Joseph Francis Leduc

Joseph “Joe” Francis Leduc of Freeland
Age 88
Died on February 12th, 2022. Joe was born on September 28th, 1933, in Merrill to the late Emery & Yvonne Leduc. He was a student of Merrill Schools prior to being drafted into the Army, where he served for 2 years before entering the workplace. Joe worked as a machine operator for the Eaton Corporation for over 30 years, retiring in 1996. It was there at Eaton that he met Gail O’Brien and the two of them were soon inseparable. The couple was joined in marriage on July 25th, 1975. An avid outdoorsman, Joe was a fisherman and hunter of deer, pheasant, and duck, and loved spending time in the outdoors, especially as a steward of the land that he and Gail so cherished. He was also a lover of animals, keeping the company of many a dog, cat, and horse. A lifelong member of the NRA and the Knights of Columbus, Joe was known as being a faithful and devoted friend, maintaining close friendships for his entire life. He is remembered as being a stoic man of few words, but sentimental and kind-hearted.

Joe is survived by two stepdaughters, Lynn Gougeon & Vickie Goushaw and husband Joe Muir; grandchildren Ian & Jordan Riley and Gabriel Muir; and his closest friends John & Lois Rose.
He was preceded in death by sister-in-law Norma Packette and brother-in-law Donald O’Brien.

A celebration of Joe’s life will take place on Friday, February 18th at W.L. Case & Company Funeral Home 125 E. Saginaw, St. in Merrill. Rev. Fr. Steve Gavit will officiate. Visitation will take place from 12:00pm-4:00pm, with a service at 4:00pm. The Knights of Columbus Council #2291 - Fr. Neuman council will pray the rosary at 3:00 p.m. Those wishing to make a gesture of sympathy may wish to make a contribution to the Midland Humane Society or the Merrill Knights of Columbus. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home, or through www.casefuneralhome.com.