LeRoy Lemoine Markee, 74, of Union Center passed away Nov. 15, 2009, at the Department of Veterans Affairs Hospital in Tomah.
He was born Sept. 30, 1935, in Ontario to Loey Lemoine and Eliza Jan (Winchel) Markee. LeRoy attended Union Center Grade School and Elroy High School. He served as a member of the United States Air Force.
He worked 18 years for the television factory, Admiral, Inc. in Harvard, Ill. He also worked at Gulf Star Boats, making sailboats in St. Petersburg, Fla.
On July 4, 1959, he was united in marriage to Rachel Jeannie Oleson, and to this union were born two children, Lemoine Eugene and Kimberly Gail (Coen).
On Aug. 22, 1969, he was united in marriage to Hazel (Townsend), and to this union two children were born, Roger Dale and Julie. He also had two stepchildren, Debbie Ann and Stanley Joe Burton.
During his life, he has had many talents that he pursed as hobbies: oil portrait painting, building miniatures in wood and placing them in glass bottles through the neck opening of the vessel, and building fancy birdhouses, miniature cabins and wind-operated lawn ornaments, among others. These items he generously gave to family and friends.
He also put in many hours with the family genealogy.
In his later years, he became interested in musical instruments and excelled at playing string instruments and the alto sax. He was well known for sharing his love for music and playing his instruments at different nursing home in the area, along with his cousin Shirley Ann, who would accompany him on the organ. He continued these performances even when Shirley could no longer accompany him. When Shirley was placed in a nursing home, he gave special attention and care to her and would visit her every day and take her on outings.
LeRoy is survived by his children, Lemoine, Kimberly, Roger Dale and Julie Ann (Peter Dokkestul); his stepchildren, Debbie (Ron Watson) and Stanley Burton; five grandchildren, Sarah, Ryan, Bradley, Mikayla and Noah; three step-grandchildren, Staci, Trent and Jimmy Joe; four step-great-grandchildren; a brother, Dale of Union Center; a sister, Lucille of Hillsboro; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Hazel; four sisters, Charlotte, Lenna, Flossie and Evonne; and four brothers, Lloyd, Harold and Ronnie.
A private family service will be held. The Smith-Nelson Funeral Home, Kendall, is assisting the family with arrangements.
