Richard P. LaBerge

Richard Paul LaBerge, passed away peacefully on March 31, 2026, at the age of 96. He was born on March 4, 1930, in Grafton, ND to Daniel (D.J. or Dieu Donne) and Emelia (Lessard) LaBerge. Richard graduated from Grafton High School in 1948. He was a member of the Grafton Parade Band. He played trumpet and marched in the Rose Parade in Pasadena, CA.

Richard proudly served in Company C of the 164th Infantry of the ND National Guard in Korea 1951-1952. Upon return from Korea, he continued to serve in the National Guard until 1971 when he retired as a Major.

Following in his father’s footsteps he bought interest in Reyleck’s Department Store in 1953. D.J. LaBerge had been part owner of Reyleck’s since 1927. Richard worked at the store for about 40 years, until its closing in 1995.

Richard married Anita Evenson, in Edgeley ND on June 6, 1958. They raised three children in Grafton. He was a member of the Legion Band (Clown Band) and Grafton Parade Band. Richard (Dick) enjoyed golfing, fishing trips to Lake of the Woods, playing cards, and weekends with family at Maple Lake. He spent countless hours boating and pulling skiers around the lake. He found pleasure supporting his children and grandchildren in their various activities.

Dick will be missed greatly by his family. He is survived by his children, Robert (Cindy), Arlington, SD; Kathy (Don) Warren, Oakes, ND; Jennifer (James) Sorum, Sioux Falls, SD. He is survived by his grandchildren: Michael (Gloria) & Danny (Julie) & Amanda LaBerge, Michelle (Jared) Meiklejohn, Kristen & Coley Warren, Jillysa, Emelia & Jorgen Sorum and great grandchildren Sofia & Isabel LaBerge, William, Peter, Madeline, Alexander, Xavier, & Teddy LaBerge, Eriah & Wynn Meiklejohn, & Bella Sorum. He is also survived by his brothers Thomas and Donald LaBerge, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents D.J. and Emelia, Wife, Anita, sisters Georgette LaHaise, Francis Ensminger, and Suzanne Burns, and brother Wallace LaBerge.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at 10:30 A.M. at the St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church of Grafton. Visitation will be on Tuesday for one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at the St. John’s Catholic Cemetery, Grafton, later in the Spring.