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Daniel Dufresne Obituary
Dan, a wonderful husband, father and grandfather, passed away on December 10, 2012 after a long illness.
Born in Minneapolis MN on May 13, 1927, Dan was the youngest of seven children. He enlisted in the Army in 1946 and served in the Philippines.
In 1950, Dan married Terese Green of St. Paul, MN and together they raised 9 children. A devoted family man of deep faith, he was actively involved at Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church for 45 years and volunteered at Catholic Charities. Dan's job as a world renowned geophysicist for Texaco took him and his family to many parts of the country, and they eventually settled in Ventura in 1966.
Dan is survived by his wife Terese, their nine children and spouses, 21 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren with 2 more on the way, 2 brothers, a sister and many relatives. The family is extremely grateful to the staff of the Ventura Convalescent Hospital for their compassionate care.
A Funeral Mass in honor of Dan's life will be celebrated on Tuesday December 18, 2012 at 11:00am at our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church in Ventura. Burial will be on Wednesday December 19, 2012 at 10:00am at Santa Clara Cemetery in Oxnard.
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Memories and Condolences
for Daniel Dufresne
Carol Mitt. el dorf
November 20, 2020
Hi Dufresnes, I hate that the internet keeps a record of me, but I love that I got the Google itch and looked up your family on line. Believe me, I think of your family often, and send prayers for your dad, and your, hopefully, still alive mother. I think of the special personalities of your family, of smart, magic making Tom, of Mark hurting my feelings when I asked to “borrow” the bathroom, and his saying that your family needed it there, of Jean babysitting us, of Judy clapping when they landed on the moon, of Greg singing "Yummy, yummy, yummy, I've got love in my tummy"....of seeing Cathy sneaking out of the house early in the morning when I drove back from college ;- ), of pretty Mary who made me think about God, of mature Rosie, who was a pretty version of Dave....whom I admire and think about most of all for his goodness. He is actually a huge model for why I was baptized Catholic in 2019.
As for your father, well, that is where Dave was influenced, certainly. I have memories of your dad cutting all the boys’ hair every summer, and shepherding all us kids safely for trick or treating every year. He was a great rock, and I thank him, as a neighborhood kid, who remains grateful that your family showed Christian charity outside of your family, and certainly blessed my life and planted a seed by your examples, for me to find faith and security. May the Lord bless your father and mother and you and your families.
James R. Liesch
January 4, 2013
"Mikado" at the CYC, troop train to Ft. Lewis, summers at Maple Lake, meeting the St. Kate's girls at the end of Summit Ave, Saturday night dances, the "Cerfs", reunion at Franciscan center at Malibu, Sebastian Temple introducing his sung Prayer of St Francis, catching up in Ventura on trips between Sydney and Minnesota - all lovely memories, even nursing home visits. A life well lived, Dan and Therese. RIP Jim Liesch
Randy Lamberson
December 19, 2012
Dear Mark and family,
You will be in our thoughts and prayers as you mourn the loss of your father. We are never ready for this time.
What a wonderful legacy he
has left. He was truly an amazing man.
I never had the privilege of meeting him but I do know that he passed on many of his wonderful character traits to you and all of the family.
Sincerely,
Randy and Pattie Lamberson
Tom Hicks
December 19, 2012
Terese, Tom, Dave, Marianne, Cathy and all of the Dufresne's: My profound condolences to you on the passing of your husband and father.
He is and was a man of faith, honor and integrity, and he helped create an amazing legacy which remains your family!
My family and I will remember he, and you, in our masses and prayers.
May he rest in peace!
Tom Hicks (and family)
+AMDG+
Nathan Dufresne
December 19, 2012
Grandpa, you led a full life here on Earth, devoted to your family and friends. I know you're at peace now and all your questions are answered. I'll see you again one day. Love Nate, Ashley, Mikael, and Lucas.
Helen Hunter
December 18, 2012
God bless Dan and keep him in His care. The Liesch family sends hugs and love to you all with our deepest sympathy. I remember your dad as a big jolly man who made my dad smile and the warmth they generated touched us all. A fun picnic comes to mind in the Santa Monica mountains - we came in a big station wagon from the ocean side, the Dufresne's from the Ventura side in another big car. Together we had enough kids to start a scout troop or cricket team or whatever. That was in the 1960's I guess. Flash forward to the 2000's and who meets Jim from Australia at LAX and taxis him around - oh Dan Dufresne! We knew he'd take care of our dad who has travelled alone since 2007 and were ever grateful dad had such a good lifelong buddy. Goodbye Dan. Love Helen (Liesch) Hunter and family
December 17, 2012
Terry, Mark and whole family,
Steve and I always admired Dan as a wonderful example of what a husband, father, friend and man of God should be. Take pleasure in knowing he is with God this Christmas...
Roxann and Steve Tobias. Ventura, CA
December 17, 2012
Paul and I are so very sorry to hear about the loss of your husband, father, and grandfather. He was an amazing man who leaves behind a great legacy. Please know you are have been in our prayers this past week. Thoughts, Denise and Paul Derse
Ed and Linda
December 17, 2012
Greg, I'm truly very sorry to hear about your dad. He always had a smile and something nice to say. He was a good man.
Donna Gustafson (Thomas)
December 16, 2012
Terry and Family:
Our hearts go out to you on Dan's passing. Our late parents, John and Lucy, were honored to be your friends for so many years. May you be comforted by the support and affection of your family and friends. God bess you.
Robyn Location
December 16, 2012
Greg, so sorry to hear about your Dad's passing. May God comfort you and your family.
Robyn Lovato
December 16, 2012
Greg, so sorry to hear about your dad's passing. May God comfort you and your family.
December 16, 2012
We are sorry to miss Dan's funeral as we will be out of town. Our prayers are with the Dufresne family at this time of grief.
Carole and Brock Martin
December 16, 2012
Terry, Rosemary and I express our condolences to you and your family. May Dan rest in peace. George Sausen
December 15, 2012
DEEPEST SYMPATHY FROM A CLASSMATE WHO MARCHED NEXT TO HIM IN THE CRACK DRILL PLATOON AT CRETIN HIHG SCHOOL 1945
Ninian Dunlop
December 14, 2012
Dan,
Thank you for welcoming me to your family 23 years ago, and for being a wonderful father-in-law, and Grandfather to our three children.
I remember on our first meeting, you got out one of your many many maps and we explored the highlights of Scotland.
My love and prayers are with you, and all of the family.
Ninian
As a wanna be USCG pilot at my USCG Air Staion San Diego circa 1974ebo
Greg Dufresne
December 14, 2012
An excpetionally good man who lived his faith for his entire life, was driven by his devotion to the Good Lord, and knew everything he was came from God. He lived a life of example, and was as a good friend of mine noted "he was a man who commanded respect and never demanded it." You knew where you stood with him and always knwe hoe he felt on any subject.
December 14, 2012
Gregg& Judi Durand Holleman
December 14, 2012
Dad--I know you are flying like an eagle all over heaven, finding out the answers to all of your questions...God bless you, Dad--He certainly blessed us with you all these years!
I'm glad you're my Dad...!
With thanks and love, your first daughter, Judi-&Gregg
December 14, 2012
I have been honored to be Dad's daughter. He and Mom have continued a cycle of loving, faithful family life for which we are all grateful. I love you Dad.
Love always, your 8th,
Catherine
Mary Jane Doster
December 14, 2012
Dear Teresa and family,
I am sorry for the loss of your dear Dan...I am sure he is happy in Heaven.
I enjoyed sharing the daily 8am mass with you both and many others for many years.
Warm regards,
Mary Jane and Pete Doster
formerly Westmont St....now South Carolina.
December 14, 2012
I will always remember Mr. Dufresne as a man with tremendous presence. Strong and tall, yet kind and funny! I can still hear him say, "Make a face, Ders!" He will be missed. May he rest in peace. God bless and keep the Dufresne Family during this difficult time.
Jane Derse Poulis and Family
Carolyn Gstettenbauer
December 14, 2012
To the Dufresne family,
My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you during this difficult time.
Dad and Mark circa 1957
Mark Dufresne
December 14, 2012
Dad's a man of God and was a great father, a wonderful husband to my mom, and an honorable friend to those that knew him. God bless you Dad!
GEORGE WILLIAMS
December 14, 2012
Mrs. Dufresne and the Dufresne family, Mr. Dufewsne's compassion and humor will always be remembered by those that knew him. He was a kind and compassionate man , who lived his faith. I will kep all of you in my prayers.
Marianne Dufresne Coblentz
December 14, 2012
My dad was the best kind of man: honorable, trustworthy, devoted... words fail to capture his wonderful character. I'm sure that those of you who've had the pleasure of knowing him would agree that he was very much loved and respected, in the same great measure as he loved and respected others. Adieu, Dad... Mari
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