Ralph Potvin

Ralph Potvin, 81, of Brainerd, died Sunday, August 20 at St. Josephs Medical Center. A Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for 11:00 AM, Wednesday, August 23 at St. Francis Catholic Church in Brainerd with Father Seamus Walsh officiating. Interment will follow at Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery at Camp Ripley with military honors provided by the Brainerd American Legion, Post 255. Family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 5 until 8 PM at the Brenny Funeral Chapel in Baxter with Parish Prayers at 7 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.
Ralph Sidney Potvin was born October 10, 1924 in Minneapolis, the son of Ralph and Florence (Swenson) Potvin. Ralph graduated from White Bear Lake High School. He served his country during WWII as a member of the 104th Infantry (Timberwolf) Division in the European Theatre. He was awarded the Silver Star and Bronze Star for bravery, as well as the Purple Heart for wounds suffered in battle. Ralph was united in marriage to Rosemary Furey July 8, 1944 in White Bear Lake. In April of 1948, he joined the Minnesota State Highway Patrol where he served for 33 years before retiring as a Captain. Ralph served on the Patrol in Lake City, Faribault, and New Brighton before moving to Brainerd in 1961.

Ralph was a member of St. Francis Catholic Church, a member of the Knights of Columbus and a lifetime member of numerous organizations: American Legion, VFW, and Purple Hearts. He enjoyed traveling, card playing, crossword puzzles, sports, bird watching, and reading. Ralph especially treasured times he spent with his family.

Ralph will be missed by his wife of 62 years, Rosemary; his children, Gregory (Marcia) Potvin, of Detroit Lakes; Jeanne (Michael) Houde, of Osseo, JoAnn (Steven) Dettbarn, of Brainerd, Denise (Terry) Knoll, of Chaska, Bill (Cindy) Potvin, of Brainerd, Darcy (Doug) Rood, of Brainerd, Cathy (Craig) Feierabend, of Brainerd, Jim (Kim) Potvin, of Brainerd, Carol Potvin, of Brainerd, Laurie (Jeff) Wig, of Brainerd, Steven (Jen) Potvin, of Woodbury, and Julie (Gary) Kirchner, of Maple Grove; his sister, Geri Johnson, of Machinen; 35 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brenny Funeral Chapel of Baxter.