Leo Francis LaLonde, age 81, of Grand Rapids, formerly of Aurora and Hermantown, passed away in Grand Rapids on March 17, 2024.

Leo was born in Duluth, Minnesota to Francis and Corrine LaLonde.  He graduated from Hermantown High School and then joined the US Air Force.  He returned to Duluth following. Leo married Virginia (Provost) in February 1966.  They moved to Aurora where Leo worked for Erie Mining Company and started their family.  Leo worked for the mining company, under various ownerships, until its closing.  He led several large projects including prepping for Y2K contingencies.  He continued with the mines for many years following as a consultant.

In 2006, Leo and Virginia moved to Grand Rapids.  Leo had many interests throughout his lifespan. He was an avid outdoorsman, loving hunting and fishing.  He particularly enjoyed volunteering with youth as a religious education teacher, youth group leader and chaperone, attending World Youth Day and BWCA trips. He was very active in the Pro-Life movement.  He was the first Pro-life chair for Knights of Columbus and joined Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life (MCCL).  Leo served as state president of MCCL from 1976 until 2022; and in 2022, he was unanimously voted as President Emeritus.  He was twice a National Delegate for the State of Minnesota.

Leo is survived by his wife of 58 years, Virginia; his children, Francis (Theresa) LaLonde, Jean (Jim) Heitzman, Patrick LaLonde, and Larry LaLonde; 14 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren; his brothers, Jerry (Cathie) LaLonde, Jim LaLonde, Robert (Darla) LaLonde, and Tom LaLonde; stepsisters, Caroline Holmes and Betty (Ken) Fleck; and his loyal companion, Buddy.

He is preceded in death by his parents; stepmother, Dorothy; his brother, George LaLonde; sister-in-law, Karen LaLonde; and brother-in-law, Rodger Holmes.

A visitation will be held, Sunday, March 24, 2024, from 4 PM – 7 PM at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Grand Rapids.  Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, March 25, 2024, at 11 AM at St. Joseph's Catholic Church with visitation beginning at 10 AM until the time of the service.  Interment with military honors will be held in Itasca Calvary Cemetery in Grand Rapids, Minnesota.

Thank you to many of the caring staff at Majestic Pines - most especially Jena Anderson, and St. Croix Hospice for their wonderful care.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Leo to MCCL, 4249 Nicollet Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55409.  www.mccl.org