Leo A. Pouliot

1937 - 2025

Leo A. Pouliot, age 88, of Norwood Young America passed away on Tuesday, September 23, 2025 at the Ridgeview Medical Center in Waconia.

Mass of Christian Burial Saturday, October 4, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Church of the Ascension (323 Reform Street) in Norwood Young America with Father Abraham Kochupurackal and Father Eugene Pouliot presiding. Visitation from 9:00 a.m. until the time of Mass at church on Saturday.

Leo Anthony was born July 26, 1937 in Loretto, MN, the tenth of 13 children born at home to Ephrem and Agnes (Laumann) Pouliot. He attended the Academy of Saints Peter and Paul, in Loretto, MN and graduated from St. Michael High School in 1955. That same year, Leo joined the U.S. Army Reserves serving 6 months active and 7.5 years as a mechanic and motor sergeant before being honorably discharged. He continued his education at the Dunwoody Institute for basic electronics and photography. On May 20, 1967, Leo was united in marriage to Janice Shelton at St. Thomas the Apostle in Corcoran, MN.

Leo grew up feeding and milking cows with his dad and brothers on the family farm. While more siblings left home for marriage, military service, and the priesthood, Leo remained at home to help his parents. He happily drove them to many weddings, funerals and family gatherings and became the "fun uncle" to so many nieces and nephews. This role of chauffeur would later transition into a booming limousine business. After completing his education at Dunwoody, Leo worked a few years for the Soo Line RR before holding the position of Receiving Clerk for Pako in Golden Valley. Leo then became an insurance agent for AAA selling and maintaining auto and hospitalization insurance policies before HMOs existed. Later on, he worked at Minnetonka Corp/Village Bath, supervising the night crew production of SoftSoap in Chaska before leaving and accepting a position at Bongards Creamery. Before retiring, Leo fulfilled his dream of owning and operating his limousine service, Triple L Limo, receiving formal recognition and appreciation for his years of dedicated service as the President of the MN Professional Limousine Owners Association. He was blessed to transport people to all kinds of events, from weddings, concerts, Christmas light tours and beyond. He rolled out the red carpet for all his adored clients.

Leo initially met his wife while she visited her cousins, Richard and Arlene Poppler, who were friends and neighbors of Leo's sister and brother-in-law in Hamel, MN. They crossed paths again when Jan's bowling league happened to play before Leo's men's league at Medina Lanes. Leo got up the nerve to ask her out for music and green beer on St. Patrick's Day, and they were inseparable thereafter. The couple was excited to become parents for the first time but suffered the loss of their first pregnancy, their dearly loved baby. Thus began their life-long, fulfilling journey as foster parents in 1968; followed by the births of their 4 beloved children and fostering over 300 precious others - a true legacy of family compassion recognized with a WCCO Good Neighbor Award.

Not one to slow down, Leo was active in the Lions Club - a charter member in the establishment of the Hamburg Lions Club - and assisted other communities in forming their clubs. He received several awards for his service with the Lions, including the Helen Keller Sight Award (MN Eye Bank); the Dream Catcher Award for dedicated service (Lion's Diabetic Program); and was a Melvin Jones Fellow for dedicated humanitarian services. Leo also volunteered for many years at Ridgeview Medical Center.

Faith was Leo's compass. Growing up, his parents instilled the importance of faith in action and they prayed the Rosary every night after supper and chores. He was an active member of Ascension Catholic Church where he served as lector and Eucharistic minister in addition to being a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Leo delighted in being social. He was an avid waterskier earlier in life and loved to take his boat out with family and friends. He cherished his friendship with his best friend, Arlyn, who was like a brother to him. He kept in touch with friends and was fortunate to attend his 70th class reunion this past August. Above all, family was his treasure. Leo was his kids' biggest fan, whether it was cheering them on at their sporting events, coaching their little league team or playing unforgettable games of family softball in the front yard.

Those who knew Leo would describe him as a good man, hard worker, faithful servant, loving husband, patient father, fun grandfather, reliable brother and loyal friend. He always had a smile on his face and was fully engaged prompting giggles with his sense of humor.

Leo shared this message in his final moments: "Love; just love. And pray. Faith, Hope, Charity and Family. I love you all so much." Leo was welcomed into heaven and into the loving arms of Jesus, joyfully surrounded by loved ones that had gone on before him. We are confident there was much celebration with old-time polka music featuring Arlyn on the accordion.

Leo was preceded in death by his parents Ephrem and Agnes Pouliot; brothers Don (Rita) Pouliot, Ernest (Marcella) Pouliot, Rev. Francis Pouliot, Lt Col USAF Richard (Joanne) Pouliot, Lt Col USA Ralph (Joyce) Pouliot; sisters Isabelle (Clem) Barthel, Marie (Lowell) Dehn, Delia (John) Roehl; father-in-law and mother-in-law Robert and Ada Shelton; sisters-in-law Betty Pouliot, Patricia Moe; best friend Arlyn Koecher.

Leo is survived by his loving family: wife Jan; children Todd Pouliot (Elizabeth) of Clarksville, TN, Leanne Kunze (Tony) of Waconia, Michael Pouliot (Jessica) of Glencoe, Michelle Schaefers (Pat) of Wadena, IA; grandchildren Tyler Pouliot (Brittany), Aleshia Pouliot, Andrew Pouliot (Jennifer), Aldo Torres (Lockhard), Kelsi Pouliot, Christopher Pouliot, Ethan Komro (Christina), Katie Dickey (Lucas), Erick Torres (Daniela), Dalton Pouliot, Nicholas Schaefers, Clayton Schaefers, Lucas Schaefers; great-grandchildren Milo, Adeline, Elsie, Noa, Asher, Lewis, Emerie, Silas, Haven, Ember, and Loretta; brother George Pouliot of Pontiac, IL; sisters Marian (Butch) Neumann of Corcoran, Carol Mindrum of Anaheim, CA; brother Rev. Eugene Pouliot of Bloomington; brothers-in-law Steven (Pat) Shelton of Newton, IA, Wes Moe of Grand Rapids, George (Sharron) Shelton of Chisholm; and many extended family and friends.

Arrangements are with the Johnson Funeral Home in Waconia, 952-442-2121, www.johnsonfh.com.