Elmer Champagne, 74, of Brooks, MN died on Monday, October 23, 2000 at Northwest Medical Center in Thief River Falls, MN. Arrangements with the Johnson Funeral Service in Red Lake Falls, MN.

Mass of Christian burial will be held on Friday, October 27, 2000 at 11:00 AM in St. Joseph Catholic Church in Brooks, MN with Father Tim Bushy Officiating. Burial will be held in the St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, 6 " 8 PM with a 7:30 Rosary Service and also one hour prior to services all at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Brooks, MN.

Elmer E. Champagne was born August 19, 1926 in Red Lake County, MN son of Amedie and Delima (Carriere) Champagne. Elmer attended rural School. He farmed in the Brooks area until his retirement in 1979. He also worked at the American Crystal Beet Plant in Crookston, the Brooks Cheese Factory the J. R. Simplot factory in Crookston and at the last was hauling Milk for Dan Jolly retiring from there in 1996. Elmer was united in marriage to Theresa Lessard October 25, 1948 at Oklee, MN. The couple lived in the Brooks area all of their lives.
Elmer was a life member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Brooks, enjoyed gardening, mowing his lawn and watching TV. He was a member of the Catholic Order Foresters. Most of all Elmer loved to spend time with his grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife Theresa Champagne of Brooks, MN; children: Kathleen Halsa of Thief River Falls, MN; Richard Champagne (friend Kimberly Bruley) of Thief River Falls, MN; Ronald Champagne (friend Marlene Hince) of Casper, WY; Jeffrey (Debbra) Champagne of Brooks, MN; Kevin Champagne (friend Jewell Burns) of Warrington, OR; Janel Champagne (friend Greg Lord) of Brooks, MN and Scott Champagne of Brooks, MN: 10 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren and 2 step grandchildren. Brother William Champagne of Oklee, MN; sisters Luella (Ronald) Bushaw of Fargo, ND; Dorene (Maurice) Cote of Mentor, MN and Marion Martell of Red Lake Falls, MN.
He is preceded in death by his son Kenneth in 1996, one brother Onezime Champagne, one sister Lorene Westman and his parents.

ORGANIST: Lorraine Mercil
CASKET BEARERS: Mark Gunderson, Kent Bergerson, Michael Halsa, Tony Halsa, Dan Jolly and Rodney Cote.