Darlene Ann Gourneau

Darlene Gourneau, 74, of Rochester, MN passed away peacefully surrounded by her family and the soothing sounds of Elvis Presley love songs on Sunday, September 17, 2017 at Mayo Clinic Saint Marys campus. Darlene Ann LaFournaise was born September 6, 1943 to James and Ernestine (Vivier) LaFournaise in Belcourt, ND. She attended Turtle Mountain Community High School in Belcourt, ND, graduating in 1961. Darlene married Dwight Gourneau on August 24, 1963 at St. Ann's Catholic Church in Belcourt, ND. The couple moved to San Jose, CA and later moved to make their home in Rochester in 1967. Darlene's passion in life was her family. She loved spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Some of her favorite hobbies include reading, cooking, watching the Food Network and Classic TV shows. She also found enjoyment from watching birds and planting flowers. Darlene is survived by her husband, Dwight of Rochester, MN; three daughters, Dawn (Robert) Allan of New Mexico, Donna (Marlin) LaFromboise of Rochester, MN and Debra (Chad) Schiefert of Rochester, MN; twelve grandchildren Gabrielle Allan, Joshua Allan, Robert Allan, Alexandra Allan, Jessica LaFromboise, Shelby LaFromboise, Kayla (Michael) Stock, Kirsten (Kristoffer) Langlie, Cassandra (John) Schiefert, Caitlin (Joel) Newberg, Christian Schiefert, Camille Schiefert and three great-grandchildren Skyler Ulwelling, Carter Langlie, Brayden Stock; and her brother, Ronald LaFournaise of Belcourt, ND. She is preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Sylvia and Elizabeth; two brothers, Joseph and James Jr. The family would like to thank the Mayo Clinic for their expertise and compassionate care. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 21, 2017 at Pax Christi Catholic Church, located at 4135 18th Avenue NW Rochester, MN. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. To leave a special memory please visit www.ranfranzandvine.com Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes 5421 Royal Place NW Rochester, MN 55901 (507) 289-3600