Gilles M. LeBlanc

Gilles M. LeBlanc, 85 years, of Temperance, MI passed away on Thursday, June 12, 2025 in his home. The son of Arthur and Victoire (Racette) LeBlanc he was born August 6, 1939 in Quebec, Canada.

Gilles was a very hard worker and could outwork most people. This work ethic began as a child on his family farm in Canada. Gilles, aka, Farmer Deluxe, would tell stories of plowing the field by horse drawn plow and milking cows by hand. He also shared the experience of tapping maple trees on his extended families Maple Syrup Farm. Later, he moved his work to the United States where he worked driving taxi in New York City. He then moved to Toledo, Ohio where he utilized his Electrician Trade. He lived with his family in Luna Pier and Temperance, MI working for Local 8 as an IBEW worker where he worked until Retirement.

Gilles, aka Frenchie, was very well known in the Hockey community. He played hockey as often as he could up until he turned 80. He started playing hockey as a youth in Canada where he was paid to play for the local team. Those that played with him know he was a hard-nosed defensive player that at 80 years old would still lay down in front of a shot to block it. He would always say “pass the puck”. He has many medals from hockey but was most proud of his two Gold Medals and one Silver Medal from the Senior Olympics. He loved to teach hockey to the youth coming up and would go watch their games in support.

Gilles was famous for telling stories.  He was a thoughtful man who was not afraid to tell you what he thought or what you were doing wrong. He loved spending time with friends and family. He enjoyed singing and playing the guitar. He has left his mark on all who knew him and will be missed. His greatest love was “My Susan”. He loved his kids and grandkids and would always tell them how great they were.

Gilles is survived by his loving wife, Susan (Schultz); son, Serge (Diane) LeBlanc, daughter, Danielle LeBlanc; sister, Monique LeBlanc; step-children, Ron DeVries II, Kristen (Bryan) Renius, Amanda (Jason) Mettie, Daniel (Natalia) DeVries; grandchildren, Jacy Jeffries, Brendan (Myranda) Renius, Alexander (Taylor) Renius, Emma Renius, Nicholas Opperman, Julia Opperman, Alicia DeVries; great-grandchildren, Delaney Renius, Colton Jeffries, Desi Jeffries; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Remy LeBlanc; sisters, Claudette and Laure LeBlanc.

Family and friends may visit on Thursday, June 19, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. in the Urbanski’s Bedford Funeral Chapel 8300 Lewis Ave. Temperance, MI where a memorial service will be held at 7:00 p.m. Online condolences may be shared at www.bedfordfuneralchapel.com