Edward Franklin LeRoy, age 83, passed away at his home on October 16, 2022, after a short illness.
Ed was born in LaPorte, IN on August 4, 1939, to Chester LeRoy and Helen (Parsell) LeRoy.
A lifelong resident of LaPorte, he graduated from LaPorte High School in 1957 and proudly served in the U.S. Army and U.S. Army Reserves from 1957-61.
Ed worked at the family business LeRoy’s Grocery Store as a meat cutter for many years. He enjoyed working at Allis Chalmers for 11 years, making many life-long friends before purchasing a farm outside LaPorte and becoming a full-time farmer, raising Angus cattle and gardening.
His favorite pastime was fishing at Eagle River, Wisconsin with his nephew, Jim Fish, the son he never had and best friend Steve Clougher. He was an avid Notre Dame football fan and loved the Chicago Cubs until the recent trades.
He had a sharp wit, was a great gin rummy player and storyteller. He was a wiz at trivial pursuit and never met anyone he didn’t create a nickname for.
He is survived by four daughters, Jaqueline (Tim) Ohlund, Julia (David) Bennethum, Jane (James) Archer, Jeana (Nathan) Smith and sisters, Nancy (Kinglsey) Taft and Jane (Dave) Levendoski; sisters in-law, Maggie LeRoy and Beth LeRoy; and brother in-law Clyde Alban.
He was very proud of his grandchildren, Hanna Ohlund, Emma Ohlund, Tara Ohlund-Young, Sven Ohlund, Carly Bennethum-Thomas, Cole Bennethum, Gibson Archer, Brody Archer, Nicholas Smith and Parker Smith; several great-grandchildren; and his beloved dog, Quirt Evans.
He is preceded in death by his brothers, Robert LeRoy and Thomas LeRoy; and sister Mary Ann Alban.
A private burial has been held and a celebration of life will be Saturday, October 22, 2022, at 3:00 pm at the farm.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel in La Porte.
Memorial contributions can be made to The Rebel Pavilion at TheRebelPavilion.org. a non-for-profit benefiting youth equestrians in LaPorte County.
To light a virtual candle, share a story of Ed’s life, or leave a message of comfort for the family, please visit www.EsslingFuneralHome.com.
