Leonard John “Blackie” LaBore, age 86, of Hudson and longtime resident of St. Paul, passed away on Tuesday afternoon, January 4, 2011 after a long battle with Alsheimer’s disease. He was born the son of Mose and Leona (Charpentier) LaBore on June 24, 1924 in St. Paul, MN.
Upon graduation from high school, he enlisted in the US Navy, where he served as a WWII Navy pilot and flight instructor, specializing in aircraft carrier landings. Len remained an active pilot in the reserves for many years and finished his 30 years of service as the Pentagon’s public relations officer for the Navy’s Blue Angels. He was proud of his military service. Len was a longtime employee of 3M; he started working in one of the research labs and ended his career in marketing.
On June 7, 1947 Leonard was united in marriage to Yvonne Ruth Stillman in St. Paul. Len was a world traveler, a historian, a storyteller, and a St. Croix river rat. In 1969, the family began spending their summers on the St. Croix River in Hudson. He was the commander of their pink house boat, “The Gazebo”, which was moored at the Hudson Marina. In 2004, Len and Yvonne moved to Hudson.
He shared 63 wonderful years with his wife, Yvonne. He is also survived by his three children: Michelle (Gerald) Raschke of Roberts, Sherri (Bob) Singer of Hudson, and Mike (Cindy) LaBore of Hudson; his 8 grandchildren & 12 great-grandchildren: Cher (Jay) Bapp and their children: Austin, Haley & Mara; Ryan Singer and his daughter, Alexa; Shem Raschke and his daughter, Amarach; Trina (Nate) Opatz and their children: Hannah, Josiah, Abigail & Elizabeth; Kari (Jason) Marley and their daughter, Skylar; Perry LaBore; Mara (Dell) Stone and their children: Lyla & Harlon; and Steven LaBore; his sister, Doris (Jack) Therrien of Oakdale; extended family and friends.
A celebration of Leonard’s life will be held at 12 Noon on Friday, January 7th at Faith Community Church, 777 Carmichael Rd, Hudson. Pastor Larry Szyman will officiate. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service, from 11 – 12:00 at the church. The family invites you to wear Len’s favorite color, pink, to the service. He will be privately interred at Fort Snelling National Cemetery with full military honors. Services have been entrusted to the O’Connell Family Funeral Home and Countryside Crematory, 715-386-3725.