Vernell L. Leclair

Vernell L. LeClair, age 87, Browns Valley, MN, passed away Saturday, April 22, 2017, at the Browns Valley Health Center.

Mass of Christian burial will be Wednesday, April 26, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Browns Valley with Father David Breu officiating. Music will be provided by organist Norma Jung and vocalists Jan LeClair and Tarren Nyblom.

Interment will be in the St. Anthony Catholic Cemetery, Browns Valley. Pallbearers will be Vernell's children.

Visitation will be Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. at the church. Visitation will continue Wednesday one hour prior to the service at the church.

Vernell Leo LeClair was born on Tuesday, April 8, 1930, in Bryant Township, Roberts County, SD. Second born to Francis and Laura (Kaufman) LeClair, Vernell was a loving brother of two sisters: Sandy and Marlys and three brothers, Duane, Jim and Fritz.

Attending country school as a child, Vernell left school after 8 ^th grade to farm with his father on the home place. He met the love of his life while grading roads in Bryant Township. Junice and Vernell were married June 10, 1950, at the Sacred Heart Church in Eden, SD, and shared nearly 67 years of companionship, caring, love and devotion.

In the early 1960s Vernell and Junice made their home south of Browns Valley on what is now commonly known as the LeClair Farm. There they raised eleven children and Vernell was proud of each and every one of them.

Vernell spent the majority of his work life driving semi-truck, but also farmed, worked with his brother commercial fishing and ran the Standard Oil gas station. Vernell had a spirit of generosity larger than life and could fix or fabricate anything if a part didn't fit just right.

In his retirement Vernell raised Charolaise cattle, mowed a lot of lawn and watched his westerns, John Wayne being a favorite. He was a hard worker and he instilled a strong work ethic in each of his children.

But he also knew how to play, known for his infectious laugh, having a great sense of humor. Vernell was a tremendous dancer and those lucky enough to share a waltz with him knew he had a special rhythm. He was a strong Twins fan as well as supporting the local Buzzards softball team and attended as many of his children's sporting events as time allowed. Respected by many for his talent at euchre, we all learned the game at a young age.

Vernell was an avid fisherman and hunter who taught his sons the joy of the fresh morning air and the return of gunshot echoing across the slough. His daughters learned from him a strong sense of resourcefulness and ingenuity.

Family was very important to Vernell, especially holidays and other celebrations and he never missed the annual fishing trip. Trips to Alaska were especially memorable as was traveling the U.S. with family and friends.

Vernell is survived by his wife, Junice of Browns Valley, MN; two sisters, Sandra Birchem and Marlys (Harry) Ziemer and sister-in-law Patsy LeClair; brother-in-law, Jerry (Lois) Keintz and sister-in-law, Shirley Plant. His children: Deborah (Dennis) Shelstad, Wendell, MN, Michael (Lynnae) LeClair of Chokio, MN, daughter- in-law Jan LeClair of Lakeville, MN, Timothy (Tracy) LeClair of Fargo, ND, Terrance LeClair of Seward, AK, Carol (Michael) Raw of Browns Valley, MN, Jeffry LeClair of Minneapolis, MN, Kelly LeClair of Cambridge, MN, Patrick (Susan) LeClair of Avon, MN and Lori (Scott) Charleson of Ramsey, MN; 28 grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren. He was a favorite uncle to many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by sons, Donald Vernell and Kevin Robert; parents, Francis and Laura LeClair; parents-in-law, Phillip and Hattie Keintz; brothers, Duane (Ardyce), Francis Jr., and James (Janet) and extended family Raymond Birchem, Norbert and Fidelis Steiner, Verlyn and Deborah Keintz, Irvin and Eileen Kirschenmann, Stanley Plant, and Philip and Natalie Keintz.