Robert J. Collette

Robert J. Collette, age 79 of Grafton, passed away on Monday, March 04, 2013 at the Unity Medical Center of Grafton. Robert J. Collette, the son of the late James and Mary (Kearny) Collette, was born February 6, 1934 in Minneapolis, MN. He grew up in Minneapolis until age 8, when the family returned to Grafton, ND. He attended school in Grafton until he was 17 and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. While in the Air Force, he served as a radio operator during the Korean War. Following his discharge he returned to Grafton. He was united in marriage to Jean Fiedler on June 14, 1957 in Bathgate, ND. Following their marriage, the couple lived in Grafton for a year before moving to Fargo where he attended barber college. The family then moved to Grand Forks for a short time before moving to Minot where he was barber at the air base for 12 years. He returned to Grafton and began working as a supervisor at the Developmental Center for 16 years until retirement. He continued to live at home until September of 2011 when he moved into the Lutheran Sunset Home of Grafton. He was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church and a former member of the Knights of Columbus. He loved spending time with his family and working in the yard. Robert is survived by his wife Jean, Grafton, ND, children: Michael Collette, Minneapolis, MN, Robert (Terry) Collette, Chino, CA, Gayle Peltier, Grafton, ND, Lisa (Dan) Le, Moorhead, MN, Kristi (Benny) Martinez, Minneapolis, MN,11 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, sister Marlene LaHaise, Grafton, ND and brother William (Jody) Collette, Grafton, ND. He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Mary Beth Lietz, grandson Joshua David Collette, and sister Darlene Narloch. Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, March 8, 2013 at 11:00 A.M. at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church of Grafton. Visitation will be Thursday from 5-7 with a prayer service at 6:00 P.M. at the Tollefson Funeral Home of Grafton. Friends may also call at the church for one hour prior to the service on Friday. Military rights will be provided by the Grafton American Legion Post #41 and the ND National Guard Honor Guard. Interment will be at St. John's Catholic Cemetery.