Obituary of Donald J. Gervais

Donald James (Don) Gervais 1927 – 2021 Don passed away peacefully on August 6, 2021, at 94 ½ years old. Don was born in Little Canada and grew up in the Rice Street area, graduating from Washington High School, lettering in track. After high school, he enlisted in the Marine Corp. After honorable discharge from the Marine Corp, he married Joyce Flipp on August 30, 1947, and they raised four children. Don’s entire career was working in the meat industry, and he retired from his own business, Gervais Meat Co. Preceded in death by his wife, Joyce, 3 infant children, 3 brothers and 2 sisters. Survived by his children, Gary (Ruth), Nancy, Lynn (Don Eberle) and David (Kathy); grandchildren, Natalie, Benjamin, Steven, Christine, Ryan, James, Rocky, Andy and Erin; great-grandchildren, Elodie, Bennett, Genevieve, Annelise, Lauren, Austin, Megan, Nathan, Jonathan, Kathyrn, Julia, Rebekah, Reid and Karissa; great-great grandchild, Eleanor. Also, survived by sister-in-law and husband, Kathy and Jim Frazier, as well as many nieces, nephews, family and friends. His relationship with the Little French Church and especially “The Winter Chapel” earned him the proud title of D. Jacque-Pierre “Don” Gervais, Maitre de Chapelle. He was also a raconteur of the first order. His vivid stories of the past and present could fill a library. Mass of Christian Burial at Church of Saint Louis, King of France, (Little French Church), downtown St. Paul, will be held at 10:30 AM, Wednesday, August 18, 2021, with visitation at the church from 9:30 – 10:30 prior to the Mass. Burial at Fort Snelling will follow the Mass. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the church or donation of your choice. SEMPER FI