MSgt Francis “Jean” LeRoy, 86, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at Edgewood Hermantown on Tuesday, August 9th, 2022.
Jean was a decorated veteran who proudly served his country for 20 years. Jean was born on August 20th, 1935 in Duluth to his parents Frank and Betty LeRoy. At the age of 19, Jean enlisted in the Marine Corp after serving 4 years he switched the Air Force where he served for 16 years. Most of Jean’s military career was spent in Armed Forces Radio & TV with postings in Japan, Germany, the Philippines and two tours in Vietnam at AFVN Headquarters in Saigon. Most famously, Jean spent 3 months as the host of “Good Morning Vietnam”. MSgt LeRoy was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for his exemplary performance and leadership during this time. Other highlights of his career included covering the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, broadcasting to troops behind the Iron Curtin in Berlin, and directing the AFVN version of “The Bob Hope Show”. Jean considered himself extremely lucky to belong to the Band of Brothers of more than 1,250 broadcasters that served with AFVN from 1962 until 1973.
After retiring from the Air Force, Jean did everything but retire! His job choices ranged from advertising to Apple IT expert to campground manager in Florida to the face of Mining Matters on TV. In 1982, Jean married Clarice - the love of his life and they continued on this crazy adventure together. They filled their lives with music, good food and love of family. They lived life to the fullest. Jean was funny, kind-hearted, and a great story-teller! He will live on forever in our hearts and memories. And we will always remember: Ice Cream always settles the stomach!
Jean was preceded in death by his parents; son, Robert; and 4 days earlier his loving wife, Clarice.
Jean is survived by his son, Mike (Mary) LeRoy; and step-children, Kirk (Mary) Meyer, Kelli (Jeffrey) Alseth and Kristin (David Brown) Meyer; grandchildren, David (Davena) Lotruglio, Camren Owens, Michael Leroy, Marc (Kaitlain) LeRoy, and Bradley (Aimee) LeRoy, Christopher Meyer and Alicia (Brandon) Myers; and great-grandchildren, Kiley Owens, Jack Owens, William Owens, Noah Owens, Grayson LeRoy, Arohi Lotruglio, and Druv Lotruglio, Olivia Jane Myers, Everette James Meyer and Cohen Jean Meyer.
The family is eternally grateful to the people of Edgewood Hermantown who made it possible for Jean and Clarice to be together one last time.
A joint Military Service for both Jean and Clarice will be held at the MN State Veterans Cemetery in Saginaw at 1:00 PM on Friday, August 19th with Celebration of Life Social to follow at Sunrise Funeral Home from 2:00 - 4:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to MACV-Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans.
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