Leonard (Bill Glasson) Cardinal
June 10, 1928 — December 2, 2010
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Leonard "Bill Glasson" Cardinal, age 82, a resident of Baraga, MI, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 2, 2010, at Shulstad's Leisure Living in Baraga after a lengthy illness.
Leonard was born on June 10, 1928 in Ann Arbor, MI and was raised by his grandparents Charles and Rosalee Cardinal of Baraga who preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his brother George and his mother Mary Rose Hill.
Leonard graduated from high school in Des Moines, Iowa and joined the Navy on June 19, 1947 in which he served until 1950. After discharge, he worked for the Soo Line Railroad in Minneapolis as a Yard Master for 40 years. He was active in the UTU Union and served as a grand vice-president in the yard master union. He was an activist his entire adult life, serving as parish President of the Most Holy Name of Jesus church in Assinins which he was a member for many years.
Leonard served on the KBIC Tribal Council as well as KBIC Tribal Chairman. He was a life-long member of the Ojibwa Senior Citizens, where he also served as elected President. He was proud of the successful bingo operation he ran for the seniors which enabled them to go on various trips.
Leonard was married on June 8, 1991 to Julia Durant Ekdahl who survives him. He also leaves behind two step children Clayton Ekdahl of Baraga and Kathleen (Rob) Chapman of Ontonagon, his daughter Colleen Gann of Minneapolis, MN, two sons Leonard Jr. of North Dakota, and Jim Cardinal of Minneapolis. Leonard also leaves behind nine grandchildren including his beloved granddaughter Ashly Ekdahl, beloved grandsons Jeremy Chapman of Portage, WI, Brandon Morgan of Minneapolis, and great granddaughters Ava and Zoe Chapman.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Dec. 4, 2010 at 11 am with visitation being one hour prior at Most Holy Name of Jesus church in Assinins. A luncheon will follow in the church basement. Fr. Brian Gerber will officiate. Baraga County Area Veterans will conduct Military Rites at 10:45 a.m., at the church, under the direction of the American Legion Post 444 of Baraga. Burial will be held on Thursday, May 5th at 1:00 p.m. in the Assinins cemetery. The Jacobson Funeral Home of L'Anse is assisting the family.
Friends may sign Leonard's guest book or send condolences at www.jacobsonfuneralhome.com.