Leo M. Germain, age 86, of River Falls, WI, passed away peacefully on October 27, 2014 at the Gathering at Boutwells Landing in Oak Park Heights, MN, surrounded by family.

Leo was born on June 23rd, 1928 to John D. and Berengere (LaVenture) Germain on the family farm outside of New Richmond, and graduated from New Richmond High School, the Class of 1946. He married Marion Garske on June 23rd, 1951. Their marriage was blessed with seven children: Jean, Barb, Michelle, Michael, Leo, Bart, and Bren. Leo proudly served in the United States Army from 1950 to 1952. Following his discharge, he was employed by 3M for 42 years. He was a member of the American Legion Post #0080 in New Richmond. A deep love of song is a Germain family tradition and Leo frequently performed and sang with his brothers over the years. He travelled to Puerto Rico, Spain, Hawaii, Singapore, and many U.S. states. He also enjoyed working the large gardens on the farm in Hudson, watching his beloved Green Bay Packers, playing cards and cribbage, tinkering in his garage, relaxing in his recliner chair, and regularly delighting in a slice of pie.

Leo will remain in the hearts of his children: Jean (Mark) Olson of River Falls, WI, Barb (John) Turner of Spicer, MN, Michelle (Daniel) Miller of Newnan, GA, Michael (Shirley) Germain of Woodbury, MN, Leo John (Kay) Germain of Charleston, SC, Bart (Jill) Germain of Hudson, WI, and Bren (Brenda) Germain of Somerset, WI; 15 grandchildren: Angie Bond, Jeff Olson, Andrea Chaffee, Mandy Lampson, Wendy Turner, Mike Germain Jr., Robert Miller, Charles Germain, Shayna Alling, Ashton and Julian Hannack, Beatrice and Brett Germain, Logan and Josh Germain; 16 great-grandchildren; brother, Ralph (Diane) Germain; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Leo was preceded in death by his wife, Marion; parents; brothers: Delore, Andrew, Urban, Dennis and Donald Germain; sisters: Sr. Ella Germain, Rita Richards, Mae Mitchell, Sr. Claire Germain, and Doris Germain.

Mass of Christian Burial will take place 11:00 a.m. Friday, October 31, 2014 at St. Bridget’s Catholic Church, 211 E. Division St., River Falls, with Fr. Gerald Harris officiating. A Gathering of Family and Friends will take place one hour prior to the Mass at church. Military honors will immediately follow Mass at church. Interment will take place at St. Anne’s Cemetery in Somerset.

A special thanks to Lakeview Hospice for their loving care.