1924 – Donald John LeClaire – 2017
Donald LeClaire, the son of Henry and Elizabeth (Harvey) LeClaire, was born on August 5, 1924 on a farm outside of Currie, Minnesota. He grew up on the farm and attended IHM Catholic School in Currie. At the age of 18 Donald enlisted into the US Navy. During his four years of enlistment he headed the laundry division in Texas. After his discharge he relocated to Los Angels, California where he worked in the lumberyard until 1949 when he returned home to Currie where he met Darlene Beach. Donald was united in marriage to Darlene Beach on June 20, 1950. After their marriage they lived outside of Currie. Over the years, Donald worked as a hired hand until he started his own farming operation in and around Currie in 1960. That same year, Don and Darlene bought the commercial ice fishing business and they worked both professions for 40 years until his retirement. Donald passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loved ones on Friday, February 17, 2017 at the age of 92. He was a life-long member of IHM Catholic Church, was a 4th Degree Knight in the Knights of Columbus, and the Catholic Order of Foresters. Donald was also a Currie Fire Department volunteer fireman for 25 years and a lifetime member of the American Legion and VFW. He most enjoyed working with cows, the outdoors, commercial ice fishing, playing pinochle and spending time with his family and friends. He was a loving father and a man who always put others needs ahead of his own.
Survivors include his wife Darlene of 66 and one half years; seven children: James (Mary) LeClaire, Oak Harbor, WA, Diane London and special friend, Steve Kost, Pierre, SD, Theresa (Ray) Zeller, Redding, CA, Lori Hektner, Sioux Falls, SD, Marcia (Joe) Schreier, Currie, MN, David (Patty) LeClaire, Currie, MN and Doug LeClaire and Jody Lehnhoff, Currie, MN; 19 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren and numerous step-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter Gail Marie LeClaire; great-grandson Samuel Donald Hektner and siblings: Odell Myhro, Vernon LeClaire, Henry LeClaire, Lucretia Anderson, Virginia Fetter, Dwaine LeClaire, Betty Kass, Rose Marie Ruppert Hansen and James LeClaire.
Funeral services are at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church Currie, MN at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, February 22, 2017 with Msgr. R. Paul Heiting celebrating. The organist is Sharon Lais. The song leader is Liz Barton. The pallbearers are his grandsons. Interment at Calvary Cemetery Currie, MN. Visitation continues one hour prior to the service at the church on Wednesday. Send condolences online at www.totzkefuneralhome.com.
