Gerald "Jerry" Henry LaPlante

   Gerald “Jerry” H. LaPlante of Chatfield, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 27, 2021, at his home in Chatfield.

   Gerald Henry LaPlante was born March 5, 1931 in Rochester, to Walter and Hazel (Allen) LaPlante.  He grew up in rural Chatfield on the family farm and went to country school through 8th grade.  As a high school freshman, he attended Lourdes High School in Rochester, and graduated from Lourdes in 1948.  Jerry worked on the family farm most of his life, except for 2 years when he served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.  On July 14, 1956 he married Verna Miller of Chatfield and they were married at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Chatfield.  After Verna’s passing in 1967, he married Maureen Keefe on March 27, 1971 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

  Jerry enjoyed spending time with his family and following his grandchildren’s activities.  He was a fan of the Vikings, Twins, Gophers, Timberwolves, and his ice cream bar he had every night.

   Jerry is survived by his loving wife, Maureen; 8 children; Steve (Cindy) of Chatfield, Julie Amy of Chatfield, Jean (Heath) Mensink of Preston, Jeff (Shawn) of Chatfield, Jennifer (Steve) Anderson of Eagan, Brian (Kristin) of Byron, Greg (Dayna) of Chatfield, Brad (Christie) of Hutto, TX; 18 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren and one on the way; sister Kay Gadient of Goodhue; and many nieces and nephews.  He is preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Hazel; his first wife Verna; 2 brothers, Walter Jr. “Bud”, and Reverend Joseph LaPlante; sister, Mary (Jane) Rodgers, and infant sister.

    Funeral Mass for Jerry will be 11 a.m. on Friday, March 5, 2021, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, in Chatfield with Father McGrath officiating.  Visitation will be 2 hours before the service at the church. Due to COVID-19 masks will be required. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in Chatfield, with military honors by Chatfield’s VFW Giese Kelsey Post 6913.

   In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church.  Memorials can be sent to Riley Funeral Home, 800 S Main St, Chatfield, MN 55923.

   Online condolences are welcome at rileyfuneralhomes.com

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