Thomas Vernon Lussier, Sr.

Thomas V. Lussier, Sr., 68 of Red Lake, MN died Friday, March 1, 2013 at Sanford Bemidji Medical Center.

Funeral Services will be 1:00 pm Tuesday, March 5, 2013 at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Red Lake, MN with Rev. Jerry Rogers officiating. A wake will begin at 11:00 am on Sunday, March 3, 2013 at the Red Lake Center in Red Lake and go until the time of service. Interment will be at the Family Burial Grounds in Red Lake, MN under the direction of the Cease Family Funeral Home of Bemidji.

He was born September 25, 1944 in Red Lake, MN the son of Adolph and Verna (Defoe) Lussier. He married Theresa Spike January 8, 1966. He served the US Navy from 1963-1967; traveling the world twice around; including Panama, Peru, Spain, Denmark, Australia and the Arctic Circle aboard the USS Mills, USS Harnett County and USS Garrett County. From 1966-67 he was in Vietnam on the PBR boats. He was the first commander of the Red Lake VFW and instrumental in starting the Red Lake Honor Guard; something he was very proud of. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, trapping and making finished wild rice. He was known for his stories, his great sense of humor and traveling with his wife to various casinos, rummages and flea markets. He was a traditional dancer on the pow wow trail for several years. He loved his computer, Craig’s list and watching Pawn Stars; but he especially loved being with his grandchildren and family.

He is survived by his wife of 47 years Theresa; children Jay, Charlene (Jason) and Charmaine; 10 grandchildren: Ken, Steph, Cis, Aleicia, Tia, Liz, Cowboy, Sydney, Quinton, Marcus and his adopted great granddaughter Aaliyah; sisters Juanita and Iris and brother George Jurgenson.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Eva, Gwen and Karen; brothers Daryl, Lee and Rod and son-in-law Adrian Sayers, Sr.

Messages of condolence may be left at ceasefuneralhome.com.