Leo M. Robillard, age 75, of Isanti had hisheavy burdenlifted as hewent home to the arms of our LordJune 1, 2012. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, June 5th at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Isanti with Father Jose as Celebrant. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the funeral at the church. Interment will be in Fort Snelling National Cemetery.
Leo was born March 2, 1937 in Minneapolis, Minnesota to Leo and Laura (Golitko) Robillard. He was raised in Northeast Minneapolis and graduated from De La Salle High School in 1955. Leo served his country honorably aboard the Destroyer, U.S.S. Vesole. He wed a high-school sweetheart, Joanne Laudenslager, on August 12, 1961. They made their home on Architect Avenue in Northeast Minneapolis for 46 years, where they raised six children amongst a circle of close-knit friends and neighbors. Leo was the owner-operator of Robillard Office Machines for 30 years. When they retired, they moved to Isanti to be close to family. Leo was devoted to his Holy Catholic faith. He was a loving, compassionate husband and father. He enjoyed the outdoors, fishing, hunting, camping and hiking. He liked gardening and cooking. Leo also loved music, enjoying genres from blue grass to opera. He was a hard worker, and loved to tinker a regular Mr. Fixit and was always eager to help neighbors and friends. He supported his children in their many endeavors in academics and sports. He liked to talk politics and religion. He taught us to live, love, laugh, play, and pray. He will be remembered for his loving kindness and ready smile.
Leo Marvin Robillard had his heavy burden lifted as he went home to the arms of Our Lord on June 1, 2012 at the age of 75 years, 2 months and 29 days. He was preceded in death by his parents; by two brothers, Howard and John Todd; sister-in-law Florence Todd; and brothers-in-law, George Erickson and Joseph Schumacher.
Leo is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Joanne; six children, John (Sharron) Robillard of Zimmerman, Anne (Brian) Beaufeaux of Cambridge, Gregory (Kristi) Robillard of Owatonna, Laura (Tony) Tripicchio of Hudson, Wisconsin, Catherine (Dan) Lamey of Minnetonka, and James (Amy) Robillard of North Branch; one sister, Jane Erickson, of St. Anthony; two sisters-in-law, Mary (John) Althen of Richfield, and Carol Schumacher of Brooklyn Center; 19 grandchildren, Danielle, Justin and Alex Robillard, Gabriel (Sierra), Nathanael, Emily, and Hannah Beaufeaux, Brent Armstrong, Thomas and Lucas Robillard, Daniel and Stephen Tripicchio, Gavin and Hallie Lamey and Sydney, Aaron, Ashley, Samuel and Jacob Robillard; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Leo’s family sincerely thanks GracePointe Crossing Gables West and Guardian Angels Hospice for their tender and loving care for Leo over the past five years.
Karen Tacheny Bechtold says
It’s been a long time since last I played cards on Architect Avenue, but the memories are so very cherished. Your families and Crazy Lady are in my thoughts and prayers.
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
Karen (Tacheny) Bechtold
Katie Dempsey says
I remember staying at Laura’s (affectionately known as Elmer) house during college and how funny and welcoming Leo was. I always looked forward to seeing them at gymnastics meets, visits to Winona and when I would visit in the cities. Truly a man of great faith and very loving to whomever entered that home at 3538 Architect Avenue. And to the entire Robillard family, may God blanket you with His peace. May He instill in each of you the confidence and faith that you will each see Leo again. Take this time to celebrate his life and celebrate his entrance into his heavenly home. God Bless you all! Love, Katie Dempsey :)
Terry (Todd) Chasteen says
At the young age of 14, my parents, John and Florence Todd , chose Leo, my dad ‘s younger brother, to be my godfather. It was apparent, even at this young age, the strong faith Leo had. My first real memory of Leo was when I was 10 yrs old sand he came to the house to introduce his fiancé, Joanne, and asked if I would be a junior bridesmaids at their wedding. I can still remember going to gramma’s house for fittings on that handcrafted dress. The next time I remember Leo was whenI was in high school and needed to start typing my papers. Leo found us a beautiful IBM machine that we had for years. Since I live on the west coast, my mother was always giving me updates on your beautiful family. The last time I saw your dad was Dec 2003 and he had come to the house to visit his brother, my dad, who was very ill and went to his heavenly reward shortly after. I take comfort in knowing that these two brothers are together again in heaven with their parents and older. Peace to your family. Terry (Todd) Chasteen, Edmonds, WA
Sue (Pasma) Krebs says
I spent many hours at Laura’s house – hanging with the family, watching movies, … and whatever else we could find to keep busy. One of my fondest memories was sharing in the family’s special popcorn – covered in butter and parmesan cheese – as we passed the blue roaster around. I still enjoy my popcorn with butter and parmesan cheese.
No matter how many kids were running through the house, we were always made to feel welcome. For that loving hospitality, I thank Mr. and Mrs. Robillard – and I too remember those years with much fondness. I have no doubt that Mr. Robillard is now watching over his family from the wonderful perspective of heaven. I pray that his family will know peace even amid the grief of loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Sue (Pasma) Krebs
Lakeville, MN
Karyn (Risser) Gaffaney says
The house on Architect Avenue was my second home for a few years long ago. It was such a welcoming, warm place to be, and some of the best times of my life. Leo was a mainstay of my experiences there, and even though my memories of Leo are from long ago, his bright smile and generous heart are as familiar as if it were yesterday. Thinking of you all. Love, Karyn
Monica Ahlman says
My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult journey.
Monica Ahlman