Gayland "Frenchy" Trudeau

Dates

Obituary

Gayland “Frenchy” Trudeau, 98, of Sioux Falls, SD, formerly of Woonsocket, SD, passed away Saturday, February 15, 2025, at Ponderosa Lodge Senior Living in Sioux Falls. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 AM Friday, February 21, at St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Tea, SD. Burial will be at Saint Wilfrid Cemetery in Woonsocket at a later date. Visitation will be Thursday, February 20, from 5-7:00 PM, with a time of sharing beginning at 6:00 PM followed by a Rosary at 6:30 PM at St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Tea. Arrangements by Bittner Funeral Chapel.

Gayland Robert “Frenchy” Trudeau was born February 9, 1927, to Cleo and Helen (Carlton) Trudeau in Woonsocket, SD. He was a man who wore MANY hats. First and foremost, husband of 75 years and father of 11 children. He was a Eucharistic Minister and lector at St. Wilfred Catholic Church, Marine Corps Veteran, farmer, rural mail carrier, school board member, 4H Leader, Facebooker, jokester, dancer, and card player extraordinaire to name a few. He was not shy about his opinions nor short on sharing so much of his knowledge and experience with others.

He started dating Bernice Anderson the night she was voted “the most beautiful girl” at a Ruskin Park dance and married her on September 14, 1949. He was drafted into the U.S. Marine Corps in January of 1952 during the Korean War. His large family started at the same time, and beautiful Bernice was thankful for his discharge in January 1954 when he returned to his farming career. 

In December 1958, Frenchy became a rural mail carrier, covering a 125-mile/day route in the plains of SD through ice and blizzards prior to cell phones! 

Religion was an important part of life for Frenchy. He prayed daily for years his litany of two never-ending lists-one for the deceased and one for the sick/needy. Hundreds of names that would change and shift as prayers were answered or people moved from the living to the deceased. He also prayed his daily Rosary, naming each of his 90+ family members until he passed away. 

Fortified with the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church, Frenchy, is survived by his loving wife of 75 years, Bernice (nee Anderson); 11 children: Mark (Sheri), Mike, Cyndi Ault, Lori (Thomas) Cobb, Denise (George) Sechser, Kevin (Ruby), Ann (Lee) Knigge, Trent, Ryan (Edana), Eric, and Travis (Deonne); 26 grandchildren and 36 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Cleo and Helen; sister, Mary Midgard; brothers-in-law, Ed Midgard and George Fuerst; sister-in-law, Ava Fuerst; grandson, Gabriel Ault; and great-grandson, Isaiah Orsten-Sechser.

His legacy will include his love of God, family, and country. He will be greatly missed, but his impact on the world will continue for generations. In lieu of flowers, Masses preferred, or donations to the charitable organization of your choice.

Visitation(s)

Service

Cemetery