John H. Rivard, age 95 of Hammond, passed away March 16, 2012. John was born January 15, 1917 in Sumter, MN to Oscar and Vera (Dorsey) Rivard. He was united in marriage on June 17, 1941 at St. Bridget’s Catholic Church in River Falls to Marcella Cernohous. Their marriage was blessed with eleven children. John proudly served his country in the US Army during WWII. After he returned from the war, John farmed and also worked for the St. Croix County Highway Department for many years. In his earlier years, John enjoyed fishing and playing cards. He had a wonderful sense of humor and was able to talk with anyone.

He is survived by his children: Catherine Gennrich of Milwaukee, WI, Annette Sales of Des Moines, IA, John (Mary) Rivard of Hammond, Yvonne Brown of Minneapolis, MN, Frank (Jan) Rivard of Hammond, Marie Garton of Des Moines, IA, Rita (Dave) Swanson of Woodville, Alice (Ervin) Kooiman of Hager City, WI, Mary (Shane) Evans of Bloomfield, IN, Ed (Annette) Rivard of Hammond and Nancy (Tom Huppert) Rivard of Hammond; 22 grandchildren; 30 great grandchildren; 3 soon expected grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren; brothers, Richard (Colleen) Rivard and Jerry Rivard; sisters-in-law, Margaret Rivard and Wanda Cernohous; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. John is preceded in death by his wife Marcella (December 1995), son-in-laws, Bob Gennrich, William Sales and David Garton; sisters, Ethel, Erwina and Mary; and brother, Norman.

Mass of Christian Burial will take place 11:00 AM Tuesday, March 20, 2012 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church of Hammond, with Fr. Jerry Harris officiating. Visitation will take place 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM, with a 7:45 PM Prayer Service Monday, March 19, 2012 at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Baldwin and one hour prior to the Mass on Tuesday at church. A reception will immediately follow Mass. Burial with military honors will take place at St. Bridget’s Catholic Cemetery of River Falls. Funeral Services have been entrusted to the O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Baldwin (715) 684-3434 www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com