Jeffrey Champagne, 51, died suddenly on Tuesday, November 23, 2010 of natural causes at his residence in Brooks, MN.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday, November 28, 2010 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Brooks, MN with Father Chuck Huck presiding. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in Brooks, MN.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM with a 7:00 PM prayer service on Saturday, November 27, 2010 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Brooks, MN. Visitation will also be held on Sunday from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM at the church.

Jeffrey Dean Champagne was born on January 10, 1959 in Red Lake Falls, MN the fifth of eight children born to Elmer and Theresa (Lessard) Champagne. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Brooks, MN. Jeff attended elementary school in Brooks and graduated from Oklee High School in 1977.

Following high school, Jeff worked various jobs. He worked for area farmers including, John Flateland and Joe Nichols. He also worked on the oil rigs in Wyoming and worked at Simplot in Crookston for a short time.

On November 28, 1978, Thanksgiving night, Jeff went to work for Paradis Mail Service and has been there ever since. He hauled mail for 25 years and has hauled freight for the last 7 years. Jeff was a dedicated employee and enjoyed working for the company. His funeral day marks the 32nd year anniversary with Paradis, Inc.

On August 6, 1983, Jeffrey was united in marriage to Debra Derosier (Berberich) in Red Lake Falls, MN. Debra brought her children, Dana and Lance to this union, and together Jeff and Debra were blessed with a son, Shane. Together they have resided in Brooks, MN.

He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Brooks, MN.

Jeff enjoyed drinking beer, doing yard work, blowing snow, burning in his fire pit, grilling, being home with his family and socializing.

Survivors include his loving wife of 27 years, Debra; son, Shane Champagne both of Brooks, MN; step-children, Dana Berberich of Mesa, AZ and Lance Berberich of Seattle, WA; grandson, Maxwell Bronswell Fisher of Horace, ND; brothers and sisters, Kathleen Halsa of Thief River Falls, MN, Ronald Cheese Champagne of Grimes, IA, Kevin (special friend, Judy Burns) Champagne of Prineville, OR and Scott (special friend, Teresa) Champagne of Erskine, MN; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Richard and Kenny Champagne; and sister, Janel Champagne.

Casketbearers: Roger Paradis, Arne Paradis, Lonnie Paradis, Ryan Paradis, Kent Bergerson, Blake Derosier