Leon "Elmer" LaJoie

Elmer LaJoie, 82, passed away at his home in Barbeau surrounded by family on Saturday, December 15, 2018. He was born on December 3, 1936, to George and Laura (Bergeron) La Joie. Elmer learned what it meant to put in a full days work on the family farm in Barbeau. Never sitting still for long, he was always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need whether he knew them or not. He would usually have more done by 9:00 a.m. than most people did all day. He graduated from Pickford High School in 1955 then joined the Army. Upon his honorable discharge, he returned home to assist his mother and siblings on the farm. He met and married his first wife, Juanita in 1961 raising four children together. Upon Juanita's early passing, he met and married Judy Robertson in 1998 and they spent 20 wonderful years together. Elmer was a lifelong member of Holy Family Catholic Church in Barbeau and a member of Knights of Columbus. He retired from Canadian National Railroad in 2002 where he was a bridge operator in Sault Ste. Marie. Upon retirement, he drove for Road to Recovery for years. Elmer was happiest when he was surrounded by family and friends. Whether playing cards, telling jokes or sharing a meal, he loved to tease and would get a special twinkle in his eyes and put a smile on everyone's face with his sense of humor. He also enjoyed cutting wood, hunting, and fishing but gardening and canning were his passion. Elmer was able to enjoy his last hunting season this year, getting a nice 8 point after a day of "watching the deer put on a show for him." Survived by wife, Judy; children, Greg (Cathy), Brent (Libby), Nicole, and Todd; grandchildren, Jordan, Colton, Lauren and Ayva; great-grandson, Ryker; step-children, Steve Robertson, Kim (Bob) Andrews, Todd (Lisa) Robertson, and Troy Robertson; numerous step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren; brothers, Willard, Raymond (Mary Lou), and Bernie (Ruth); brothers-in-law, Chris Borgen and Emery (Sally) Borgen; mother-in-law, Alice Huhtala; numerous nieces and nephews and cousins. In addition to his parents, Elmer was preceded in death by his first wife, Juanita (Vann) (1997); siblings, Nelson (1996), Eva (1992), George (1984), Oliver (1958), and Madeline (2017); mother-in-law, Rose Borgen (2006); and step-son, Daniel Robertson (1996). Visitation will be held Thursday, December 20 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at C.S. Mulder Funeral Home with Mass of Christian Burial at Holy Family Church in Barbeau on Friday, December 21 at 1:00 p.m. with visitation beginning at 11:00 a.m. preceding service. Entombment will be at Oaklawn Chapel Gardens. Memorial contributions may be made to War Memorial Hospital's Road to Recovery program or Hospice of the E.U.P.

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Leon "Elmer" LaJoie

December 3, 1936 - December 15, 2018