Douglas Howard La Belle

Douglas Howard La Belle (70) of Rush City, MN displayed a strength that defies all conventional imagination with his final battle of cancer. He passed away peacefully with his family by his side January 11, 2014.Doug grew up and graduated in Rush City, MN. He graduated from Augsburg College in 1969 after volunteering to complete a tour with the Army in Germany. He eventually started working at FedEx and was there for 21 years where he was loved by all. He was involved with track and field not only during school, but also later in life by competing in tournaments throughout Minnesota with his brother George.Doug was a devoted and hardworking husband, father, friend and co-worker. He was loved by all who met him and his smile, humor and shuffle brought light to each room he entered.  His sugar fingers are greatly missed. Doug is survived by his amazingly genius children: Tammy La Belle of Cambridge, David La Belle of Minneapolis, Sarah La Belle of Eden Prairie, Katie (Chris) Perales of Chaska; grandchildren: Mason, Sophia, Ella, Xavier, Olivia; brothers: Roger (Donna) La Belle of Richfield, Brian La Belle of North Branch, George (Sue) La Belle of Zimmerman, Danny (Ann) La Belle of Harris; many other relatives and friends.He is preceded in death by his parents Howard and Grace (Jackson) LaBelle and his sister Faye Solonen.Funeral services for Doug La Belle will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 15, 2014 at Grace Baptist Church in Pine City. A time of visitation will be from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 14, 2014 and one hour prior to the funeral, all at the church.Interment will take place at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis with military honors at a later date.Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the Funeral and Cremation Service of Rush City – Olson Chapel www.funeralandcremationservice.com