Leo "Lee" Elm, Jr.

Age 81, of Little Canada, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on October 18, 2024. 

Preceded in death by sister, Barbara Weisz. Survived by wife of 60 years, LuAnn; children, MaryAnn (Erich) Tessman, Michael (Wendy) Elm, Andrew (Laura) Elm, and Bobbie (David) Yzaguirre; 11 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; siblings, Judi (Ed) Beyer, Kathy (Ken) Vogel, and Tom (Sue) Elm; and close family friend, Cathy Robertson.

A graduate of the University of Minnesota (‘73) B.S., Industrial Engineering), Lee worked for Thermo King for 34 years (1969-2003) as Manager of Advanced Manufacturing Engineering, establishing manufacturing facilities across the world. An avid woodworker, he spent hours building items as simple as wooden toys for his grandchildren, to beautiful furniture (rocking chair, grandfather clock, barristers' bookcase, coffee table, end table, sewing chest, roll top desk, bookshelves and bunk beds) for his home and family. Most notable was a bassinet that every one of Lee and LuAnn’s grandchildren has slept in since the first grandchild in 1991. Recently, Lee completed a brief collection of memories for his family and offered the following advice: “Listen carefully BEFORE you talk or act. I know you learn a lot by listening.”

Visitation 9:30 - 10:30 am, Wednesday, October 23 at Maternity of Mary Catholic Church, 1414 N. Dale St., St. Paul followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 am. 

Private interment at Calvary Cemetery. 

Memorials preferred to the American Diabetes Association. 

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