John Baptiste Trottier Sr.

John B. Trottier Sr. 92 of Devils Lake, ND died on Wednesday, June 8, 2005 at the Heartland Care Center, Devils Lake. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, June 11, 2005 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Devils Lake. Fr. C. F. Wilhelm will celebrate the Mass and burial will be in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery. Friends may call at the Gilbertson Funeral Home Chapel, Devils Lake on Friday from 1:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. with a Rosary and Scripture Service at 5:00 p.m. The Rosary will be led by the Knights of Columbus. Visitation on Saturday will be at the church one hour prior to the funeral service. Serving as Pallbearers will be David and John Eidemueller, Josh Trottier, Todd and Troy Trottier, Dwight Trottier, Barry Ash and Erik Hoeltl. Music will be provided by Deanna Trottier Hjelseth, Shawn Trottier and David Trottier, Vocalists and Patty Cote, Organist Reading the Scriptures: Todd Trottier Gift Bearers will be Stephanie, Jessica and Kayla Trottier. John Baptiste Trottier was born on August 6, 1912 at Rolla, North Dakota the son of Joseph V. and Rose (Belgarde) Trottier. He attended five years of school at Fort Totten, ND and six years at Chemawa, Oregon. While at Chemawa he trained as a tailor and also worked in a bakery and was manager of the bakery in the summer months. John was united in marriage to Blanche Martin on April 24, 1940 at St. Joseph Catholic Church. They established their home on a farm 8 miles south of Devils Lake where they lived, worked and raised their family. In 1938, John acquired six turkeys as a hobby and by 1945 he began raising turkeys commercially. Due to the size and demanding work load, John needed three full time men to assist him in the operation. By 1950, John knew the importance of raising a breeding flock and this was also a part of the Trottier Farm which was equipped to handle approximately 30,000 commerical birds. At one time, John had the largest breeding flock in North Dakota. Later on John Jr. joined his father in the operation. In the spring of 1983, John retired and he and Blanche moved to Devils Lake. John served as a County Committeeman for the Farmers Home Administration in Benson County. He was the first Native American to serve in this capacity in Benson County. He was a member of the North Dakota Turkey Federation, serving as President in 1958 and later as a member of the Board of Directors for four years. He also served on the Board of Directors for Nakota Feeds of Devils Lake. In 1968, as one of fifteen nationally selected outstanding businessmen by the United States Department of the Navy, John went on a cruise to Pearl Harbor aboard the Aircraft Cruiser, Bon Homme Richard which he had the privilege of touring and also spent a day aboard a submarine. John was a former member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church and later as a very active member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. He was also a life member of the Knights of Columbus and a member of the Devils Lake Eagles and Elks John enjoyed watching sports of all kinds but especially watching his grandchildren participating in their school activities and sports. He remained very active by walking every day. He was an avid reader and so enjoyed coffee with the gang at the White House Café. He will be so greatly missed by all those who knew and loved him. John is survived by his wife of 65 years, Blanche Children: John R. Trottier and his wife, LeElla of Devils Lake Cindy Eidemueller, West Fargo, ND Gary Trottier and his wife, Nancy also of Devils Lake Ten Grandchildren: Jamie Trottier, Michelle (Barry) Ash, Todd (Gloriann) Trottier, Troy (Beth) Trottier, David Eidemueller, John Eidemueller, Stephanie Trottier, Jessica Trottier, Josh Trottier and Kayla Trottier. Ten Great Grandchildren; Amber Hoeltl, Erik Hoeltl, Landon Morin, Trayden Morin, Carson Adam, Brady Ash, Danielle Ash, Collin Trottier, Kelly Opp and Sarah Opp. Sister: Lillian Ducept, Belcourt, ND Many Nieces and Nephews also survive. Special Family Friend: Madelyn Kurtz, Devils Lake John was preceded in death by his grandson, A.J. Eidemueller; parents; brothers, Ray and Pat Trottier; sister, Florestine Vanoss. Friends may sign the on-line register book at www.gilbertsonfuneralhome.com