Clarence LaFontaine, age 82, of Dunseith, ND passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 3, 2024 at Altru Hospital, Grand Forks, ND.

Clarence David "Cheman" LaFontaine was born on March 27, 1941 in Belcourt, ND to Louria and Edna (Short) LaFontaine. He attended school in Grand Forks, ND.  Clarence was united in marriage to Judy Moore in October of 1966 and together they had eight children, Bonnie, Brenda, Norberta, Myron, Loren, Bryan, Kevin, and Jason.  They lived in Washington, Wyoming, Grand Forks, and Fargo, ND for many years. Clarence worked for the Boilermaker's Union Local #647, retiring in 1995.  He was a strong man, a cancer survivor.  Before his Alzheimer's diagnosis in 2016, he loved to travel and spend time with his family.  He was a devoted father and grandfather to all of his 21 grandchildren and the best "Papa Man" to his 27 great grandchildren.  Clarence liked to garden and spend time in the "office" with his long-time friend, Rodger Lee in Fargo.  He loved to hear his sons and grandson, Allen, play guitar.  Clarence liked to listen to live music and attend the Cajun Festival in Minnesota every year.  He will be lovingly remembered and greatly missed.

A special thank you to the Dunseith Community Nursing Home, nurse Nina Davis, Belcourt Emergency Services, and Altru ICU in Grand Forks.

Clarence is survived by his daughter, Norberta (Joe) Greywind of Oberon; sons, Myron LaFontaine of Montana, Loren (Michelle) LaFontaine of Belcourt, Bryan LaFontaine of Grand Forks, Kevin (Sarah) LaFontaine of Fargo, and Jason (Marion) LaFontaine of Belcourt; 21 grandchildren; 27 great grandchildren; sister, Irene Martin of Fargo; brothers, Gary LaFontaine of Washington and Robert "Bobby" LaFontaine of Washington; and many nieces and nephews.

Clarence was preceded in death by his parents, Louria and Edna LaFontaine, wife, Judy LaFontaine, daughters, Bonnie LaFontaine and Brenda Demery, grandson, Ethan LaFontaine, granddaughter, Savanna Greywind, sister, Ruth "Simi" LaFontaine, and brothers, Russell, Darrell, Tony, Melvin, and James LaFontaine.

Casket Bearers are Eric Houle, Steve Houle Jr., Joe Greywind Jr., Casey Greywind, Jake LaFontiane, Kevin LaFontaine Jr., and Travis LaFromboise.  Special music by Richard Keplin. Eucharistic Bearers are Mariah Leftbear and Michelle Leftbear. Readers are Kaylie Hairychin and Mariah Leftbear.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, January 10, 2024 at St. Anthony's Catholic Church, Belcourt, ND with visitation beginning at 8:00 AM and Rosary Service at 9:00 AM prior to the funeral mass.  A meal will follow funeral services at the church.  Burial will take place at a later date.

Elick Funeral Home, Rolla, ND.