Robert Lloyd LeDuc (1921 - 2012)

Born 11 Dec 1921 in Crary, Ramsey, North Dakota, United States

Ancestors

Husband of Betty Ann (Holgerson) LeDuc — married 19 Nov 1943 in Seattle, King, Washington, United States

Died 29 Aug 2012 at age 90 in Kalispell, Flathead, Montana, United States

Problems/Questions Profile manager: Laura Gerwood [send private message]

Biography

Robert was born Dec. 11, 1921, in Crary, Nelson County, N.D., to Leo and Nelva LeDuc.

Robert, or "Bob" to many, graduated from St. Mary's Academy in Devils Lake, N.D., where he was a student and athlete in football and basketball. He lived his childhood and young adult years in North Dakota. Upon meeting the love of his life Betty Ann Holgerson, they married in Seattle during World War II and shortly after had their first-born son Trent in October of 1945.

During the war Bob assisted the Army Corps in shipping supplies from the docks in the Seattle area to the war effort in the Pacific Rim. After the war, they returned to North Dakota until 1951 when they moved to Kalispell for the remainder of their lives. Bob, Betty and Trent settled in nicely in the Flathead Valley with other brothers, sisters and parents who moved to Montana. Together they enjoyed the many outdoor recreational splendors while raising their children and building numerous successful businesses. In May of 1954, Scott, the second son, was born.

Bob was an entrepreneur and started several businesses. Most notably was Bob's Sales, which was comprised of entertainment coin-operated jukeboxes, shuffleboard and pinball machines, established in 1968. He eventually added food and beverage coin-operated machines to his business. He sold the business in 1973 and started Golden Wheels Auto Sales business that evolved to include manufactured housing and RVs, of which his sons would ultimately join in forming as the family entity. Together Bob and Betty also ran the Elks Resort summer bar and lodge for the local BPOE from 1967 to 1971, and promoted many summer activities and evening jazz band events.

Bob was a proud family man who enjoyed the mix of friends and family on outings to Glacier Park and area lakes and rivers. Above all else, he was a diehard waterfowl hunter. Growing up in the central flyways of North Dakota with his brothers and uncles during the Great Depression, his entertainment was hunting before and after school, or for that matter, any time he could. He shared his knowledge of hunting sports with his family and select friends, if you were lucky. It was amazing to witness his resolve in outsmarting those geese and ducks that were always at his beck and call. Many will remember him as a waterfowl hunting legend.

Fishing was also another passion but not of the same intensity as bird hunting. Something he could perhaps share with his wife Betty, Tom and Judy Stack, and friends on the Flathead Lake while trolling for Macs and Salmon. He also enjoyed deep-sea fishing on the coast. His other interests included swing and big band dancing. Bob and Betty would dance the night away to acts like Arnie Carruthers, the Don Lawrence Orchestra or something the Flathead Jazz Society drummed up. They liked to "live it up" and enjoy the pleasures of all their hard work.

Above all else, he enjoyed his family, close friends and was always quick to point out any accomplishments of his children, grandchildren or anyone he was proud of. He was a character, a passionate man who was determined, stubborn and opinionated. He had true grit with a soft heart; you might catch him tearing up at the national anthem. He was a true American patriot. He grew up as a Democrat but left as a Republican, but nevertheless he was always proud to be an American.

The community clubs and organizations he belonged to were; BPOE-ELKS, Knights of Columbus, St. Matthews and Risen Christ Catholic churches, Democratic and Republican Parties (at different stages), Flathead Jazz Society, Flathead Braves Bench, Walleyes Unlimited, and the Sheriffs Association. He was also a board member to Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, Flathead Fishing Association and more.

One final note, there was not a dog that Bob met that he did not like or could not get to. Even the meanest he could disarm. After all, if you checked his pocket he would always have dog treats to win over any dog.

"As they say, ‘They don't make 'em like they used to.' See you in the skies!"

Sources

• Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/96489814/robert-lloyd-leduc : accessed 29 October 2021), memorial page for Robert Lloyd “Bob” LeDuc (11 Dec 1921–29 Aug 2012), Find a Grave Memorial ID 96489814, citing Glacier Memorial Gardens, Kalispell, Flathead County, Montana, USA ; Maintained by Caroline (contributor 48400782) .