Irene Legat Leng was born in Sundance, Wyoming (1911) to Frank and Elsie Legat. Irene grew up in the Big Horn Mountains. Her father was a U.S. Forest Ranger. At age 12, the family was transferred from the Big Horns to Superior National Forest. Irene gave up her prize black pony for a bicycle. Her father exchanged his saddle for a canoe and paddle. The bike, canoe and paddle were all new experiences for the Wyoming family. Upon her father’s retirement, a Cook County lake was named in their honor: Legat Lake.
Although Irene spent one high school year in Casper, Wyoming, the rest of her school years were in Grand Marais. She graduated from Superior State Teachers’ College with a degree in education.
Irene taught fourth and fifth grade for several years, met and married a local Grand Marais boy, Loren Leng. Together they built and ran the Shore Theater, and started two other businesses: The Hobby Shop and The Market. Irene and Loren traveled to Europe, Asia, and Mexico to buy unique items for The Market.
Irene was very civic minded. She was an active member of the First Congregational Church, Cook County Welfare Board, Fisherman’s Picnic, and was chairperson of the Cook County Republican Party. Her passion was bridge and especially duplicate bridge. She accumulated her master’s points in Minneapolis at tournaments, and the Senior Center where a local group met each Tuesday.
Irene and Loren had two children (Beth and Bruce), several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The family loved to be entertained with her colorful stories of the “Wild West”!
Memorials preferred to North Shore Care Center Activities Department.
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