Pat LeBlanc Sr. of Silver Bay passed away peacefully May 9, 2015, with his family by his side, at Carefree Living in Silver Bay, MN.
Pat was born on May 8, 1937 in Duluth, MN to Edmund and Hannah (Skar) LeBlanc.
He was the second of 3 children. He attended school in Proctor, MN where he enjoyed playing football, basketball, baseball, tennis, and “Scrawnyball”. He was a graduate of the class of 1955.
He married Lois (Tootie) Engman in 1959, they had four sons. His work career started in high school with washing/ parking cars at the Medical Arts Garage, in Duluth, MN, briefly at Erie Mining Co. in Taconite Harbor, Reserve Mining in Silver Bay, then for his father, Ed as a Mobil Oil Agent in 1957. Then in 1960, Pat and Tootie took over from his father. They renamed the business North Shore Oil Company in 1977, and again in 1994 to North Shore Oil & Propane. Pat and Tootie retired in 1999. Pat help start various other businesses in Silver Bay including the Americinn, and Dairy Queen. He served on the board of Silver Bay State Bank, which later became Wells Fargo. He was a member of Faith Lutheran Church in Silver Bay, and the “Wrinkle Riders” snowmobile and ATV riding group.
Pat is remembered for his quick wit and strong will, but mostly remembered for his love of family… especially his grandchildren. When the boys were young, going camping and to the cabin was where summer weekends were spent. Pat also loved playing cards, Cribbage, Smear, and 500 were his favorites. A beef on the 4th of July at the cabin on the Devils Track River, in Grand Marais, became an annual tradition for many.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Ed and Hannah, father-in-law John Engman, mother-in-law Alice Engman, sister Sharon Mooney, brother in-law Jack Engman, and sister-inlaw
Bernice Korach. He is survived by his wife, Tootie; sons Pat Jr., Guy (Paula), Wade (Crystal), and Mark (Wendy); Stepmother Mary LeBlanc; grandchildren Drew, Brian, Jack, Brock, Troy, Gavin, Steph, Blake, Carter; great grandson landon; brother Larry, sister-in-law Karon Engman; brother-in-law Pete Korach; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
The family would like to thank the staff at Carefree Living in Silver Bay, and St. Mary’s/Essentia Hospice. A Memorial Service will be held at Faith Lutheran Church, on Friday, May 15 at 11:00 a.m. Lunch at the Reunion Hall immediately after service. At Pat’s request, Zup’s Italian Sausage and Polish Delights will be served. Memorials preferred to Faith Lutheran Church, Silver Bay Blue Line Club, or Silver Bay ‘M’ Club.
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