Louis J. Dessellier, Sr., age 76 of Coon Rapids, passed away on Thursday, January 10, 2019 at Unity Hospital in Fridley.

After graduating from Oklee High school, Louis tried college for a short semester and decided the Air Force was the way to go.  It was there he met his loving wife of 54 years.  He returned to Minnesota in 1969 after his time in the Air Force and settled in Coon Rapids.  He worked as a computer technician until Control Data closed, then was re-educated (his words) to be a land surveyor until he retired.  Throughout his life, Louis was very active in the community and was always volunteering in some sort of activities year round.  It seemed to start with Little League baseball and go on from there with Knights of Columbus and Meals on Wheels, but his favorite was helping the Boy Scouts for almost 40 years.  He remarked on more than one occasion how much he enjoyed sleeping outside under the stars any time he camped.  He never said no to anyone in need and liked to check in with family often, the old fashioned way through writing letters.  He loved to bake cookies for family and friends, and would make a point of sending a huge box of cookies to anyone deployed with the military.  As the health of his daughter-in-law, Amy, failed, he would often make her strawberry pies, as it was the only thing she would eat in her final days.  Deer camp will not be the same without him there, poking at the camp fire and the treats he would share.  He was a friend to all he met, and will be sorely missed by many.

In addition to his parents, Andrew and Alexina (Carriere) Dessellier, Louis was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Carmen; brothers, Onezime, Paul, George, Alex, and David; sisters, Geraldine, Rose, Marie, Dola, and Carol; daughter-in-law, Amy Dessellier.  He is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Jane Carolyn Dessellier; children, Louis Dessellier, Jr. (Kim), Eva Kuehn (Terrence), and Kenneth Dessellier; grandchildren, Andy, Brooke, Ryan, Abby, Nick, and Natasha Dessellier; brothers, Gene (Margaret), Vincent (Shirley), and Ernest; sisters, Cecilia, Joyce, and Mae; also many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, January 18, 2019 at the Church of the Epiphany, 1900 111th Avenue NW, Coon Rapids.  Visitation one hour prior to Mass at church (9:30 - 10:30 a.m.)  Interment with Full Military Honors will take place at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.

Arrangements entrusted to Thurston-Lindberg Funeral Home of Anoka (763) 421-0220