly and honorably served his country during the Korean War in both Korea and Japan. He served with a Tank Battalion. The battalion frequently named their tanks and Francis would reminisce about “Chug a Lug” and the “Iron Bitch”. He was honorably discharged after four years of service on November 20, 1953 with the rank of Corporal.

Francis married Rose Coleman on October 18, 1958. They had known each other their entire lives, both growing up in Devils Lake. They established their home in Devils Lake and Francis worked for the City of Devils Lake Water Department. They moved to Fargo for a short time, then to rural St. Michael where they have lived, worked, and raised their family through the years.

Francis had a variety of jobs through the years, but each job he did with pride, a good work ethic, and always with a smile and big heart. He hauled furs for Porter Brothers, worked in the missile sites in the area, worked at John Trottier’s turkey farm and after determination and hard work earned his GED through Lake Region Junior College and then worked as an instructor at the college helping others to earn their GED. Francis then began a 30 year career with the BIA/Spirit Lake Tribe. He was first an officer with the Police Department, then a Fire Fighter and then worked for Land Management. Retirement was never part of Francis’s vocabulary and he worked well into his 70’s.

Francis loved the outdoors and the family took every chance they could, to load up the Jeep with supplies and kids and head to the Sheyenne River to camp. He loved hunting and fishing. Catching fish was great, but spending time with family and friends were his most treasured moments. He loved his family, he kept an eye on his sons and Rose kept an eye on the daughters, encouraging them, loving them unconditionally, and always being there for them. While in the military, Francis was frequently found singing and playing guitar with his Army buddies. This love of music carried over into civilian life and in his early years he was the lead singer of one of the first five piece bands in the Lake Region.

Francis faithfully served his country, his Lord, his family and his community. May he rest in peace.

Franics’s loving family include his wife Rose of nearly 67 years; children Jackie (Nickolie) Thompson, Sheyenne ND, Jim (Holly) LaForte, Devils Lake, William LaForte, Sheyenne District, JoAnn LaForte, Maddock ND, Nicole (Darin) LaForte-Goulet of Grand Forks and Jennie Jo LaForte (Leo Delorme), also of Grand Forks; grandchildren Lacey (Greg) Thieschafer, Candice (Brett) Mercer, Nickolie Thompson Jr. (Cheyenne), William Joseph LaForte, LaShawn Rose LaForte, Derrick Corbine; sixteen great grandchildren; sister Jeanie “Dixie” LaForte, Spokane WA; faithful canine companion Hobo; many dear nieces, nephews and their families and “favorite” nephew Dave Wilkie.

He was reunited with his parents, daughter Lori Ann LaForte, granddaughter Kayla Rose Thompson, sisters Stella Wilkie, Mary Jane Lindstrom, and Barbara “Tiny” Adams, nephew Patrick Wilkie and in-laws William and Hilda Coleman.

Casket Bearers will be William LaForte, Jim LaForte, Trevor Delorme, Branson Delorme, William Joseph LaForte, Brayden Delorme, Nickolie Thompson Jr., Derrick Corbine and Keyon LaForte. Reading Scripture will be Nickolie Thompson Sr.

Memorials may be directed to the Devils Lake/Altru Dialysis Unit in memory of Francis.