Richard G. Berthiaume

Richard "Rich" G. Berthiaume, 88, of Cloquet, died peacefully Sunday, May 29, 2011 at SMDC-Essentia Hospice, with his family by his side. He was born in 1922 in Cloquet to Lillian and Monroe Berthiaume. Rich was a graduate of Cloquet High School. He married Beverly Champeaux on November 6, 1943. Rich worked hauling coal for Carter's Trucking until he enlisted in the Army AirCorp in November, 1942. He served state side at Marana Basic Flying Training Field, Tech School at Shepard's Field, TX, and served as crew chief mechanic at Williams Field in Mesa, AZ and finished the service to his country at Chanute Field, IL in December 1945. Richard farmed and worked at Northwest Paper. He built the 60 year legacy of Berthiaume logging and loved to share his passion for the outdoors - be it hunting, fishing or quietly sitting and enjoying nature with family, friends, and especially his grandkids and great grandkids. He was a life-long member of St. Mary and Joseph Catholic Church where he helped build the new church and served as trustee for many years. He was preceded in death by his parents; children, Robert, Judith and Dennis; brothers, John, William and Euclid; sisters, Gladyce Skagerberg and Beulah Johnson; and his "logging son", Lonny Axtell. Rich is survived by his wife of 67 years, Beverly; sons, Donald (Sharon), David (Cindy) and Duane (Roxanne), all of Cloquet; daughter, Patty Berthiaume of Plymouth; grandchildren, Jacob, Andrew, Robert, Adam, Mary and Rachael; great grandchildren, Ethan, Madison, McKenzie, Kennedy and Ryden; sister, Kate (James) Dahl of Cloquet; and special life-long friend, Phil Parenteau. A Mass of Christian Burial was held in St. Mary and Joseph Catholic Church, Sawyer on Friday, June 3, 2011. To leave an online tribute, see www.atkinsnorthlandfuneralhome.com.