Leo W. Eldred

Leo W. Eldred, 79, died peacefully on Sunday, October 22, 2006, at MeritCare Hospital, Fargo, ND, with his loving family at his side. They shared laughs, hugs and memories before they said good-bye.

Leo W. Eldred was born October 17, 1927, in Padua, MN, to Frank and Lillie Eldred. He was raised in Browerville, MN, where his father worked as manager of the local creamery. Leo worked at the creamery while attending high school and was a star football player. He was their first All-State player and an inaugural member of the Browerville Hall of Fame.

Leo entered the Navy during World War II and served as a Sea Bee. After the war, Leo returned to Browerville, where he married Alice Mary Holler in 1948.
Leo continued to climb the ladder while he and Alice moved around Central Minnesota. They made homes in Monticello and Kerkhoven, where Leo managed the creamery. Next, Leo entered the insurance business as an agent for Mutual Service Insurance in Buffalo, MN.
In short order, Leo was promoted to District Manager with MSI and he and Alice moved to Moorhead, MN, in 1962. Leo and Alice would spend the rest of their lives in Moorhead. Leo continued in his role as manager until he retired in 1984 after recruiting, training and managing more agents than his family can remember.

Leo was never shy about volunteering and will be remembered for his prolific community service. Leo served the city of Moorhead as a City Council member for sixteen years as well as being a member of the Moorhead Public Service Commission for three.
In his prime, Leo simultaneously was an active member of the Gateway Lions Club, the Shanley School Board, the Shanley Quarterback Club and the St. Francis de Sales Church Council. He served at least one term, as the president of each of these organizations and in 1972-73 was the District Governor for Lion's International of Eastern North Dakota. He was also involved in the Knights of Columbus.
After retirement, Leo continued to stay busy. Periodically, he worked at Stenerson Lumber Yard where he enjoyed the camaraderie of customers and co-workers.

Leo will be remembered most as a loving father and grandfather. His love and devotion were tireless and he provided a remarkable life to all who relied upon him. Throughout the years, Leo rarely missed an event or a chance to support his family. Leo and Alice traveled countless miles right up to the last week of his life to attend important milestones in the lives of their grandchildren.
Leo is survived by his loving wife, Alice; his three sons, their wives, seven grandchildren, and one great grandchild. Leo's oldest son, Michael, lives in Williston with his wife, Randa. They have two sons; Grant and his wife, Deanna, live in Delaware, and Matthew and his daughter, Madison, live in Montana. Thomas, his wife Kathe, and their three children, Abbey, Nick, and Leslie live in Moorhead. Chris lives in Plymouth, MN, with his wife, Lynne, and their children Emma and Adam. Papa will be missed most of all by his grandchildren.
Leo was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Melvin, and many close friends.

Leo loved watching and participating in sports. He and Alice also loved to travel. They saw many parts of the world and often escaped winter's grasp in southern Texas.
Leo was a gregarious man who touched many people in his life. Always quick with a
Visitation: Tuesday from 5 PM to 7 PM, with a prayer service at 7 PM,
St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, Moorhead.


Funeral service: Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2006, at 11 AM,
St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church,
Moorhead.



Burial: St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery, Moorhead.