Leroy Clyde Conant

Born July 14, 1924, in Williamsburg, Michigan, a son of Albert and Bell Anne (Weathers) Con- ant, Leroy was raised in the Willamsurg-Traverse City area and attended the Yuba School. Throughout his lifetime, Leroy’s work experiences were varied and relocations were very much a part of his life. He very early on developed a lifelong passion for horses and farming and, in his younger years, broke horses. He later worked as a Department of Natural Resources officer for a brief time before relocating to Alaska, working in Honolulu, Alaska, on the railroad. Returning to Alpena, he married Elsie Johnson and the couple moved to Big Bay where Leroy was employed as a lineman on the Big Bay road. His next employment was as a herdsman at Willow Farm, before working with the Fish and Wildlife Service in L’Anse, in lamprey control, during the day and spending his evenings breaking horses for Dr. Strobe. Later, he was employed as a carpenter with the Carpenter’s Union. While working as a carpenter, he purchased property in Sundell where he raised beef cattle. Leroy greatly enjoyed being outdoors, hunting whitetail deer, hunting bear with his dogs, trips to Brimrick Meadow, Idaho where he hunted elk, and spending time at his camp “Winchester Cathedral” in the Huron Mountains.

Leroy is survived by his children, Denise (Bill) Gauthier of Sands Township and Ralph Conant of Sundell, grandchildren, Ramsey (Amy) Gauthier of Beaver Grove, Tim (Lisa) Gauthier of Sands Township, Mike (Angela) Gauthier of Chatham, Bobbie Whitehead of Georgia, Billie Kitzman of Marquette, Brooke Kitzman of L’Anse, and Claire (Matt) Cody of Mt Hood, OR; 17 great – grandchildren; and his sister, Jane White of Traverse City.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death his wife, Elsie Conant; a daughter, Cindy Kitzman; seven brothers and sisters.

The family will receive relatives and friends at the Swanson-Lundquist Funeral Home on Friday, October 12, beginning at 10:00 am until the time of service at 11:00 am. Rev. Leon Jarvis will preside. A reception will follow in the reception room located at the funeral home.

The family would like to express their appreciation to the staff of the Marquette County Medical Care Facility, especially the 200 Wing, who went above and beyond in their care of Leroy, and for the many kindnesses extended to the family.

Condolences may be expressed online at swansonlundquist funeralhome.com