Alfonse DeCrans

alfonse decrans

Alfonse P. DeCrans 93, Fargo, went to be with Jesus on Saturday, January 3, 2015 at the Fargo VA Hospital.

Alfonse Peter DeCrans was born on August 13, 1921 to Gustave A. DeCrans and Marie (DeCruyenaere) DeCrans in a farm house in Carlisle Township, North Dakota. He graduated from Pembina High School, Pembina ND in 1939 and attended North Dakota Agricultural College until the bombing of Pearl Harbor 1941. Al was a Forward Observer in the Battle of Okinawa in World War II. On October 2, 1945, Al Married Helen Lukach in Noonan, ND. They farmed together in Pembina for nine years before moving to New Rockford, ND. In 1965 they moved to Park Rapids, MN and then to Fargo in 2004.

Al participated in the Cursillo Movement and was an influential leader in North Dakota and Minnesota for many years. He was also actively involved with the Knight of Columbus in North Dakota, Arizona, and Minnesota for more than 50 years. 

Al was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and uncle. He was known for his sense of humor, smile, fruitcake and famous chocolate chip cookies.

Al is survived by his children Sr. Maura DeCrans, Fargo, ND, Fr. Joe DeCrans, Ada, MN, Jack (Mayren) DeCrans, Fridley, MN, Robert (Mary) DeCrans, Park Rapids, MN, Fr. Bill DeCrans, Red Lake Falls, MN, Jim (Marilyn) DeCrans, Park Rapids, MN, Tom DeCrans, Cottage Grove, MN, Dan (Michelle) DeCrans, Nevis, MN, Carol (Dave) Becker, Park Rapids, MN, Jeanne (Jeff) Garber, Billings, MT, Bernadette (Dan) Stephenson, St. Cloud, MN, Rose (Dana) Wolf, Fargo, ND, Teresa (Dave) Vaske, Parkers Prairie, MN; 35 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife Helen, his parents, a granddaughter Helen Lauria DeCrans, daughter-in-law Kathryn DeCrans, and sisters Anna VerDouw, Antoinette Ives, and Margaret Sazak.

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  1. Saint Peters MOSo sad at the passing of my uncle. What a great man he was! He is leaving behind a legacy that will be carried on by his wonderful family. I am blessed to call Al my uncle! My sympathies and prayers to the family.

    Gary VerDouw
    Saint Peters, MO

  2. fargo nddecrans family, I lived next door to Helen and al for ten years, what a beautiful time for me. I haven’t seen a couple so taken with each other. Helen was always tired after dialysis and Al was always there to help her. you are all in my thoughts and prayers and you have my deepest sympathy. He will be sorely missed at river square 2. AXxgb

  3. Park Rapids Minnesota
    1/6/’15
    To The DeCrans Families- my thoughts and prayers are with you all on your loss. “Smiling Al” as I always called him was a kind and caring person who loved the Lord and his family with all his heart. He Smiled a lot and was friendly and gentle in his own special way. May He Rest In Peace and be a smiling and shining star from heaven. You have earned your wings “Smiling Al”- Godspeed and Peace Be With You Always, With Love, Prayers and Sympathy, Mark J.VonBank- Park Rapids, Minnesota
    .

  4. FARGO ND
    Al DeCrans was very proud of his family and his Catholic faith. For many of us, “Big Al” as he fondly called himself, was “Mr. Cursillo” both in the Diocese of Crookston and the Diocese of Fargo…being neighboring communities of Catholic parishes. Al believed in deepening his faith in Jesus Christ and allowing the leavening work of the Holy Spirit to inspire our christian faith. He was prayerful, devoted to the presence of Jesus Christ in his life (as a daily communicant) and a man of joy and generosity. We will miss his chocolate chip cookies, Christmas season fruit cakes and his humorous and smiling way of observing the joys and challenges of daily life. Blessed be his memory. He waits for us in the glory chambers of Heaven!

  5. Maple Grove MNMy condolences to the entire DeCrans family. Al and Helen were great friends and neighbors on Stony Lake.;

  6. Saint Peters MOSo sad at the passing of my uncle. What a great man he was! He is leaving behind a legacy that will be carried on by his wonderful family. I am blessed to call Al my uncle! My sympathies and prayers to the family.

    Gary VerDouw
    Saint Peters, MO;

  7. fargo nddecrans family, I lived next door to Helen and al for ten years, what a beautiful time for me. I haven’t seen a couple so taken with each other. Helen was always tired after dialysis and Al was always there to help her. you are all in my thoughts and prayers and you have my deepest sympathy. He will be sorely missed at river square 2. AXxgb;

  8. Park Rapids Minnesota1/6/’15
    To The DeCrans Families- my thoughts and prayers are with you all on your loss. \”Smiling Al\” as I always called him was a kind and caring person who loved the Lord and his family with all his heart. He Smiled a lot and was friendly and gentle in his own special way. May He Rest In Peace and be a smiling and shining star from heaven. You have earned your wings \”Smiling Al\”- Godspeed and Peace Be With You Always, With Love, Prayers and Sympathy, Mark J.VonBank- Park Rapids, Minnesota.;

  9. FARGO ND

    Al DeCrans was very proud of his family and his Catholic faith. For many of us, \”Big Al\” as he fondly called himself, was \”Mr. Cursillo\” both in the Diocese of Crookston and the Diocese of Fargo…being neighboring communities of Catholic parishes. Al believed in deepening his faith in Jesus Christ and allowing the leavening work of the Holy Spirit to inspire our christian faith. He was prayerful, devoted to the presence of Jesus Christ in his life (as a daily communicant) and a man of joy and generosity. We will miss his chocolate chip cookies, Christmas season fruit cakes and his humorous and smiling way of observing the joys and challenges of daily life. Blessed be his memory. He waits for us in the glory chambers of Heaven!;


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