Eugene E. Marcotte

Eugene Marcotte, 90, of Langdon, ND, passed away Wednesday, May 3, 2023, at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks.

Eugene Emil was born December 27, 1932, to Telesphore and Marie Laure Marcotte.  He was the second youngest of 10 children.  As a French speaking youngster, he attended three different country schools and was challenged to learn English along with his 3 R’s.  Gene later completed high school at St. Alphonsus in Langdon. Eugene and Theresa (Schuler) were married on October 25, 1956. Theirs was a very loving marriage of 66 years, which the devotion to each other was obvious every day. The couple was blessed with four children. The youngest must have been quite a surprise being nine years later than the last!

This man was truly a handy man, capable of doing everything around the house and outside of it.  His earliest work was being a gas station attendant for Elmer Knutson and Hart Hansen for six years. With those humble beginnings, he later went on to becoming a lineman for Cavalier Rural Electric Cooperative.  Gene was truly a local hero, working all hours of the day and through everything North Dakota weather can throw out, to keep the power on for everyone.  He dedicated over 32 years to the Coop and still could not officially hang up his hat until after he worked helping-out the summers of 1997-2000.

Affectionately known as “Pa Carrot” by his son’s college roommates, he grew a bountiful garden each year.  An additional fridge was devoted to only carrots, and prize produce was shared throughout the area. Carrot bars made by his lovely wife were especially coveted.

Eugene loved fixing things, especially automotive vehicles.  One such vehicle was an abandoned 1941 Allis-Chalmers tractor that was dragged out of a tree row with a relative’s blessing.  The others were a 1941 Ford Business Coupe and a 1965 Chevy Pickup, which he restored.  All brought much pride and joy, especially when he drove them in parades - much to the grandkids’ delight.  Gene also enjoyed camping and fishing with family members and passing on the love of such to them.

Eugene is survived by his wife, Theresa, of Langdon, ND; son Gerald (Robin) Marcotte; daughter Connie (Keith) Balsdon; daughter Bernice (Roger) Kram; son Kevin (Diane) Marcotte; brother Ovide (Verna) Marcotte; grandchildren: Wade (Cami) Marcotte, Melissa (Ivan) Anheluk, Kaila (Kyle) Rollness, Justin Balsdon, Wyatt (Katie) Kram, Lindsey (Andrew) Balsdon, Nathan Marcotte, Aleasha Marcotte, and Kyle Marcotte; and nine great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Telesphore and Marie Laure Marcotte, and siblings: Edna (Clarence) Dalzell, Cecile (Odell) Robillard, Anna (George) Chaput, Theresa (Morris) Robillard, Laurette (James) Zettel, Juliette (Harold) Dietz, and infant brothers Leo and Marcel.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 11, 2023, at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Langdon, ND. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. prayer service on Wednesday, May 10 at Brooks Funeral Home in Langdon, ND.