Thief River Falls – Louise Lessard, 88, of Thief River Falls, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 25, 2024, at Thief River Care Center in Thief River Falls, with her loving family by her side.
Louise Mary Linnertz was born April 5, 1936, at Red Lake Falls, the daughter of Hubert and Anna (Kees) Linnertz. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Mary’s Church in Red Lake Falls. Louise attended Lafayette School in Red Lake Falls.
On October 17, 1956, Louise was united in marriage to Kenneth Lessard at St. Joseph Church, Red Lake Falls. To this union four wonderful, beautiful daughters were born, Lila, Deb, Linda and Brenda.
Louise worked hard her entire life. Her employment consisted of jobs with St. John’s Hospital, Red Lake Falls, South Milwaukee Bank, South Milwaukee, WI, Oklee Quilting, Oklee, Arctic Cat in the sewing department, Thief River Falls, Discovery Place in Thief River Falls, and she worked at Plummer School, Plummer, as a foster grandparent. For several years, Louise operated her own sewing business out of her home. She was well known for snowsuits, letterman jackets and general repairs.
Louise was a member St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Thief River Falls. As a hobby, she was active with the Red Hat Society and Louise enjoyed watching Minnesota Twins Baseball and Viking Football. Her greatest enjoyment was spending time with her family.
She is survived by children: Lila (Lloyd) Bergeron, St. Hilaire, Deb (Robert) Buresh, Thief River Falls, Linda (Richard) Keller, Crookston, and Brenda (Steve) Joul, Sartell; grandchildren: Trisha (Jesse) Adelman, Chris Bergeron, Erin (Jeff) Sorenson, Jason Schindler, Nicole (Collin Russell) Thompson, Dani (Tyler) Leverington, Maura, Bethany and Nicholai Joul; great-grandchildren: MaKayla, Liam, Faith, Adley, Chloe, Aubrey, Lilly, Rosie, Julian, Ephram, Eleanor, Addison, Emerson, Brooks; several step-grandchildren: Paul, Robert, Kristina (Rob), Karen (Leif), Lori, Mark, Jackie (Seth); and step-great-grandchildren: Luke, Ana, Claire, Charlotte, Ethan; sister-in-law, Therese Linnertz; many other relatives and friends; and Brenda’s dog, Max.
She is preceded in death by parents, Hubert and Anna (Kees) Linnertz; grandparents, Mike and Caroline Kees and Mike and Mary Linnertz, sister and brother-in-law, Lucille (Dave) Jones; brother, Don Linnertz; and sister and brother-in-law, Mary Ann (Ray) Schindler.
Visitation will begin at 12:30 p.m. with the Mass of Christian Burial at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Thief River Falls, with Father Craig Vasek presiding and Father Rick Lambert concelebrating.
Burial will be at St. Joseph Cemetery in Red Lake Falls at a later date.
Condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com.
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