Maurice Reopelle, 92, died Friday, November 24, 2006 at Thief River Care Center, Thief River Falls, MN.

Maurice Joseph Reopelle was born September 21, 1914 on the family farm in Terrebonne Township, Red Lake County, MN the son of Victor and Amanda (Derosier) Reopelle. He was baptized at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Terrebonne, MN. Maurice attended Badger Creek Country School and Lafayette High School in Red Lake Falls, MN. When Maurice was 17 years old his Dad was killed in an accident. Maurice then took over the operation of the family farm.

On October 30, 1939, Maurice was united in marriage to Maria Mercil at St. Peters Catholic Church of Gentilly, MN. The couple made their home and farmed on the Reopelle family farm. Maurice also worked at American Crystal Sugar at East Grand Forks and Crookston and retired at the age of 64 after 25 years of service.

Maurice and Maria enjoyed spending winters in Berkeley, CA and also did a lot of traveling through the years. They traveled to many parts of the United States including Alaska. They also took trips to Canada, Sweden and Mexico. Many memories have been shared of the good times they had on their trips. Maurice and Maria enjoyed dancing and playing cards with neighbors and friends on Saturday night. Maurice was an avid Twins and Vikings fan and attended many home games over the years.

He enjoyed gardening, especially growing corn, potatoes and strawberries. Digging potatoes and canning corn was a fall ritual at the Reopelle family farm.

He was a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church in Terrebonne and is currently a member of St. Bernards Catholic Church in Thief River Falls. Maurice was also a member of the Foresters.

Survivors include Maria, his loving wife of 67 years; 3 children, Gary Reopelle of Berkeley, CA, Dennis (Joan) Reopelle of Blaine, MN and Deborah (Darryl) Tveitbakk of Thief River Falls, MN; 7 grandchildren; 4 great grandchildren; sister-in-law, Shirley Reopelle of Columbia Heights, MN and several nieces and nephews.
Maurice is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Loria Sames; and brother, Reaume Reopelle.

ORGANIST: Kristi LaSalle
CANTOR: Shelly Burkel
PALLBEARERS: Maurices Grandchildren: Yvonne Reopelle, Brenda Kresky, Pam Reopelle, Chris Tveitbakk, Nathan Reopelle, Nick Tveitbakk, Ben Tveitbakk