Rev. Albert J. Couturier

Rev. Albert J. Couturier, age 69 of St. Helen passed away Monday December 29, 2003 at West Branch Regional Medical Center. Fr. Bert was born May 1, 1934 at Lake Leelanau, the son of Mady and Irvene (Belanger) Couturier. He attended St. Mary School through 8th grade and then continued his studies at St. Joseph Seminary in Grand Rapids. Upon graduation he went to the Seminary of Philosophy in Montreal, Canada to study Theology. While there, in 1956, at age 21, he was in an accident which left him quadriplegic. After a lengthy stay at the hospital in Montreal, he went for further therapy at the Herman Keifer Rehabilitation Center in Detroit. After about a year, he returned home to his loving family. In 1984, Bishop Rose gave him permission to return to his Theology studies. He was ordained a Priest on May 14, 1988 at St. Mary's Cathedral in Gaylord. MI. Renee' Marie LaBonte, a cousin, joined Fr. Bert in June of 1987 to assist him with his care and duties. He served at St.Helen Catholic Church until his death. Fr. Bert is survived by his sisters, Bernice (Joe) Shorter, Dora (John) Korson, Merle (Louis) Forton and Joanne (David) Schaub, brothers--John, Gene, Vern (Doris), Dale and Gayle (Cindy) and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Rita Priest, brothers--Bernard and Donald and infant brothers, Elmer, Arthur and Raymond. Visitation for Fr. Bert will be held at St. Helen Catholic Church in St. Helen on Thursday January 1, 2004 from 1-9 P.M. The Wake will be held at 7:00 P.M. at the Church. The Funeral in St. Helen will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday January 2, 2004 at the Church. After the luncheon, Fr. Bert will be taken to St. Mary's Church, Lake Leelanau. A Rosary will be recited by the family about 7:00 P.M. on Friday. The Funeral at Lake Leelanau will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday January 3, 2004. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery, Lake Leelanau. Fr. Bert was a wonderful Priest and was always there for everyone.