Darell Vincent LeBlanc, 88 of McGrath Minnesota, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving wife and family on Sunday, February 4th, 2024. Darell was born on October 27th, 1935 to Philip and Clara (Hout) LeBlanc near Erskine Minnesota. He was one of eleven children born into the family.

He entered the U.S. Army on July 5th, 1955, and served in the 11th Airborne Division - 187th Airborne Brigade. He was discharged on July 1, 1958.

He married Ardyce Hockert of Millerville, Minnesota on April 30th, 1960. They settled in Minneapolis raising 9 children- Michele, Phillip, Denise, Joseph, Vincent, Renae, Jenette, and James.

Darell was always known to be a very industrious and hard-working man, he had his own business, cutting and selling firewood, tree removal, and general hauling. He was a Stone Cutter and was proud he set stones in a few Catholic churches in the Minneapolis area. He worked as an elevator installer and was a long-standing member of IUEC Local 9, retiring in 1988. He also was a school bus driver for 10+ years.

Darell was a proud member of AA for 49 years. He spent countless hours helping others with sobriety and giving hope and encouragement to others.

He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus and belonged to Holy Angels Catholic Church in Moose Lake.

He enjoyed traveling, hunting, and fishing with family and friends taking many trips to Canada with his kids. He loved spending time with his devoted wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. One of his favorite things to do was taking his grandchildren and great-grandchildren on 4-wheeler rides up to the garden, the gravel pit, or the beaver dam. He loved spending time in the woods forging a new trail or fixing an old one.Darell being a fierce competitor in cribbage and a champion taught his family and grandchildren how to play cribbage. He shared his skills and his love of the game with his family and will keep his family connected for years to come.

He is survived by his wife Ardyce, and seven children, Michele (Kirk) G, Phillip L, Denise (Shane) Z, Vincent (Kelly) L, Renae L, Jenette (Rodd) B, and James L. 20 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, 1 brother Vernon (Mary) LeBlanc and numerous nieces and nephews.

Darell was preceded in death by an infant son and son Joe, his Father Philip LeBlanc, mother Clara LeBlanc, sisters, Aimee Brotzler, Francis Mayer, Jeanette LeBlanc, and brothers Loren, James, George, Steve, Larry, and Ralph.

Visitation will be held on Friday, February 16th from 5 to 7 PM at Hamlin Hansen Kosloski Funeral Home 609 Folz Boulevard Moose Lake, Minnesota.

Mass of Christian burial will take place Saturday, February 17th, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Holy Angels Catholic Church 60 Hartman Drive, Moose Lake, Minnesota. Viewing will be one hour prior to Mass.