Dakota Rivard Obituary, Death – William “Billy” Rivard, 84, of Stephen, Minnesota, and Grand Forks, North Dakota, passed away on Monday, February 13, 2023, in the Lutheran Sunset Home in Grafton, North Dakota. He was a resident of both cities.
Billy Rivard was the son of Fred and Eva Rivard and was born on July 9, 1938, in their home in Big Woods Township, Minnesota. He spent his childhood in Oslo, Minnesota, and received his high school diploma from Oslo High School in the year 1956. Following his graduation from high school, Billy spent one year at the University of North Dakota before beginning his career as a farmer.
On November 25, 1958, in the town of Oslo, Minnesota, Billy married Judith (Judy) Jenkins. In 1963, the couple made their home in Stephen, Minnesota, where they reared their children and operated a farm in the area. The community of Stephen benefited much from Billy’s involvement. He volunteered his time with the Stephen ambulance service, was a member of the Lions Club, and was highly active in the St. Stephen’s Catholic Church.
He served on the Stephen Public School Board, was a founding member of the Stephen Curling Club, and volunteered with the Stephen ambulance service. In 1996, Billy and Judy decided to retire from farming and make the journey to Grand Forks. Billy and Judy looked forward to the time they could spend with their children and grandkids, and they traveled both close and far to be present for a variety of important occasions.
Billy volunteered a significant amount of his time at 4000 Square, was actively involved in the Grand Forks Holy Family Catholic Church, and brought communion to individuals who were in need. His children, Julie Lipsiea of Mayville, North Dakota, Rick Rivard and his wife Mary of White Bear Lake, Minnesota, Jill Rivard of Red Wing, Minnesota, LaVonne Baldwin and her husband Mike of Manteca, California, Rod Rivard and his wife Amy of Baltimore.
Maryland, Nicole DeSautel and her husband Jimmy of Grafton, North Dakota, and Randy (Jamie Freese) of Hanska, Minnesota, as well as his grandchildren Jessica (Jered) Arneson, Patrick His wife Judy and daughter Janelle (Dale) Hebert, as well as his father and mother, Fred and Eva Rivard, brothers Lloyd and Duane, sisters Mae Pilon and Winnifred Osowski, son-in-law Kelly Lipsiea, and daughter-in-law Marie Larson, all passed away before Billy.