Ovide Hilaire Marcotte

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Ovide Hilaire Marcotte, a cherished father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather, brother, and friend, who left this world on July 26, 2026, at the age of 102. Born on April 30, 1924, in the humble town of Olga Township, North Dakota, Ovide lived a life marked by deep love, unwavering dedication, and a legacy that will be cherished for generations. Ovide was the beloved son of Telesphore and Marie Laure (Beauchamp) Marcotte, and he grew up surrounded by a large and loving family. Throughout his life, he was predeceased by his devoted wife of nearly 76 years, Verna (Schneider) Marcotte, who was his constant companion and the love of his life. Together, they built a life grounded in faith, love, and family, raising 11 children and instilling in them their values and faith, and demonstrating their love and dedication to each other Ovide served his country with honor in the United States Army from 1951 to 1952, demonstrating the same commitment and integrity that he would carry into all areas of his life. He dedicated more than two decades of his life to the University of North Dakota as a groundsman and heavy equipment operator at the University of North Dakota. His work at the university was a testament to his strong work ethic and dedication, but it was his roles as a husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather where his true spirit shone brightest. Ovide was a proud father to his surviving children: Linda Steffen, Carol (Gary Thomas) Luther, James (Cheryl Wawryk) Marcotte, Wayne (Kimberly) Marcotte, Vicky (Dean) Evenstad, Terry (Christine) Marcotte, Luchelle (Joe) Luther, Candace Howard, Pamela (Ernest) Storey, Thomas (Angela Obregon) Marcotte, and Michael (Katie) Marcotte. His legacy also includes 35 grandchildren, 50 great-grandchildren, and 7 great-great-grandchildren, each of whom brought immense joy to his life. Ovide was a man of many talents and interests. He found joy in the simple pleasures of life, such as gardening, woodworking, and hunting. His quick wit and warm smile were ever-present, and he had a remarkable gift for making everyone feel welcome and valued. His kindness and generosity were unbounded, touching the lives of countless people both within and outside his family. A devout member of St. Michael's Catholic Church, Ovide's faith was a cornerstone of his life. His dedication to his faith provided a guiding light for his family. He often told the story of when, as a young boy in Olga, ND, he would spend his Saturday at the Ovide is survived by his brother-in-law Harvey Schneider and was predeceased by his sisters Edna Dalzell, Cecile Robillard, Anna Chaput, Theresa Robillard, Laurette Zettel, Juliette Dietz, his brother Eugene Marcotte, two infant brothers, Marcel and Leo, nine brothers-in-law, a sister-in-law, his son-in-law Jack Luther, and his beloved grandchildren, Jamie Marcotte, Paul Luther, Randy Marcotte, and great-grandson, Paul Bendrick. Though he is deeply missed, Ovide's spirit will live on in the hearts of all who loved him. His life was a testament to the power of kindness, the importance of family, and the enduring strength of faith. In honor of his memory, the family kindly requests that donations be made to a charity of your choice, reflecting Ovide's lifelong commitment to giving and generosity. As we bid farewell to this remarkable man, we celebrate a life well-lived and a legacy that will never be forgotten.