Peter S. (Pete) Laturnus

Mass of Christian Burial was held May 14, 2024, in Munich, N.D., for Peter S. Laturnus, 89, of Munich, who passed away May 9 in Devils Lake, N.D. Burial was held at the St. Boniface Catholic Cemetery.

Peter Sebastian was born on Dec. 30, 1934, in Wilkin, Saskatchewan, Canada, one of 13 children of Sylvester and Gunda (Steffan) Laturnus. He was the third youngest of the family. In 1945 the family moved to a farm near Starkweather, N.D., and later to Cando, N.D., where Pete attended Metcalf County School through the 8th grade. Several years later, the family moved to a farm near Clyde, N.D. Pete obtained his U.S. citizenship in 1960. Pete worked with his brother-in-law, Elmer Mueller, for many years doing plumbing and heating work. When Elmer retired, Pete started his own plumbing and heating business along with farming for many years at Calio, N.D. He so loved the farm and could build and fix almost anything. He also enjoyed making his rounds on the farm in his golf cart. He built a gokart for his children, and it has gone through all the grandchildren and now great-grandchildren. It has been one of the many highlights of the kids going to the farm. Pete enjoyed his annual fishing trips with family and his many buddies over the years, as well as spending time with family at the cabin at Red Willow.

Pete and Donna met at a dance in Calio and on Nov. 19, 1956, and were married at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Calio. They attended church in Calio and later St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Munich. Throughout their married years, they were on the dance floor often, dancing to their treasured waltzes and polkas. In later years they loved listening to the Sayler’s Polka Place music every Sunday afternoon and looked forward to occasional trips to the casino. Pete was an active member of St. Boniface and St. Mary’s Catholic Church and was a life member of the Knights of Columbus.

Pete is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Donna; their children and spouses: Dean (Kim) Laturnus of Munich, Daryl (Sandy Hendrickson) Laturnus of Munich, Dennis (Lori) La-turnus of Grand Forks, Steve (Donna) Laturnus of Grand Forks and Bonnie (Alvin) Wald of Bismarck; 11 grandchildren: Deanna (Jeff), Heidi (Troy), Kayla (Brant), Amanda (Tyler), Justin (Jessica), Rebecca (Justin), Matthew (special friend Emily), Mitchel, Conner, Emma, and Dominic; 14 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Helen Laturnus; and many nieces and nephews.

Pete was preceded in death by his parents; nine brothers and three sisters: Paul, Fred, George, John, Joseph, Frank, Ed, Martin, Wendell, Regina Schall, Annie Hoffart-Schiele and Betty Schiele; and in-laws John and Margaret Mueller.

Gilbertson Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.