Keith Ardell Fontaine, 88, of Mentor, MN, passed away peacefully at home on April 28, 2024. 
Keith was born in rural Whitman, North Dakota on April 5, 1936 to Isadore J. and Frieda W. (Kelley) Fontaine. Keith was baptized at Quale Lutheran Church in Fordville, ND and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Manvel, ND. He grew up attending country schools in Nelson County, ND. Keith was a member of Maple Lake Lutheran Church in rural Mentor, MN.
Keith married Sandra Mauriece Ulland on January 17, 1959. They settled in Red Lake Falls where they raised their children, Kip, Kelly, Karl, Kris, Kraig, and Kirk. They had just celebrated 65 years of marriage. Keith retired from Transport, Inc. in 1989. He then started his second career as a bus driver for the Red Lake Falls school district, where Sandy was his boss. Keith and Sandy purchased Ulland’s Resort on Maple Lake from Sandy’s parents, Orville and Clarice. Keith was very proud of keeping the grounds mowed, manicured and park-like. He loved visiting with his campground family, often sharing a cup of coffee and a treat, and brought joy to hundreds of families that spent their summers at the resort. Keith eventually started driving school bus for the Win-E-Mac school district, retiring at age 84. Keith was extremely proud of his driving expertise and continued driving fertilizer semi-tender truck up until two weeks ago.
Keith was very active in his community. He belonged to the Red Lake Falls Lions Club for many years and was the recipient of Lions International’s highest awards: the Melvin Jones Fellow for Dedicated Humanitarian Services, the Helen Keller Sight Award for leadership in restoring and preserving sight, and the District Governor Award “For Your Unselfish Service to Others.” Sandy and he were inducted into the Red Lake Falls Blue Line Club Hall of Fame in 2014 and they received the Northwest Minnesota Foundation “Circle of Vision” Award in 2018 for their philanthropic efforts.
Keith and Sandy loved following and watching their children and grandchildren’s extra-curricular activities. This also gave Keith, an avid and renowned raffle ticket salesman, lots of opportunities and new targets to pursue. In 2000, Keith and Sandy established a scholarship fund in memory of their son, Kris Fontaine, who passed away in 1999. The most meaningful tickets Keith sold were for a picnic table he built every year to raffle off at the golf tournament in memory of their son, Kris.
Keith was a recent widower, having lost Sandy on March 2, 2024. Keith was her constant companion and caretaker for several months before her passing. Keith is also preceded in death by his father Isadore; mother Frieda; son Kris Ardell Fontaine; and 14 siblings: Florence Olson, Fern Harrison, Douglas Fontaine, Delmore Fontaine, Frances Ackerman, Stanley Fontaine, Hazel Gunderson, Mavis Woodard, Bonnie Roch, Isadore Jr. (Ginger) Fontaine, Stillborn baby brother, Glenn Fontaine, Gloria Fontaine, and Joann Davis. Keith is survived by two sisters, Hope Lembke and Nancy (Alan) Slominski, along with several sister-in-laws, cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Keith and Sandy leave behind a wonderful legacy of family. Surviving Keith are his children, Kip and Sheila Fontaine of Mentor; Kelly and Brian Wavra of Grand Forks, ND; Karl and Laurie Fontaine of Cave Creek, AZ; Kraig and Amy Fontaine of Bagley, MN; and Kirk Fontaine of Red Lake Falls. His grandchildren are: Karli and Bryce Wilson, Keaton and Kalyn Fontaine, Kristian Fontaine, Kael and Amanda Fontaine, Kloe Wavra, Kassandra Fontaine, and Kamden Fontaine. His great children are: Madalyn, Charleigh, Aksel, Krew, Rhylee, Echo, Karter, Kinlee, Anakin, and Kroix.
Services will be held on Saturday, May 4 at 11:00 AM at Bethany Lutheran Church in Red Lake Falls, Minnesota, with visitation one hour before the services. A visitation will also be held on Friday, May 3rd from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM at Bethany with a Prayer Service at 6:30. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Red Lake Falls Blue Line Club, Attn: Legacy Fund, PO Box 312, Red Lake Falls, MN 56750.
