Walter John LeBeau

Wally, as most knew him, was born in Marshall, MN to parents, Zephire and Marie LeBeau. As one of 16 children he always enjoyed the large family reunions held regularly by him and his family members. Most recently one held here in Henderson in 2020. Unfortunately the reunion became very small due to the COVID dangers and restrictions in place. Wally was there and as always had a wonderful time.

Wally led a busy and full life. At 17 he tricked his father into signing a consent form to enter the military under age. Boy was his mom mad! Serving in the Air Force as a very young man he was able to live in Germany and visit much of Europe. He loved his country and was a staunch patriot. Returning home after serving 4 years he began dating and shortly after marrying his wife Louanne whom he had grown up with all his life. They shared a strong Catholic faith which helped them through “good times and bad; sickness and health” all things they would endure throughout the years. They would have celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary in April of this year.

Wally’s profession was a passion. He loved automobiles and would quiz his grandchildren to identify the makes of vehicles by their emblems. He brought the first VW Beetle to Marshall, MN when he returned from being stationed overseas. He went to college on the GI bill and graduated from the University of South Dakota. He continued his education in business at Drake University in Des Moines, IA leading to a position as a business manager at a Cadillac dealership there. From there the now family of 6 moved to Sylvania, OH for his job as a controller at Ballas Buick GMC. A number of years later he would be a part owner of a Jeep/Eagle dealership in Toledo, OH.

He wasn’t a huge sports fan but his heart was always with the MN Vikings and enjoyed watching sports competitions of any sort. His passion was hockey and one of the happiest times of his life was coaching his sons Charlie and John. Though he, himself, never played the sport the parents and the players loved him and his coaching style and his teams were always winners. He even attended a hockey tournament right after being released from the hospital having had heart surgery. He and Louanne enjoyed the trips when their sons played on traveling teams and the weekly Sylvania Southview games played at Tam O’Shanter in Sylvania, OH. He made friends very easily and held these “hockey friends” very near and dear to his heart.

Walter is preceded in death by his parents and all 15 of his brothers and sisters; most recently his brother Larry, whom he still grieved for at the time of his death. He also lost his 2 sons Charles and John at young ages, but was able to enjoy the birth of his first great grandchild, Riley, granddaughter of his son John. He is survived by his wife, Louanne, daughters Brigette Messa and Marya LeBeau, grandchildren Amber (Jose) Orozco, Colton Messa, Katelyn (Kevin) Golding, Angela (Zachary) Wujick, Emily LeBeau (Francisco Kollmann), Taylor Messa, and Alyse (Cameron) McBeth.

Anyone who knew Wally or even crossed his path remembered his humor and his ever present generous spirit. He will now fly “On Eagles Wings”.

A celebration of life to be scheduled at a later date. Wally was an avid giver to charities especially the Catholic Church, children’s organizations and the needy. Therefore in lieu of flowers Wally and the family would request you make a donation to a charity near and dear to your heart.