Keweenaw Report Your Source for Local News and Sports
As received from the Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home:
Vernon Lawrence Leblanc, 89, a resident of Kearsarge died on Tuesday May 11, 2021 following a long and healthy life.
He was born in Lake Linden (Bootjack) on January 6, 1932, the son of the late Peter and Clara (Fournier) LeBlanc. He attended the St. Joseph Elementary and the Lake Linden Public School. He was preceded in death by both sons; Peter (Barbara) LeBlanc, Bruce (Lorry) LeBlanc, his siblings, Isabelle (Roland) LaCasse, Anne (Peter) Cencich, Clarence (Betty) LeBlanc, and Ransom (Joanna) LeBlanc.
On October 3, 1952 he married Susan Lehto and they enjoyed 68 years together.
Vern went to work for the Calumet & Hecla but was drafted into the Korean War and served 14 months the in the motor pool. He returned and went to Detroit and worked for Senco Products, from service-man to District Manager, for 23 years, retired and worked for the Hahn Co. for 10 years. He retired and eventually found his way back to the Copper Country and built a home in Lil Betsy and then again in Kearsarge.
Surviving are:
his wife Susan, daughters-in-law, Lorry LeBlanc of Eagle Harbor, Barbara LeBlanc of Cary, N. Carolina, two grandchildren, Chloe and Bryan. Also, a nephew Clifford (Cinda) Lacasse, his nieces, Susan Frisk LaBlanc, Julie (Mike) Haskin, and sister-in-law, Patsy Lehto.
As a youth, Vernon played softball for the Maple Leaf Bar, participated in football, basketball, and track in his high school years. He coached football and baseball, as his children grew. He enjoyed all sports and followed Lake Linden Football and basketball. Every football game, Vern could be found at the game early and all excited. But, Vern’s greatest love was hard work and he prepared a list for each day—the longer the list, the happier he was. He did some fishing on the “Big Lake” with his brother-in-law, Peter Lehto, and lots of bird hunting in the Keweenaw. His nickname was Gunner, as he sold Senco pneumatic tools and fasteners.
Vern was a religious man and faithfully attended church. He also served for several years on the Property Committee and Church Council.
A graveside service will be held at 11:00 am on Friday May 14, 2021 in Section 71 of the Lake View Cemetery with Pastor Jay Weidner to officiate.
In Lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Laurium Shining Light Church, 246 Tamarack Street, Laurium, MI 49913, Or the Calumet VFW Post 3900, 26628 Larch Street, Calumet, MI 49913.
Online condolences for the family may be left at www.ericksoncrowleypeterson.com
The Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home in Calumet is assisting the family with the arrangements.
