Gordon Leguee

Gordon Dean Leguee, age 88, of Crookston, MN, died Thursday evening, September 5, 2013, at the Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, ND, with members of his loving family at his side. Gordon was born in Crookston on October 6, 1924, the son of Gordon F. and Grace (Stainbrook) Leguee. He was a lifelong member of Crookston's Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception parish; attended Cathedral High School, where he played hockey and football; and graduated as a member of the Class of 1942. Gordon enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on February 18, 1943, and during WWII served for 23 months in the Pacific Theater of Operations. Following his honorable discharge on November 15, 1945, he returned to Crookston, and a month later began employment with the Great Northern Railroad. On May 12, 1948 Gordon was united in marriage to Ardis Catherine Capistran at the Cathedral. Five children were born to their union. During his working career Gordon was a switchman for the Railroad for forty-one years, and that meant spending forty-one cold winters outdoors switching trains. He took his well-earned retirement from the Railroad, which became known as the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) in October of 1986. While working he served as the local chairman for the Switchman's UTU, and in retirement belonged to the Great Northern Vets Club. Gordon held life membership in Crookston VFW Post #1902 and for more than fifty years was a member of American Legion Post #20. He was a sixty-five year member and past-president of Eagles Aerie #873, and was honored as the 'Eagle of the Year' in 1990. Additionally, Gordon was a charter member and past-president of the Crookston Golden "k" Kiwanis Club. He enjoyed reading, especially western novels, and began scrapbooking in 1964. Since that time he compiled many albums of programs and newspaper clippings of wedding and anniversaries, funerals and obituaries, as well as, happenings and accomplishments of family and friends, and news events of all kinds. Gordon loved having coffee with the guys, and nothing could beat talking "railroad" with the men he spent a lifetime working alongside. He took great joy in helping family, friends, and neighbors; mowing lawns or whatever needed doing. He always had a ready smile and a kind word for everyone, and will be truly missed by all who were touched by his life. Gordon's memory will be forever cherished by his beloved wife of 65 years, Ardis; his son and two daughters: Rory Leguee and wife, Loretta, of Gold Beach, OR, Eileen Warzeka and husband, David, of Lake City, SD, and Becky Siani and husband, Tony, of Dallas, GA; four grandchildren: Jesse and Samuel Leguee, Amy Bachmeier, and Kelly Siani; sister, Lorraine Steffen of Crookston, MN; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Sadly, Gordon was preceded in death by two sons: William, who died on May 24, 2013, and Jan Peter, who died at the age of 2 in March of 1965; and his parents, Gordon and Grace. May God richly bless the memory of Gordon Dean Leguee. The Mass of Christian Burial and celebration of the life of Gordon Leguee will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, September 12, 2013, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Crookston with The Rev. Vincent Miller, presiding, and The Rev. Jerry Noesen, con-celebrating. Visitation will be at the church for one hour prior to the service. Interment will be in the Oakdale Cemetery in Crookston with Military Honors provided by the Crookston Veterans Council and the Minnesota National Guard Honors Unit from Moorhead, MN.

Funeral Home: Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home 615 South Minnesota Street Crookston, MN US 56716

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Previous Events

Visitation
Thursday, September 12, 2013
Service
Thursday, September 12, 2013
cemetery
Thursday, September 12, 2013