LeRoy S. Powers, 80, of Eau Claire, On Tuesday, March 2, 2010, Our Savior, Jesus Christ reached down and took Roy's hand and said, "Come with me Comrade I give you peace in your heavenly home."\r\nLeRoy was born on August 16, 1929, to Stanley and Grace (Hetrick) Powers in Pepin, Wisconsin, where he grew up and attended school.\r\nDuring a blizzard on March 6, 1955, LeRoy married Betty Olson in a candle light service in a little country church where family and friends packed Lookout Lutheran Church in Lookout, Wisconsin. They resided in Hudson, Wisconsin their first year of marriage where LeRoy worked for St. Croix Motors as a mechanic. They moved to Eau Claire and Roy worked for Welders Supply Company and later worked for Mississippi Welders Company of Mondovi, Wisconsin. After suffering severe burns to 60% of his body in an acetylene gas truck explosion in 1959, which required months of skin grafting and rehabilitation, he worked for several companies in Eau Claire including, G&E Sales, Metropolitan Service, NW Motors and Presto Industries.\r\nLeRoy retired from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire where he worked for 22 years as a stationery engineer in the University Power Plant. After his heart attack in 1982, he was forced to leave the power plant and then worked with the University electricians until his retirement in 1986.\r\nLeRoy was a member of Hope Lutheran Church, Chippewa Valley Marine Club and VFW Post #305.\r\nLeRoy enjoyed his retirement being active in the out-of-doors hunting and fishing and his membership in VFW Post #305 where he served as Commander in 1989-90. He was honored at the 1990 VFW State Convention receiving the All-State Captains award for his active participation in VFW Post #305 and increasing their membership. Roy enlisted and proudly served in the United States Army and the United States Marine Corp. He served in Okinawa. Roy's favorite saying always was, "Once a Marine, always a Marine...Semper Fi."\r\nLeRoy is survived by his wife, Betty of almost 55 years; his daughter, Patti (Gregory) Marten of Mondovi; grandson, Jason (Julie) Marten of Mondovi; a sister, Jean (Ron) Ridgeway of Wabasha, MN; two brothers, Joseph Powers of Pepin and Jerry (Maggie) Powers of Lamira; a brother-in-law, Clare Marcks of Pepin; two sisters-in-law, Arleen (Harris) Serum of Mondovi and Joyce Olson of Eau Claire; and many nieces and nephews.\r\nHe was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Carol Marcks; a brother, Duane Powers; two sisters-in-law, Mary and Judy Powers; a brother-in-law, Loren Olson; and a niece and nephew, Miranda and Justin Weissinger.\r\nLeRoy was confined to a wheel chair after suffering a paralyzing stroke in 1993 which took away his speech and ability to walk. His faith and spirits remained high and he spoke to us with his eyes, facial expressions and gestures and understood all that we said. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and enjoyed his many friends. LeRoy especially enjoyed being with his grandson, Jason, during his growing up years. LeRoy will be missed by his family and friends.\r\nFuneral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 8, 2010, at Hope Lutheran Church with Pastor Randy Olson officiating. Burial will be in Rest Haven Cemetery in the Town of Washington where VFW Post # 305 will present military graveside honors. Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday at Hope Lutheran Church, 2226 Eddy Lane, Eau Claire. Lenmark Gomsrud Linn Funeral&Cremation Services is serving his family.\r\nWe thank The Clairemont Nursing Home nurses, aides, and other staff members who tried to keep him comfortable over 16 years. LeRoy showed his appreciation to them, not with words, but with his eyes and his smile.\r\n"Semper Fi Roy"

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