Jerome "Jerry" LeBOEUF

Jerome (Jerry) LeBoeuf passed away at his winter home in Trilby, Florida, on April 11, 2024, at the age of 99. Jerry and his beloved wife, Julanne, enjoyed this cherished mobile home oasis where they spent happy hours with family and friends. Spring would bring the couple back to Upper Michigan and summers on Engman Lake where Jerry was constantly busy with various projects. He was truly a man who never slowed down. Even in his nineties, Jerry frequently drove throughout the U.P., taking Julanne to visit loved ones and escorting her to dinner. When she passed away in November 2021, he continued these seasonal rituals.
Born January 7, 1925, Jerry was a proud member of the 'Greatest Generation' who eagerly awaited high school graduation so he could defend the Allies during World War II. After receiving a diploma from Powers High School in 1943, Jerry immediately enlisted in the Armed Forces, beginning as part of the elite 10th Mountain Division where he trained in cold weather combat. Upon hearing pilots were needed, he volunteered for air training. Later he had individual orders to report to North Africa where he guarded German POWs and used his knowledge of nature to search for escaped Axis soldiers. Employing skills he acquired in Upper Michigan, Jerry impressed his commanders with his intricate ability to properly spread gravel with his dump truck for needed roads. This was a talent Jerry used throughout his life. It was also during this time that Jerry honed his natural propensity to rely on conversation to solve problems and to connect with others. It was a skill that would serve him well in the future.
While family and his love of outdoor work kept Jerry busy in what was never really retirement for him, he did enjoy prosperous occupations throughout his life. Returning to his beloved Upper Michigan he married Julanne in 1949. Jerry took a job with a building construction firm in Powers before accepting a position with the Seven-Up Bottling Company serving in different capacities with this establishment in both Menominee and Iron Mountain. In 1954, Jerry's career took a turn when his military experience led to a position on the Iron Mountain Police Force. Later Jerry would aspire to combine his respect for law enforcement and his deeply held belief that discourse could diffuse tense situations by attending Northern Michigan College, studying social work and psychology. The move to Marquette brought new educational opportunities for the couple's four sons. The family lived in married student housing where the boys learned the value of education, hard work, and respect for others. Jerry demonstrated his beliefs when he saved his mother-in-law's house from a grease fire. Unfortunately, the injuries he sustained from this bravery hampered Jerry's ability to take notes and to write his college papers. But he was not deterred. His drive led him to bid on and win U.S. Postal contracts for various mail routes, a business that is an important part of the family even now. Jerry also served with the Marquette City Police in the early 1960's and later, NMU Campus Safety.
Jerry's vitality and determination is evident in the Florida mobile home park he built from the ground up over 40 years ago. Operating heavy machinery such as dump trucks, front end loaders, and back hoes meant that not only did the park became a reality but that family properties north of Ishpeming and on Engman Lake were constantly maintained by Jerry and those who were fortunate to learn from him. He loved building roads, laying culverts, and was the first to volunteer to help a neighbor repair their road. Just two years ago at age 97, Jerry's sons were surprised to find that he had installed a culvert without their help. He delighted in astounding people with his ability and willingness to tackle any job. With his deep belief in sharing his knowledge, he patiently taught many young people these needed skills and his knowledge lives on in both family and friends. He was a teacher of practical skills!
Jerry was first and foremost a family man who modeled respect for others. He was the person who would just show up when he learned of a need. He arrived with insulation and paneling to be sure his son stayed warm in the cold U.P. winters. He saw that a neighbor's roof needed repair or that a cabin at Bear Camp required plumbing work. A few months ago, Jerry rode in his golf cart to be sure his neighbors at the trailer park had reliable roads and pathways. Additionally, he loved nothing more than counseling new law enforcement candidates and took great delight in welcoming them to the family's Bear Camp for training.
A lover of fishing and hunting, Jerry instilled a respect for nature in his family. His sons have fond memories of their father's tenacious work ethic and his belief that one should treat people the way he or she wanted to be treated. His grandchildren and great grandchildren remember him as a devoted, caring man who deeply loved them.
A member of St. Louis the King Catholic Church in Harvey and St. Anne's Catholic Church in Dade City, Florida, Jerry was a man who lived his faith. He served as an altar boy in his youth and remained a devout Catholic throughout his 99 years of life. In his last week of life, he was concerned as he could no longer read his prayer book.
Jerry was predeceased by his parents Alfred and Helen (Ponegalek) LeBoeuf, wife Julanne, son Larry, along with brothers Donald and Bernard LeBoeuf. He is survived by his sons, Dennis (Liming Jing) of Dade City, Florida, Mark (Claudia Hart) of Ishpeming, and Michael (Jane Sleeter) of Dade City, Florida; grandchildren Kevin (Danielle) LeBoeuf, Jerry (Meghan Berka) LeBoeuf, Melissa (Randy) Lehtomaki, Laura LeBoeuf, Tia Fox, and Tony LeBoeuf, Eric (Tanya) Burkman, and Jackie (Jorie) Aulston; six great grandchildren; one great-great grandson; a brother, Lionel; along with several nieces and nephews. The family would like to express their deep appreciation to Joanna Taylor Spencer who was Jerry's caregiver and who he considered his adopted granddaughter.
Jerry will make his final trip back to Upper Michigan where he will be laid to rest alongside his wife of 72 years in the Holy Cross Cemetery. Visitation is scheduled for Wednesday, May 15th at St. Louis the King Catholic Church from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in the church at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Timothy Ekaitis officiating. A luncheon will be served in the parish hall immediately following the Mass.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Louis the King Catholic Church in Harvey.
Canale-Tonella Funeral Home and Cremation Services is serving the LeBoeuf family where memories of Jerry may be shared at canalefuneral.com.