Roy LaVoy

Roy LaVoy, age 75, of Naytahwaush, MN, died on Friday, September 5, 2025, at his home.

Roy Allan LaVoy, the youngest child of Sidney and Gerda (Nordberg) LaVoy, was born on September 29, 1949, in White Earth, MN. He grew up in Naytahwaush alongside his brothers and sisters and attended school in Mahnomen, where he was active in sports, especially wrestling and football, graduating with the Class of 1967.

On May 7, 1969, Roy proudly enlisted in the United States Navy and served in Vietnam. Following his honorable discharge, he returned home and continued his education at Detroit Lakes Vo-Tech, earning a degree in construction with a focus on carpentry. On August 18, 1979, Roy was united in marriage to Lizabeth Kennedy in Montana, near her family home. They returned to live in Naytahwaush where they later built, with hand prepared logs, their dream home together. Roy began his career with MCT Construction, working his way up from a concrete finisher to Leadman Carpenter. From 1980 to 1982, he worked with Al Goodwin Construction before spending two years self-employed. He then joined Con's Masonry Inc., contributing to the construction of the Public Health field clinic in Naytahwaush, and later subcontracted for White Earth Housing until 1989. Roy was then hired as Project Manager for Gordon Construction, where he played a key role in developing many reservation projects, including the health center, housing developments, library, school, and the Shooting Star Casino. In 2001, he became Project Manager for the White Earth Nation, overseeing continued growth and expansion on the reservation. Roy's construction knowledge and expert craftsmanship touched nearly every public building in Naytahwaush and throughout the surrounding communities. He officially retired in 2019 but continued to share his wisdom and teach others for years after.

Roy was proud of his Ojibwe heritage and embraced the traditions of his culture. He looked forward to Sugarbush and wild ricing each season. He also spent hours skillfully tanning deer hides and crafting with gourds. He also loved fishing, ice fishing, and hunting with the LaVoy family. At home, he tended to a large vegetable garden and preserved his harvest through canning, a tradition passed down from his mother. Roy was well known for building beautiful martin birdhouses, which he gave away generously to others. Above all, Roy cherished his family. He was a devoted husband, father, brother, uncle, and community member who touched many lives with his generosity and quiet strength.

Roy is survived by his wife, Lizabeth "Betsy" LaVoy; two brothers, John (Ann) LaVoy, and Sid LaVoy; one sister, Ruth Foss; a dear cousin, MaryAnn Snobl; siblings-in-law: Eileen (Earl) McDougall, Helen Stiner, Ed Kennedy, Jim Kennedy, Mary Kennedy, and Nora (Clinton) Kennedy; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by their sons, Lawrence in 2021 and infant, Joseph in 1981; his parents, Sid and Gerda; sisters, Jeanette (Ted) LaGue and Rita (Byron) Bjorge; two infant brothers; brother-in-law, Leonard Foss Sr; sisters-in-law, Ida Shield and Alvina Firstrider; brother-in-law, Alvin Leslie Kennedy; and several nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, September 12, 2025, at St. Anne's Catholic Church in Naytahwaush. Visitation will be held Thursday, September 11, 2025, from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm with a Prayer Service beginning 6:30 pm and continuing one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be held in the St. Anne's Cemetery, Naytahwaush.