Louis T. “Pete” Rivard, age 96, of Bradley passed away Monday, March 11, 2019, at Riverside Senior Living Community in Kankakee. He was born on June 14, 1922 in St. George, the son of Joseph & Georgiana (Gregoire) Rivard. Louis married Dolores Remillard on October 2, 1948 at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Kankakee. She preceded him in death on February 1, 2019.
Cremation rites have been accorded. A memorial visitation will be held from 2- 4 p.m. Sunday, March 17, 2019, at Clancy-Gernon Funeral Home in Bourbonnais. An additional memorial visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the 11 a.m. memorial mass on Monday, March 18, 2019, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Bradley. Burial will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Kankakee.
Louis is a veteran of the United States Army, having served during World War II with the 29th Infantry Division. He was in the first wave of US troops landing on Omaha Beach on D-Day. He was wounded twice while serving in Normandy. Louis was awarded with the Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster, Combat Infantryman Badge, Good Conduct Medal, and the European Campaign Medal. Louis was also able to participate in an Honor Flight for World War II veterans, and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
Prior to retirement, he was employed as an air conditioning and refrigeration technician by T&R Supply, McConnell Refrigeration, and Mercon. Louis was a longtime member of the American Legion, Kankakee Sportsmans Club, Local 597 Plumbers & Pipe Fitters Union, the 29th Infantry Division Association, and the Vintage Squadron.
Louis was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He was generous with his time and talents. He enjoyed helping his children, grandchildren, relatives, friends, neighbors, and the church. His hobbies included woodworking, camping, reading, and repairing anything put on his workbench. It seemed he had a tool and a part for every job.
Surviving are one son and daughter-in-law, David & Deborah Rivard of Kankakee; one daughter and son-in-law, Judith & Gary Wolfe of Bourbonnais; three grandchildren, Sarah Rivard of Kankakee, Rebecca Rivard of Las Vegas, and Michael Wolfe of Zionsville, IN; and one sister, Madonna Heeger of Longs, SC. In addition to his wife, Dolores Rivard, Louis is preceded in death by his parents.
Memorials may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church of Bradley
