John "Toby" R. Trottier

John R. “Toby” Trottier, 82 of Devils Lake passed away on November 22, 2022 at Sanford Medical Center, Fargo ND.

John Robert Trottier, known as Toby, son of John and Blanche Trottier was born on November 2, 1940 in Fort Totten, ND.  He grew up on a turkey ranch, where his father raised turkeys.  He attended school in St. Michael until transferring to St. Mary’s Academy.  He was a star basketball player for the St. Mary’s Knights graduating in 1959.

He entered the Navy in 1960 and served in Norfolk, VA until his discharge in 1964. 

He met the love of his life, LeElla Howes while attending Lake Region Junior College.  They were united in marriage on August 31, 1960.  They lived a life of love, laughter and happiness for 62 years until God called him home on November 22, 2022.

After his discharge from the Navy they returned to Devils Lake to live and raise their family.  He was an over the road trucker for many years, employed at Sioux Manufacturing and Central Middle School until his retirement.  He continued to drive school bus for a number of years. 

He was a sports enthusiast and followed his kids, grandkids and great grandkids as they participated in sports and other activities.  He was their biggest fan!  He loved to watch all sports on TV, his wife always said as long as he had his sports to watch on TV he was a happy man. 

He and his wife were members of St. Joseph Catholic Church for over 40 years.  He was a lifetime member of the Elk’s Lodge and a member of the Knights of Columbus. 

When their children were grown Toby and LeElla travelled all over the United States for two weeks every summer by car.  In 2004 LeElla decided she wanted to go to Hawaii and she would fly, then to Italy in 2007 and finally a cruise in 2010.

Toby was a very devoted husband, loving dad, grandpa and great grandpa and a good friend to everyone.  When his health was good he loved to go to coffee daily with friends and Saturday morning breakfast at the White House Café.

His loving family includes: his wife LeElla, his children Jamie Trottier, Michelle (Barry) Ash, Todd (Gloriann ) Trottier and Troy (Beth) Trottier; his grandchildren Amber (Todd) Lambrecht, Erik (Tracy Vilandre) Hoeltl, Carson (Shelby) Adam, Landon Morin, Trayden Morin, Brady (Brianna) Ash, Collin Trottier, Danielle Ash, Kelly (Dean) Deschampe, Sara Opp; his great grandchildren, Avery Longie, Kellan and Deklan Hoeltl, Ridge Hollenbeck, Easton Morin, Kellan Deschampe and Eli Toby Adam; his brother Gary (Nancy) Trottier and sister Cindy Eidemueller.

Toby was preceded in death by his parents John and Blanche Trottier, his in-law’s Harry and Ella Howes and his great grandson Drew Longie.

Casket Bearers for Toby will be Erik Hoeltl, Carson Adam, Brady Ash, Collin Trottier, Landon Morin, Todd Lambrecht and Avery Longie. Presenting the Eucharistic Gifts will be Amber Lambrecht, Danielle Ash, Brianna Ash and Tracy Vilandre. Reading the Scriptures will be Dennis Schwab. Music will be provided by Shelby Adam and Becky Brandvold.

Visitation will be held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Tuesday, November 29, 2022 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a Rosary and Scripture Service at 5:30 p.m. led by Reverend Mr. Jeff Vaagen, Deacon and the Knights of Columbus. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Wednesday, November 30, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Devils Lake with the Very Reverend C.F. Wilhelm celebrating the Mass.  Burial and Military Honors will be at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.  Mass will be live streamed at Facebook/stjosephdvl. As a gift to the family, please include your mailing address on all condolences.