Ronald Anthony Dufour

Ronald Anthony Dufour, 81, died peacefully with his daughter by his side on November 21, 2017, at PioneerCare Center, Fergus Falls.

Ronald was born to Thomas and Mathilda (Couvillion) Dufour on November 21, 1936, in Moreauville, LA. As a young adult, Ronald was a Private First Class in the Army National Guard before enlisting in the United States Air Force at age 20. He served his country from 1956-1960. During that time, he spent a year on the USAF Base in Thule, Greenland.

He married and welcomed a son, Lester Paul, in 1959, while residing on the Air Base in Lake Charles, LA. He then made his home with his family in Moreauville, LA, where he worked for Lemoine Gas Company as a gas delivery man and CoCo Brothers as a route salesman.

In the early 60’s, Ronald moved his family to Bayou Vista, LA. He made a living as the meat Department Manager of PIC-A-PAC grocery store for many years. In 1974, they welcomed a daughter, Patricia Ann, to the family. Ronald’s heart condition led him to an early retirement in 1982. He remained a resident of the Bayou Vista area, enjoying his time with friends and family, especially his grandson, Caleb, who was born in 1992.

In July of 2012, Ronald contracted Parkinson’s Dementia. His daughter moved him to Minnesota to live out his remaining years with her and her family. During that time, he got to spend countless hours with his two grandchildren, Caleb and Payton. He got to witness Caleb be sworn in to the Army National Guard. He enjoyed spending time with Payton watching wrestling and playing checkers. One of his favorite things to do was feed the ducks and geese at Lake Alice with Patricia.

In 2015, he welcomed his first great-granddaughter, Adyson Alexandra. She sure knew how to light up his day, making him grin from ear to ear.

He was a resident of River Bend Apartments before moving to PioneerCare Center. He enjoyed making new friends there. He grew to know and love all the staff that cared for him. He will be remembered for always telling stories and jokes with everyone and his sense of humor which made them all laugh and smile.

Preceding him in death were his brother, Paul and sister-in-law, Nancy Dufour of Metairie, LA.

Ronald is survived by a sister, Anna (Adam) Ponthieu of Alexandria, LA; two children, Lester (RayAnn) Dufour of Houma, LA and Patricia Roehl of Fergus Falls, MN; his two grandchildren, Caleb (Jasmine) Darce and Payton Roehl; a great-granddaughter, Adyson; a step great-granddaughter, McKinley, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorials to the family are preferred in lieu of flowers.

Visitation: one hour prior to the service at PioneerCare Celebration Center, Fergus Falls
Service: 2 p.m. Wednesday, November 29, 2017, at PioneerCare Celebration Center, Fergus Falls
Clergy: Chaplain David Strom
Interment: Sacred Heart Cemetery, Moreauville, LA
Olson Funeral Home, Fergus Falls is in charge of arrangements
Online condolences may be sent to www.olsonfuneralhome.com