Leo F. Groleau, age 81, of 425 Wells Street; Nahma, died Saturday, November 24th, 2007 at St. Francis Hospital in Escanaba. Since November 19th, he was a patient at the Christian Park Health Care Center in Escanaba.
Leo was born April 28th, 1926 at the family home in St. Jacques, the son of Omer and Florestine (Sabourin) Groleau and was a lifelong resident of the St. Jacques, Ogontz, and Nahma areas.
In July of 1944, he entered military service with the Army Air Corps serving in the Pacific Theater during World War II. Leo was honorably discharged in August of 1946 and returned to Delta County and later became a member of the Rapid River American Legion Walter W. Cole Post #301 of Rapid River. He was united in marriage to the former Meryle A. Johnston on September 26th, 1959 in
Escanaba and together raised five children.
Work was always important and satisfying part of his life and always enjoyed being busy. In earlier years, Leo was engaged in farming and later was employed in trucking and construction and was a long-time member of the Teamster Union Local #324 of Escanaba. Leo also worked in the logging industry as well for a number of years.
Gardening, hunting, and tapping maple trees were several of his enjoyments. Feeding wildlife of all kinds, especially deer, birds, and squirrels was one of his most enthusiastic past-times.
In addition, reading; playing cards, word search games, watching the
Anonymous
My life was greatly enriched by knowing Leo Groleau. First, he was known to me as my girlfriend’s dad, and later as my father-in-law for over 27 years. But he was a lot more than just a father-in-law. He was a mentor to me in so many ways. I watched him living a simple and contented life without a lot of money or fine posessions and deeply admired his approach to life. He was hard-working, consistent, a solid husband and father. He was liked by just about everybody, I think. He had an easy way about him and made people feel welcome and accepted. I loved his funny comments, songs and his lively sense of humor. I can’t think of a single time he spoke a harsh word to me or made me feel unwelcome. My parents, brothers and their families all met Leo and Meryle over the years. They also admired and appreciated him and are sorry about his passing.
Leo leaves a great legacy behind. He imparted his quiet confidence into his children and grandchildren. My kids loved their grandpa Groleau dearly and will remember him fondly through their entire lives. My wife Diane models herself after him and her mother in many ways. She was richly blessed to grow up under these fine parents.
Leo will live on in our hearts and memories. It was a priviledge to know him.
Jim Isleib
Munising, MI
To The Family Of Leo Groleau
Two years ago, on my way to my 50th class reunion in Escanaba, my brother and I visited with Leo and a few more of your siblings (sorry I am so bad at remembering names) when we were researching our family ancestry on our mother’s side of the family. She was Mercedes (LaMarch) McMartin (wife of Kenneth) and her mother was Mary (Sabourin) LaMarch. We had such a nice visit and cherish the pictures we have of us sitting with Leo on his couch and enjoying sharing memories of when we were kids and would come to the farm for Sunday visits. We thank all of you for such a warm welcome and for being so helpful to us in our venture.
I know I speak for my brother, Kent McMartin, as well as myself, as I send condolences to the family on the loss of your big brother.
May God bless you all on your loss.
Marlene (McMartin) Day
Boise, ID
Carol,
Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your famiy. Psalms 23 The Lord is my Shepherd…
Pastor Robert and Catherine King
Appleton, WI
It is so hard to put into words what my grandfather meant to me. He was such an unassuming man in all aspects and yet, he had a strong impact on all who met him. He was one of those rare people who only said exactly what he meant and even rarer, did exactly what he said he was going to do. I will miss him – heart and soul. He was the patriarch in our family and the glue that held us all together. As I stood beside his bed while he slipped away from us, I was so aware that the world was losing a truly good man. He taught me so many things like how to play solitaire, how to make maple syrup, how to drive my mother crazy, and how to make the best of life in every situation.
His stories and life live on through all of us. Someday, I hope to meet a man half as good as him. I will miss seeing him at the window as I drive up to that little white house that was my haven for many years. But I hold him close in my heart and in my memories. I love you Grandpa….
Lila Rose Isleib
Munising, MI
Carol,
I am so sorry to learn of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time.
Monica Kocon
Wayzata, MN
Dear Groleau family,
Sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Terri (Weiks) Storer
Fort Wayne, IN
Dean, Kathy, Chelsea, Abbee, and all of Leo’s family:
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of Leo. Please know that despite the fact we aren’t there for you during this trying time, you are in our thoughts and prayers. We are here for you in whatever capacity we can be.
God Bless,
Bob, Joni, Brittany, Cody, and Zachary Rajala
Goffstown, NH