John LaFriniere

John LaFriniere, age 66 of Mahnomen, MN, died Monday, September 15, 2008, at his home surrounded by family and under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley. John William was born in St. Paul, Minnesota on August 3, 1942, the son of Floyd and Gertrude (Spicer) LaFriniere. At the young age of four, John moved with his family to Mahnomen County. He grew up and attended school in Naytahwaush and Mahnomen. John later served with the United States Navy. In 1964, John married Barbara Goodwin and the couple moved to Bagley, MN to make their home. To their union came the birth of three children: Bruce, Lynette and Jody. Ten years later in 1975, John met his life long partner, Anita Guinn and her infant son, Chad – whom John raised as his own. Since that time, John and Anita have resided at Roy Lake, MN. Over the years, John was a man of many trades, especially enjoying the time he spent as a logger. He also attended the Northwest Technical College in Detroit Lakes, MN, where he received certificates in carpentry and welding. An avid outdoorsman, you could often find John out ricing, leeching and trapping. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing. In addition, John liked going to the casino, playing dice and visiting with friends. His grandkids brought him tremendous joy and he looked forward to the time they spent together. John is lovingly survived by his life partner, Anita Guinn, Mahnomen, MN; his daughter, Lynette (Mike) Thompson; three sons: Bruce (Melanie) LaFriniere, Jody (Penny) LaFriniere, all of Bagley; Chad (Jennifer) Guinn, Mahnomen; 16 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; two sisters, Cecelia (Carl) LaFriniere, Bagley and Edith (Ronald) Nefgzer, Bejou, MN; and his brother, Floyd (Loris) LaFriniere, Roy Lake, MN. Preceding him in death are his parents; an infant son, Jeffrey, three sisters and two brothers. Memorial Services were held Wednesday, September 17th at 2 pm at the Rice Lake Community Center. Service leader was Pastor Marty Shermerhorn; Special Music was provided by Gloria LaFriniere and Marty Shermerhorn. Serving as Drum group was Eagle Spirit. Honorary friends were Dave LaFriniere, Bob LaFriniere, Gary LaFriniere, Pete Thompson, Brett LaFriniere, Carl Swenson and Mike Halstad. Inurnment took place in the Pine Bend Cemetery, Lengby, MN.

John LaFriniere

August 3, 1942 - September 15, 2008