Fredrick "Fred" Violette

Fred Violette, 97, of Red Lake Falls, MN passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 10, 2025 at Hillcrest Senior Living in Red Lake Falls with his loving family by his side.

Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 AM Tuesday, September 16, 2025 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Red Lake Falls, MN with Father Bob Schreiner presiding. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at St. Joseph's Cemetery in Red Lake Falls, MN. Military honors will be provided by American Legion Post 22 and Minnesota Army National Guard Honor Guard. A time of lunch and fellowship will follow at the St. Joseph's Catholic Church dining hall.

Fredrick Anthony Violette was born on August 22, 1928, in Red Lake Falls, the son of Frank and Emma (LaCoursiere) Violette. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, where he remained a lifelong member of the Catholic faith.

Fred attended country school near Red Lake Falls and later enlisted in the United States Navy. After a medical discharge, he was drafted into the United States Army, and also served in the Merchant Marines where he served his country with honor. Following his honorable discharge, Fred spent his earlier years in California and then returned to Red Lake Falls to begin the next chapter of his life.

On June 19, 1952, Fred was united in marriage to Harriet Marie Schmidt at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Red Lake Falls. The couple made their home in Red Lake Falls, where they raised seven spirited children-lovingly referred to as "the seven yahoos." Together, Fred and Harriet owned and operated a café and meat market in town, which they ran side by side for 18 years. After retiring from the business, they continued their hardworking lifestyle by raising cattle, horses, and hay on their property. He had great passion for his horse Big Red.

Fred was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Red Lake Falls and American Legion Post 22 where he was awarded a plaque for 75 years continuous membership. In his younger years, Fred was a member of the Saddle Club, Red Lake Falls Police Department, Red Lake Falls City Council and was a member and served as president of the Pathfinders Club.

Fred enjoyed a number of pastimes that reflected his love for the outdoors and time spent with loved ones. He especially enjoyed deer hunting, fishing, and playing cards with family and friends. These moments brought him great joy and created lasting memories for those around him.

Fred loved to make people laugh with his jokes. He will be remembered for his quiet strength, calm demeanor, and patient nature. He was a devoted husband, a great father, and a steady presence in the lives of his family and community.

Survivors include children, Wayne (Judy) Violette, Dale (Lana) Violette, Mark (Lisa) Violette, James (Julie) Violette all of Red Lake Falls and Sally (Neal) Kapp of Anaheim, CA; grandkids, Stacy, Kylah, Joey, Nikki, Sara, Corey, Ryan, Adam, Angie, Jaime, Heather; great-grandkids, Cora, Alice, Bayleigh, Gunnar, Clayton, David, Chris, Austin, Charlie, Courtney, Ashlyn, Gavin, Jada, Tyson, Grady, Noah, Izzy, Jaxon, Kylar, Hailey, Evlyn; great great-grandkid, Kennedi; sister, Sister Karen Violette OSB (Dorothy) of Crookston, MN; and many other relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Harriet in 2012; daughter, Carol Violette; son, Kevin; parents, Frank and Emma Violette.; siblings, Louis, Francis, Dave, Eli, Clarence, Walter, Wilbert, Maurice, Omer, Agnes, Florence, Mary Ann, Virginia, and Sister Justina Violette OSB (Sophia).