Leo J. Laviolette

Leo J. Laviolette Jr. of Roscoe, IL, died Tuesday, December 4, 2007 in Riverbluff Nursing Home at age 86. he was born January 22, 1921, in Escanaba, MI to Leo and Helma Laviolette, and graduated from Escanaba High School in 1939. He entered military service in February 1942 and served in England, France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, and Japan. He wore three Battle Stars, the Bronze Star, the Combat Infantrymans Badge, Theater Ribbons, the WWII Victory Ribbon, and Leo was also awarded the Purple Heart. He retired in 1963 with the rank of Master Sergeant E8. Leo worked for the Rockford School District from 1971 to 1982 with Jr. ROTC program as an Instructor, Rifle Team, Coach, and Property Control Officer. He loved the outdoors, and his hobbies were hunting, fishing, trap shooting, and was a member of Kepotah Sportsmans Club. Leo also loved music, and would entertain at many gatherings by playing his guitar and harmonica. Leo married Eunice B. Brandow June 23, 1943. She preceded him on May 18, 1978, survived by children Shelia (John) Van Leeuwen, Sharon Laviolette, Sherry (George) Pike, Sharla (Dale) Anderson, and Leo (Anne) Laviolette III. Leo married Della (Dollie) Gorman on December 2, 1978. Survived by Dollie and children Tom (Linda) Gorman, Dana (Jeff) Robinson, Tim (Verlette) Gorman, Connie (Bill) Colwell, Jay (Joan) Gorman, Gerry (Ken) Bowe, and Richard Gorman; grandchildren, Steve, Heather, Danielle, Christa, Casey, Robert, Erika, Erin, Gillian, Andy, Emily, Kayla, Kelsey, Jennifer, Jessica, Tony, and Andy; great-grandchildren, Madalyne, Payton, Hannah, and Alex; sisters, Gwynlyn Guindon, and Delores Markham. Preceded by brothers Raymond Fish, Paul (Bud) Laviolette along with sisters Pearl Giglia and Marie Ann Provencher. The family of Leo would like to extend a warm thank-you to the staff of Riverbluff Nursing Home and his special caregiver Kelli. Funeral Mass at 11:00 A.M. Monday, December 10, 2007 in the Cathedral of St. Peter with Rev. Kenneth Wasilewski officiating. Visitation from 9:00 A.M. until time of the Mass at the church on Monday. Private family burial. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Alzheimers Association or the Rockford Rescue Mission. Arrangements were completed by Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Riverside Chapel, 3910 N. Rockton Ave.