Leonard Raymond Joseph

POLSON — Leonard Raymond Joseph, 80, went home to the Creator on Oct. 3, 2006.

Leonard was born in Desmet, Idaho, to Agatha and Louis Joseph on Jan. 22, 1926. He was the youngest of 12 children.

Leonard grew up in Desmet. He attended school in Desmet and nearby schools as a young man. At age 17, he met and fell in love with Nancy Lefthand, who was fond of telling the story of their meeting at Airway Heights near Spokane. They married on April 25, 1944, with Father Burns officiating in Desmet.

Once his tour of duty was completed, they nestled into family life, living in many places quite happily. This was during the Indian Relocation Act. With their family growing and their lives full, Leonard was left permanently disabled from an accident in 1959. This did not stop Lenny from being the big hearted, humorous, and gentle man he would remain.

Stories of his generosity and spirited nature, whether involving baseball or pancakes, both things he greatly enjoyed, will be passed down with much love and laughter for generations to come.

Lenny was preceded in death by his mother and father, Agatha and Louis; his siblings, Ernest, Margaret, Ignace, Bertha, Evangeline, Francis, Pauline, Matthew and Norbert; his wife Nancy; his sons, Dennis and Dale; his daughters, DeeAnne and Debra, and his grandson Leonard Joseph.

Survivors include his sisters, Lavinia Joseph Felsman and Evangeline Joseph Abraham, both of Desmet; his daughters, Donna Joseph of Elmo, Dorsette Joseph and Dovita and Delinda Finley of Pablo; his sons, Darryl Joseph and Delbert Joseph of Elmo, and Desmond Joseph of Pablo, and many nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Mass of the Resurrection was celebrated Oct. 6, in the Elmo Hall. Interment was in the Dayton Cemetery.

Arrangements were under the direction of Grogan Funeral Home in Polson.