DOROTHY GWENDOLYN "GWENN" LAFLEUR

D. Gwendolyn “Gwenn” LaFleur, 94 of Devils Lake, ND passed away on Saturday, January 17, 2015 at Heartland Care Center, Devils Lake. Dorothy Gwendolyn LaFleur was born March 16, 1920 to George Boyd and Dorothy Hicks Yeagle in Germantown, Pennsylvania. She graduated from Mount Lebanon High School in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She enrolled and graduated from Pinkerton School and immediately went to work for United States Steel. She met the love of her life, Izzy, in Pittsburgh while he was on furlough from his outpost in the Pacific Theater. She became a war bride upon his return a year and a half later. She was proud of her Quaker roots and endured many treks back home with her young family. Gwenn was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church and Presbyterian Women. She was an original member of the Grandma’s Dart League and Lake Region Duplicate Bridge Club. She also belonged to Eastern Star and Lake Region Skating Club. Gwenn was an accomplished knitter and could still be seen with her knitting beside her. Even with her impaired vision, every child born within her family circle received an afghan made with love. Gwenn and Izzy were avid hockey fans especially enjoying University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux hockey. Holding season tickets for over 40 years, they knew well every referee by name. They loved the Hrkac Circus along with the many fans who were life-long friends. She knew the rules and took every opportunity to apply them in her own penalty box on 4th street. Gwenn is survived by her daughter Betty Jo (Chuck) Erickson, sons Boyd (Sue), and Rick (Shirley) all of Devils Lake. Grandchildren; Stacy (Gary) Ladabouche, Rutland, VT, CDR Brian (Erika) Erickson, Memphis, TN, Kevin (Erika) Erickson, Denver, CO, Nathan LaFleur, Blake (Megan) LaFleur, both of Devils Lake, Brittin (Brock) Callina, Grand Forks, Lindsay (MAJ Mark) McDaniel, Atlanta, GA, Alexis (SSG Bill) Dion, Dustin (Derissa) LaFleur, both of Devils Lake, and Leslie LaFleur, Seattle, WA; 15 great grandchildren; sister Betty (Bob) Mechling, Brentwood, TN, and sister-in-law Jean Glasscock, Bellingham, WA as well as several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband of 67 years, Izzy. Serving as Casket Bearers for Gwenn will be her grandchildren Stacy Ladabouche, CDR Brian Erickson, Kevin Erickson, Nathan LaFleur, Blake LaFleur, Brittin Callina, Lindsay McDaniel, Dustin LaFleur, Lexie Dion and Leslie LaFleur and Allan Thompson, Mike Connor, Bill Wakefield, Brad Thompson, Paul Goulding, Tom Wade, and Jim Hunt, with assisting Pallbearers Al Strong Family, Leevers Family, Bill Jerome Family, Roberts Family, Riggin Family, Neil Thompson Family, Tom Goulding Family and Dan Wakefield Family. Special Tribute by CDR Brian Erickson and Reading the Scriptures will be Kevin Erickson and Leslie LaFleur. Funeral Services for Gwenn will be held at the Westminster Presbyterian Church, Devils Lake on Friday, January 23, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. with Rev. Reuben Schnaidt officiating. Burial will be in the Devils Lake Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Thursday, January 22nd from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. with a Time of Remembrance and Prayer at 6:00 p.m. Visitation on Friday will be at the church one hour prior to the funeral service. Memorials may be directed to the Lake Region College Foundation Scholarship Fund or the Lake Region Heritage Center.