Alan E. Montreuil, age 90, passed away on September 10, 2026 in Lakeville, MN. Alan was born in Crookston, MN, on June 6, 1936 to Fred and Emily (Fiedler) Montreuil, the fourth of eight children. Alan was working at the National Tea grocery store when a beautiful woman caught his eye. He had met Dolores Huot, his soulmate. The romance turned into a long-distance relationship when Alan signed up for the Navy. He was very proud of serving his country, but he couldn’t wait to get home and marry Dolores. They welcomed three children to the family, Greg, Sandy, and Renee. Back in Crookston, Alan worked at the Cargill grain elevator and later Ferrellgas. After retirement, he loved volunteering with the Foster Grandparent program, where the students called him “Grandpa Al.”

Music was among Alan’s strongest interests. He enjoyed playing his guitar and harmonica. He had a beautiful singing voice. Fishing was also a passion for him. Countless hours were spent on the lake, usually with his wife or brothers. An incredible handyman, Alan could fix almost anything. Woodworking was another hobby he enjoyed, making small furniture and decorative pieces.

Alan was a social person and enjoyed shooting the breeze with relatives, friends, neighbors, and even strangers. He was a witty guy with many funny original sayings. Family was very important to him and he loved spending time with his wife, kids, grandkids, and great grandkids, traveling often to see them and attending their special events.

Alan is survived by his son Greg (Yves) Montreuil of Marseille, France; daughters Sandy (Jim) Novak of Centennial, CO, and Renee (Jon) Brekken of Lakeville, MN; grandchildren Leah (Kellen) Montera of Lone Tree, CO, Ryan (Lauren) Novak of Aurora, CO, Nick Brekken (special friend Hannah Glenn) of Hanover, MN, Ben (Laura) Brekken of Superior, WI, and Annie (Matt) Mosiman of Buffalo, MN; great-grandchildren Grayson and Cole Montera, Sawyer and Christian Novak, Beau and Bella Brekken, Jameson and Henry Brekken, and Myah Mosiman. He also leaves behind four siblings: Charles Montreuil, Mary Grove, Ralph Montreuil, and Jean Lunos; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Marilyn Montreuil, Bernetta Donarski, Lorena and Harry Nohre, Elaine Ricard, Leonard "Red" and Darlene Huot, Wilfred "Willie" Huot, Darlene Ryan, and Gladyce Huot; along with many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews.

Alan was preceded in death by Dolores, his wife of 56 years, his parents, brother Ernest Montreuil, sisters Nona Kaiser and Carol Johnson, son-in-law Yves Musard, sisters-in-law Arlene Montreuil, Della Montreuil, Genevieve Ricard, Jean Donarski, Stella Kennedy, Pat Huot; brothers-in-law Wally Johnson, Duaine Kaiser, Ken Grove, Merle Lunos, Donald “Bud” Huot, Eddie Huot, Ronald Donarski, Larry Ricard, Adolph Donarski, Sonny Kennedy, and Bill Ryan.

A funeral service honoring Alan’s life will be held at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Crookston on Friday, Oct. 2nd at 2 PM. Visitation will be from 4-6 PM on Thursday, Oct. 1st at Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home in Crookston. Interment will be at St. Dorothy's Cemetery, Dorothy, MN.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Tri-Valley Opportunity Council, 107 N. Broadway, Suite 200, Crookston, MN 56716.

The family would like to thank family, friends, neighbors, and community members who helped Alan throughout his later years. It truly takes a village, and his village showed up in force to help. We will be forever grateful.