René G. Philippot

René G. Philippot, age 81, of Osage, MN, formally of Moorhead, passed away on Monday, June 11, 2018, at Ecumen Emmanuel Nursing Home, Detroit Lakes.

The name René means “born again” or “reborn” in French. René George Philippot is the epitome of his name’s definition, as he spent his 81 years being “reborn.” He pioneered change and showed his resilience in the face of challenge every day of his life.  Born in Ste. Anne, Canada, he spent his formative years on a farm with his three siblings and parents, thriving despite difficult economic times.

He met and married his soul mate, Dolores VanDaele, and they built a family with three children. In 1971 the company for which he worked, Westeel-Rosco, transferred him to the Fargo-Moorhead area to become the General Manager and establish a U.S. presence for the company. After many years in the F-M area, he left for an employment opportunity with International Woods (Colorado), and finally, created his own business with Dolores, F-M Pack-and-Ship, from which he retired.  Through it all, he prided himself in his formidable work ethic.  Upon retirement, he and Dolores spent the warmer Minnesota months on their beloved Toad Lake and wintered in Weslaco, TX.

Reborn in his spirit, René was a man of strong beliefs.  A devout Catholic, he ardently attended weekend mass, even when he was ill. In his conversations about the issues of personal, local, and global importance, there was never a doubt about where he stood. With that conviction, he raised his children to be their best selves and, therefore, confident in their own unique ways.

Finding newness in each tick of the clock, René was not a man to be hurried. One of his favorite phrases was, “What’s the rush?”  This philosophy applied to almost everything in his personal sphere.  A cold beer was to be sipped. A story was to unfold with detail and patience. A delicious meal was to be savored, especially dessert.

His body was constantly being redefined. When most would have relented, René surmounted countless health mountains. It must be stated here that we are infinitely grateful to all of the healthcare professionals along the way who nurtured him with hands of expertise and hearts of kindness, especially those at Essentia CCU in Fargo, ND, and Ecumen TCU in Detroit Lakes, MN.

Ultimately, René’s rebirth is his passage from the physical world into the spiritual.  Though we celebrate the peace that he finally can experience after so much pain and so many health obstacles, we will miss him every day here on Earth.

René is predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Emma, and his brothers, Hubert and Albert.  He is lovingly survived by his devoted wife of nearly 61 years, Dolores; his children, Jackie Philippot; René Philippot, Jr. (Susan) and their children, Nicole, Carly, and Zach; Raymond Philippot (Donna); sister Jeannette Lambert (Marcel); and several cherished extended family members.

A service to honor René will be held at 11:00 a.m. in Moorhead, MN, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church (218-10^th St. S., Moorhead, MN 56560) on Friday, June 22, 2018, with a visitation one hour prior to the service at 10:00 a.m.  A luncheon will immediately follow the service at the church.  Donations can be made to Churches United for the Homeless in Moorhead, MN.