Dare's Funeral & Cremation Services805 Main Street NWElk River, MN

Erwin Bourgeois (85) of St. Michael, passed away peacefully, surrounded by loving family, August 14, 2022 after complications from colon cancer surgery. He was born in Rogers, Minnesota in 1936, where he lived his entire life. He was the 5th oldest of 14 children. He graduated from Elk River High School in 1954. He worked as an Electrician Assistant for two years before joining the Army in November 1959. While in the Army, he became a paratrooper, making over 15 jumps before returning home to take over the family farm after the death of his father. He continued to serve in the Army reserves until October 31, 1965. He met Albina (Bena) Kozmik at a dance hall. They soon fell in love, and were married on October 20, 1962. They bought the family farm, and together they farmed hay, corn, had some livestock and an acre of tomatoes. They had three children together: Laureen, Randy, and Renee; and eventually became grandparents to five grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter. In addition to farming, Erwin also worked full-time as a computer wire wrap technician at Unisys, where he retired after 30 years. In his retirement, he developed most of the 90-acre farm into a beautiful residential neighborhood known as "Bourgeois Hills". Erwin and Albina still kept a sizable garden for many years. People would come from all over to buy their delicious tomatoes, and would often find a surprise extra zucchini or cucumber in their bag. Erwin is remembered as a devoted Christian who gave generously to many-trusting that God would always provide. A member of the Lions Club of Rogers since 1998, he enjoyed participating in events like the meat raffle and Rockin' Rogers. Erwin was also a talented inventor-able to repurpose almost anything. He once ingeniously combined an old potato harvester, washing machine parts, and mop heads to create an automatic tomato-washer. He loved to take his family to Machinery Hill every year at the state fair, enjoyed bowling – especially Wii bowling with the grandkids, was always a fan of a great smorgasbord, and keen for a great deal-particularly the "As Seen on TV" ones. He loved playing cards, and going to the casino, but was never lucky until the last church festival where he won the $100 that he donated to the drawing. We will miss his sweet smile, and subtle sense of humor. Erwin was preceded in death by his son, Randy; parents Edmund and Florence; siblings Corina, Jane, Marion, Pearl, Eugene, Ronald, and Gloria. Erwin is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Albina; daughters Laureen (Perry) Mathison, Renee (Jim) Weaver; grandchildren Aaron (Kacie) Mathison, Adam Mathison, Alex (Bethany) Mathison, Jessica Weaver, and Katelyn Weaver; great-granddaughter Leah Mathison; siblings Adele, Carol (Neil), Eleanor (Ray), Connie, Shirley (David) and John (Rebecca); and many other relatives and friends. Mass of a Christian burial is Noon Tuesday, August 23rd, 2022 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 18380 Columbus St, Dayton, MN. Visitation prior to mass begins at 11am. Interment and Honor Guard to follow at St. John the Baptist Cemetery. A memory box will be available for all who wish to bring a written memory of Erwin. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Erwin Lovern Bourgeois, please visit our floral store.

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