Obituary of LeRoy David Unruh

LeRoy (Lee) David Unruh

March 10, 1933 – April 9, 2024

LeRoy David Unruh was born in Goessel, Kansas on March 10, 1933, the 4th of 8 children. His family lived in the country and he attended a one-room school until the 7th grade, when they moved to town in Hillsboro, Kansas. In high school he lettered in football and baseball. After his senior baseball season, he was invited to run track and volunteered for the mile. With no time to train he placed first at both the league and region meets qualifying for the state meet where he finished in the top 10.

He continued his education at Bethel College in North Newton, Kansas. College was interrupted by the Korean Conflict. As a pacifist, rather than entering the military he performed alternative service in Paraguay, where he provided agricultural education. After two years in Paraguay, he took the scenic route home travelling through Europe for two months. Once back in the States, he continued his education at Goshen College in Indiana. After one year at Goshen, he returned to Bethel, meeting his future wife, Elaine, and completing his Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Arts.

One week after graduation Lee and Elaine were married in Mountain Lake, Minnesota. Lee began his career in Wilson, Kansas, teaching grades 7 - 12. Two years later they moved to Shawnee Mission, Kansas, where he taught at the Junior High level. During the Shawnee Mission years three children (Vicki, Brian, and Ken) were born and he completed his Master’s Degree in Industrial Arts Education.

The young family then moved to West Virginia where Lee established the Industrial Arts Department at Fairmont State College. After 2 years the family moved to Brooklyn Center, Minnesota. Lee concluded his thirty-year teaching career in the Robbinsdale School District.

Lee had many interests and hobbies. He was an avid fisherman and went on many trips to Oklahoma to fish with his brother Tony. There were also numerous family trips to Northern Minnesota. For years he had an extensive vegetable garden. He also enjoyed landscaping, installing an award-winning flower garden complete with water feature. Lee was very creative and skilled at designing and building projects in his woodworking shop. Travel was an important activity beginning with extensive family camping trips across the U.S. and Canada. In retirement Lee and Elaine enjoyed bus tours, international travel, and nine mission trips. He appreciated fun and fellowship when playing games with family and friends. A day was not complete unless it included a dish of ice cream.

After retiring, Lee and Elaine moved to Gramercy Senior Housing in Eagan and became involved in many aspects of community life. He continued to stay involved in the lives of his children and grandchildren, supporting them in all their activities. We will all miss him, but are glad that he is no longer in pain and is now with family and friends who have gone before him.