Luke LeClaire

Luke P. LeClaire, age 58 of Staples, formerly of New Munich, died Saturday, July 18, 2009 in Byron Township, Cass County, Minnesota.

Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Friday, July 24, 2009 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in New Munich with Rev. Roger Klassen, OSB officiating. A private family inurnment will take place at a later date.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Patton-Schad Funeral Home in Melrose and 1 hour prior to the mass at church on Friday. Parish prayers will be held at 5:00 p.m. Thursday evening at the funeral home.

Luke Pierre LeClaire was born May 5, 1951 in Melrose, Minnesota to Walter "Cook" and Betty (Silbernick) LeClaire. He graduated from Melrose High School in 1970. Luke was employed at Osmos Wood Preserving Company and later at Morey's Fish Company in Motley. He has been a resident of Staples for the past 30 years. Luke enjoyed working with wood, making clocks, caskets, and oak furniture. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved deer hunting at his cabin up north. Luke especially loved spending time with his nine grandchildren.

Survivors include his five daughters, Julie Nelson of Alexandria, Nicole (Mike) Jasmer of Randall, Melissa Hillard of Alexandria, Jennifer Hillard of Alexandria, and Susie Alters of Pillager; nine grandchildren; brothers and sister, Jesse (Cheryl) LeClaire of New Munich, Matt LeClaire of Chickaloon, Alaska, Mark LeClaire of Englewood, Florida, and Joyce LeClaire of Melrose.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter "Cook" and Betty LeClaire; granddaughter, Justine Paige Bulgrean; and sister, Lois LeClaire.