Dennis Leavitt

Age 81 November 29, 1932 - June 30, 2014 Raised in the metro area, primarily Stillwater, MN, as the oldest son of ten children. Dennis enjoyed spending past summers on Balsam Lake, WI, winters in Sun Lakes AZ, and year-round on the St. Croix River. Avid runner, biker, swimmer, witty joke teller, and poet. Worked for NW Bell Telephone in Duluth, MN, for 32 years and retired as District Manager in 1984. President and COO of Universal Telephone in Milwaukee, WI, 1984-1989. In addition to the telephone industry, Dennis was active in numerous Duluth civic affairs, board committees, fundraising, and public speaking. He received personal commendation by Richard Nixon, Wendell Anderson, Hubert Humphrey and Jim Oberstar. Dennis started the Grandma's Marathon in the '70's with his running buddies the Northshore Striders. Dennis married his high school sweetheart Mary Jo Lescarbeau in 1951, until her death in 1992. They raised four children; Beth (Mike) Ellwein (deceased-2010); Dan (Patty) Leavitt; Jeff (Colleen) Leavitt; Catherine (Jim) Olson. Grandchildren: Andy; Miranda, Joe, Lydia; Aaron, Corey; Celia, Louis; and five great-grandchildren. Also survived by "best friend" Jeanne Thoreson and childhood buddy Gene "Beans" Lehmicke whom he visited daily. Siblings: Patricia (deceased), Curt, Diane, Gale, Thomas (deceased), Steven, John, Marguerite, Matthew. Celebration of Life Tuesday, July 8th, 3pm, at Bradshaw, 2800 Curve Crest Blvd., Stillwater, MN. Visitation one hour prior to service. Memorials preferred to St. Croix Valley Alano Society.