Brian Joseph Lafontaine

Brian Joseph Lafontaine, 68 of Cloquet passed away on Monday, December 28th at home with his wife and children at his side after a long battle with frontotemporal dementia. He was born August 31, 1952 in Cloquet to Alcide "Frenchy" Lafontaine and Murel "Sis" Lafontaine Brian graduated from Cloquet Sr High in 1970. He was a hardworking, loyal employee to most recently Potlatch and Fond du Lac Ojibwe school as the Building Engineer. Brian's favorite thing on earth was spending time with family and close friends. He could be quiet and reserved in public but once you got to know him he was often found making jokes at the center of the laughter. He was an incredible dad and grandpa who loved spending time with the kids whether playing on the floor or coaching a team. He was an amazing listener who could make the worst of situations seem okay. He also loved Southgate bowling league, a clean vehicle, classic cars, dirt track racing, coffee at Pete & Son's and mowing his lawn. He never took for granted a moment shared with family or friends and brought humor and love to each day. He is greatly missed by all those who've had the luck to know him. Brian was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings, Alcide "Poopsie" Lafontaine, Murel "Punky" Swanson, Gordy Lafontaine, Jeanne Kortie (Ken Perttula), Roger Lafontaine, and his sister and best friend, Mary Carter; and his father and mother in law, Ladean and Ellen Overlie. Brian is survived and missed by his amazing caregiver until the end and wife of 46 years, Joan (Overlie) Lafontaine; his children, Kate (Dustin) Mason and Joel (Alyse) Lafontaine; grandchildren, Dane, Beau, Elle and Brooks. Surviving siblings include Sharon (Earl) Baker, Larry (Kathy) Lafontaine and Edna (Jim) Seboe; brothers-in-law, Dean (Cindi) Overlie and Eric (Karyl) Overlie; and sister-in-law, Pat Lafontaine. He is also survived by his many nieces and nephews, each that held a special place in his heart. Thank you to his hospice team at Essentia including Bill, Amanda and Solvay Hospice House. You brought peace, joy and comfort to his last days. A gathering of family and friends will be from 1:00 until 3:00 p.m. Sunday, January 3, 2021 in the Atkins Northland Funeral Home. Burial will be in Maple Grove Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to Essentia Hospice or Solvay Hospice House in honor of Brian. To sign the guest book and offer an online tribute, see www.atkinsnorthlandfuneralhome.com