Obituary of Leonard E Fontaine

Leonard Eugene Fontaine passed into Heaven June 5, 2015. Leonard was born in Dunseith, N.D., April 8, 1923, to Rose and Emede Fontaine and joined them in Heaven June 5, 2015. He was a Merchant Marine during World War II and was discharged as a lieutenant, an achievement he was too shy to share even with his family for many years. He worked as an engineer with the DM&IR Railroad and retired in 1982 after 35 years in engine service. Dad met Mom on a blind date, and they married after a short engagement June 1, 1946. Together they raised eight children in Proctor. Mom and Dad were inseparable until the very end, holding hands all day, every day over the last few years. They never forgot how hard it was raising children during their lean years and as soon as things eased up for them, they tried to help others who were struggling, often pressing a $20 into the hands of a young mother or anyone else they believed could use a hand up. Those helping hands were extended to family and strangers in equal measure. Dad called it "leaving happy tracks." He was preceded in death by two sons, Gary and Michael; his parents; and all 15 of his siblings. Leonard is survived by the love of his life, his wife, Millie; sons John and Tom; daughters Susan, Judy, Patricia and Marie; and numerous grand and great-grandchildren. The family wishes to thank the staff at Bee Hive for the loving, gentle care they provided Mom and Dad during the last few months. There will be no service. Arrangements entrusted to Cremation Society of Minnesota.