Francis Paul "Fritz" St. Michel, 83, of Crookston, Minnesota, died late Saturday evening, December 29, 2007, at the Riverview Hospital in Crookston. Fritz was born to Victor and Florence (Huot) St. Michel at Huot, Minnesota, near Red Lake Falls, on July 17, 1924. Following the death of his father Fritz was raised by his mother and step-father, Adrian Amiot. He attended country school and at the age of twelve moved with his family to a farm in Kertsonville Township of Polk County, near Crookston. Fritz worked on the family farm, and on April 27, 1942 was united in marriage to Madeline R. Prudhomme at St. Peter's Catholic Church in nearby Gentilly. A few years later Fritz and Madeline bought a farm of their own in Kertsonville Township. In the late 1960's, while still farming, the couple also began running a well-known restaurant and bar in the area known as Marcoux Corner. They retired from farming in 1971 and sold Marcoux Corner in 1976. Fritz then spent several summers working at the Oak Knoll Golf Course in Red Lake Falls. Eventually he and Madeline bought a home on Maple Lake near Mentor, Minnesota and spent summers there and winters in Arizona. In 1993 they moved into Crookston. Sadly, Madeline passed away on April 4, 2005. Fritz was a member of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception parish and the Knights of Columbus. He was also a longtime member of Crookston Eagles Aerie #873. He enjoyed mowing his lawn, gardening, and woodworking; and he and Madeline generously donated many of their woodcrafts to the Cathedral. Fritz was especially proud of the Christmas light displays he did around their home during the holidays, and over the years he received many awards for his creativity. He loved his family dearly, and took great pleasure in keeping up with the activities of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Fritz will be very lovingly remembered.

Family members include his five children, Gerry (Dennis) McGurran of Mentor, MN (Maple Lake), Ray (Suzanne) St. Michel of Mentor, MN (Maple Lake), Richard (Mary) St. Michel of Billings, MT, Janice (Pete) Hougum of Grand Forks, ND, and Allen (Denice) St. Michel of Jamestown, ND; fourteen grandchildren; twenty-seven great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild. He also leaves a sister, Dorothy (Joe) Juhl of Crookston, MN; a brother, Ralph (Joanne) St. Michel of Walla Walla, WA; a step-brother, Pat (Joan) Amiot of Crookston; a step sister-in-law, Adele Amiot of Crookston; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family. Besides his wife, Madeline, Fritz was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Lou Kennedy; three step-brothers, Louis (Yvonne) Amiot, Tom (Mary Adele) Amiot, and Victor Amiot; and a step-sister, Henrietta (Leonard) Audette. May God bless the memory of Fritz St. Michel.

The funeral for Francis "Fritz" St. Michel will be held at 2 p.m., Thursday, January 3, 2008, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Crookston with Msgr. Roger Grundhaus, presiding. Visitation will be at the Cathedral on Wednesday from 5-7 p.m., with a 7 p.m. prayer service, and for one hour before the funeral. Interment will be in St. Peter's Cemetery at Gentilly in the spring. The Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home is in charge of funeral arrangements.