Leo H. LABELLE

Leo H. LaBelle Sr., 83, of Mesa, AZ and formerly of Grand Forks North Dakota, died Sunday March 21st 2005 in Mesa Arizona. Leo was born September 18th 1921 to Joseph & Marie (Olson) LaBelle in Portland North Dakota. He was in the Navy during World War II when he met and married Virginia Ruth Brown November 26th 1943 while stationed in Galveston, Texas. He graduated from High School in 1939 in South St. Paul Minnesota. He went on to earn his Bachelor of Science in Education in 1948 at Mayville State College and his Master of Education in 1955 at the University of North Dakota. He was Principal of Winship and Wilder Elementary in Grand Forks, North Dakota before retiring in Mesa Arizona. They raised six children in Grand Forks and were active members of Grace Baptist Church. He is survived by five children Susan (David) Opland, Sarasota Florida; Barbara (Gene) Johnson, Queen Creek Arizona; Joy Glaser, Chandler Arizona; Bill LaBelle, Galveston Texas; Leo LaBelle Jr., Mesa Arizona; 13 Grandchildren, and 7 Great Grandchildren, and one sister Ione Johnson, Phoenix Arizona. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Virginia, son Donald, and Grandson Charlie Opland. Private services were held in Mesa, Arizona. Published in the Grand Forks Herald on 4/8/2005.