Mass of Christian Burial for Elmer D. Laundreaux, age 86 of Fort Yates, will be 1:00PM Friday, September 26, 2014 at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Ft. Yates. Burial will be in the St. Peter's Catholic Cemetery under the direction of Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge. Visitation will be Thursday, September 25, 2014 starting at 5PM with a rosary at 7PM at the church. Elmer passed away Saturday, September 20, 2014 at Fort Yates IHS.

Elmer was born October 14, 1927 at Promise, SD to Louis and Hattie (Arpan) Laundreaux. Elmer met the love of his life Isabelle (Izzy) Archambault and married on October 24, 1953 in Fort Pierre, SD. They made their home in Pierre as Elmer worked at the Pierre Indian School. Elmer then transferred to Wahpeton Indian School and they made their home there until he retired. They moved back to Fort Yates and remained there until the time of his death.

When we came to know him, he could grow anything. He always had a garden and put up whatever was grown. Including the meat for the times when fresh wasn't possible. Always surrounded by small animals, he grew these too, if you could name it he probably raised it. Children he grew as well, not only his own but many that needed a place to stay usually as long as needed. He and mother did this on their own with no help from outside agencies. They loved all children and were strict with his discipline. But to this day we thank him dearly for we learned to live life the way they meant us to. Be kind, Be generous, Be true and Love each other because when we're gone you'll be thankful you have each other and we are.

Elmer was a cook, not at home that was for mother, except for the Holidays when he would put on a huge spread of the most delicious food ever. He baked everyone a cake on their Birthday. He also did these along with pies for the community. He could sew, crochet, knit and made some of our clothes.

He was a cook all his life but was a teacher as well, teaching many students and underlings the way around a kitchen. This we heard often from many. This past four years he had changed, and we all knew why his beloved partner in life was gone, and we all knew not a day went by he didn't miss her as we all still do. He is with her now and we rejoice his happiness and Peace at last. Elmer had many hobbies raising small animals, making art pieces, fishing, sewing and gardening.

Elmer is survived by his daughters; Nannette (Doug) Dahle, GeorgeAnn (the late Jerry) Martin, Tammy Laundreaux, Bethany Laundreaux, sons; Bradley (Dawn), Lynn (Rita) , Pierre (Carol) Archambault, all of Fort Yates, 20 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great grandson, sister; Rose Marie Rieger, Sioux Falls, sister-in-law Jeanette Cluett, of Fort Yates, ND., and brother-in-law Richard Archambault, of Fort Yates, ND.

Elmer was preceded in death by his wife, Isabelle, his Mother and Father, Brothers and Sisters, brother-in-law Frances Cluett and nephew Gerald Wald.