Pierre "Pete" J. LaFrance

LaFrance, Pierre (Pete)

88, formerly of Plymouth, was a man of deep faith who exhibited tremendous love for family, friends, and genuine interest in the lives of everyone he met. Pete passed into his heavenly home on July 1, 2023, months after his brain cancer diagnosis.

Born in 1935, raised in Mankato, he was the middle child of 5, labeled “Mr Personality” for his quick wit, engaging smile and ever present sparkle in his eyes. He felt supremely blessed throughout his life, grateful for God-centered parents who instilled the importance of humility, simplicity, integrity, education and the “gift of conversation”.

Though athletic, he excelled best in leadership roles and was voted president of numerous clubs throughout high school and college. During his freshman year at Mankato State, a “shy, lovely, small town farm girl” captured his heart. Initially unsure about the “city boy” whose car on their first date required a rolling restart on a sub-zero night, Carmen married the man who adored, honored, loved and danced with her for 63 years.

As an Auditor for John Deere & Co, frequent relocations prompted desire for closer proximity to family, and a departure from accounting (“I wanted to create history, not record it”) to a marketing/sales position with MN company, Graco, Inc. Realizing his skill for empowering others, he recognized his most important goal as Executive General Manager was to contribute to the growth and success of his employees. For years after retirement, his passion for directing/ guiding future entrepreneurs continued as a volunteer mentor at SCORE, and business consultant for son-in-law, Brian.

Pete was a “man-ahead-of-his-time” as husband and Dad. With the birth of five children in his twenties (the first four born in just 3 yrs), once home from “the office”, he’d morph into bottle washer and bedtime storyteller. He’d manage school morning chaos, grocery shop, make pizza on weekends, assist with homework, boost our confidence with his presence at numerous athletic games/ activities, and provide guidance when navigating college and career choices. Physically active long before “exercising” became a trend, the surprise arrival of sixth child, Todd, generated the idea for a toddler “bike seat” and a passion for long distance biking. He believed his ability to log thousands of bike miles over several decades and participate in several Ironman/Ride Across MN events, was a God “gift”.

Date nights with Mom, his grandchildren, family dinners, the Green Bay Packers, reading, his music collection, writing, a good party, meeting new people, war movies, quiet time, prayer, competition, and helping the less fortunate, rounded out his “favorite things”.

Survived by his children, Anne (Bruce Merry), Suzette (Brian) Burley, Greg (loving daughter-in-law, Lisa, who passed 12 days after Pete), Paul (Julie), Mary (Jim) Ziemer, Todd (Sarah); 14 grandchildren; siblings, Ginny LaFrance, Mike LaFrance; in-laws, Maureen LaFrance, Pat Schindler, Grace Staloch, 40+ nieces/ nephews. Preceded in death by his faithful soulmate, Carmen (nee Staloch); brothers, Gene LaFrance, Al LaFrance; numerous in-laws.

Our hearts are full of gratitude for Interim Hospice Nurse, Riley, Chaplain Carol, and their ministerial team, along  with The Glenn staff, Emma, Tenzing, Pedlund, and Bloom, who provided uplifting gentle care for my Dad throughout his final months.  Their kind patience elicited smiles and relief on his difficult days

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, July 26, at St. Bartholomew, 630 E. Wayzata Blvd., Wayzata. Visitation at 10 am, Mass at 11 am, and luncheon to follow. Interment at Resurrection Cemetery in Shorewood. Memorials preferred to Abria Pregnancy Resources, Banyan Community or IOCP (Interfaith Outreach).