Bernard DesRoches

Bernard DesRoches, age 98, died peacefully on February 12, 2026, at SMP St. Catherine’s South in Fargo, ND,  in the presence of God and his family. 

Bernard Joseph DesRoches was born August 11, 1927, at Rolla, ND, to Amedee and Marie (Lammers) DesRoches.  He attended a rural school and high school in Rolla.  Bernie then served with the US Army in Italy from 1946 to 1947, with the 88th Infantry Division Headquarters personnel section.  He then attended the University of North Dakota, St. John’s University, and obtained his bachelor’s degree from North Dakota State University.  

His first employment was with the Turtle Mountain Ordnance Plant in Rolla, as an Administrative Assistant for 2 years, then employed by the Diocese of Crookston in Social Work with their Catholic Welfare agency for 14 years. While living in Red Lake Falls, MN, and employed by the Catholic Diocese of Crookston,  Bernie attended graduate level courses, apart from his employment, extending for 12 years at the University of North Dakota and receiving a master’s degree from Bemidji State University in 1970. 

Bernie’s career then began with Job Service North Dakota, being an Interviewer, a District Manager, with the greater as a Counseling Supervisor. He retired in 1989, after 21 years of state employment. 

Bernard and Madonna (Hince) were united in marriage October 1, 1960, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Red Lake Falls. MN.  God richly blessed their marriage with 5 children.  The couple resided locally at Reiles Acres, ND for 49 years.  In 2021, they moved to Independent Living at Riverview Place in Fargo. 

Grateful for having shared in his life, wife:  Madonna; 4 sons:  James (Theresa) – their family  Alyssa (Brandon), Tyler (Savannah) and great-grandson:  Jackson;  sons:  Michael, Richard (Mary) and David;  daughter:  Kathleen Erickson - her family,  Elizabeth (Zack), Emily (Oscar) and Connor. 

Preceding in death were parents:  Amedee and Marie;  sisters:  Grace (Stan) Davis,  Dolores (Michael) Boyle, Lorraine Stock;  brothers:  Maurice and Robert (Lorraine); numerous nieces and nephews. 

Memorial Service:  2 pm Thursday, February 26, 2026, at West Funeral Home in West Fargo.

Visitation:  An hour before the service.

Burial:  Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery, North in Fargo. 

West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center

westfuneralhome.com

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