Leroy Lilienthal
October 15, 1934 — June 19, 2016
LeRoy Lilienthal, 81, Grand Marais, died Sunday, June 19, 2016 at home.
He was born on October 15, 1934 to William O. and Martha (Weidendorf) Lilienthal on the family farm in Brook Park, Minnesota where he grew up, attending schools in Quamba. As a young man he worked on the family farm, then served in the U. S. Army from 1957 to 1959. Returning to Minnesota, LeRoy married Rita Holmstrom in 1961, and they moved to the Gunflint Trail in 1971. For several years he was employed as a driller for Longyear Drilling Services on the Iron Range, then went to work as a mechanic for the Cook County School District for 18 years, until retiring.
He enjoyed many hours on his Bobcat, the outdoors, his grandchildren and woodworking.
LeRoy was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Rita in 1999, a sister Vera Koch, and a brother-in-law, David Armstrong.
He is survived by his daughters, Durae Lilienthal, Andra Lilienthal (Steve Jungclaus) of Grand Marais, and Genalle Fogelberg of Shell Lake, Wisconsin; grandchildren, Cody, Brittany, Kyle, Lucas, Blake, and Lilly; great-grandchildren, Aurora, Chase and Layla; a sister, Judy Armstrong; in-laws, Elmer Koch, Daryl Holmstrom, Mike (Jean) Holmstrom, and LeeAnn (Donny) McConkey; many nieces and nephews including his favorite nephews, Bob Holmstrom and Ken Koch; and his close friend and cribbage partner, Ruth Westby.
Visitation will be from 4-6 PM on Friday, June 24, 2016 at Cavallin Funeral Home in Grand Marais.