Lee S. LaBarre

Lee Stewart LaBarre, 77 of rural Webster and Devils Lake ND passed away on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, at Eventide Heartland Care Center with a loving family at his side.

There will be a gathering of family and friends at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Thursday, (tomorrow) August 29, 2024 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Friday, August 30, 2024 at 2:30 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Devils Lake with burial at St. Benedict’s Catholic Cemetery, rural Crary, ND. There will be Firefighter’s Honors following the Mass.

Lee Stewart LaBarre was born in Hibbing, Minnesota on April 6, 1947, to Leo and Jeanette (Stewart) LaBarre. As a baby, he moved with his parents to the Webster area where he continued to live and farm until his passing.

Lee attended a one room school, Cato Township #1, and Devils Lake Public School, graduating from Central High School with the Class of 1965. He continued his education at UND, graduating with a degree in Geology.

Lee married the love of his life, Bonnie Burckhard in 1969. Lee’s passion was farming but he also loved snow skiing, racquet ball and his family and friends. His children and grandkids were always foremost in his mind. His grandchildren were so precious to him.

Lee was a firefighter with the Devils Lake Volunteer Rural Fire Department, a volunteer with Lake Region Winter Sports, and enjoyed membership in the Elks Lodge. He was a member of St. Benedict’s Church until it closed and served as the President of the Church Council for several years.

Lee had a witty sense of humor that could put a smile on everyone’s face, even in the toughest times.

Lee is survived by his wife Bonnie of 55 years; son Jeb LaBarre and his wife Tara (Heisler) and granddaughter Marion of Webster, ND; daughter Brooke and her husband Eric Viere and grandchildren Mara and Burke of Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota; siblings Renee Reiten, Peterburg, ND, Terry (Brad) Webster, and Tom LaBarre all of Devils Lake; special aunt Eileen Erickson; many nieces, nephews and their families.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Greg LaBarre.

We love you and will miss you, but know where you are “Checking the beans.”

Reading Scripture will be Tara LaBarre, bringing up the Eucharistic Gifts will be the grandchildren Marion, Mara and Burke, and urn bearers will be Arne Berg, Dennis Olson, Rich “Pork” Lybeck, and Brad Webster.