Leon E. Frion

MADISON-Leon E. Frion, age 83, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, Sept. 9, 2019, with his family by his side. Leon was born to June and Armond Frion on May 31, 1936, the eldest of four children. He graduated from Cornell High School, in Cornell, Wis. in 1953. He joined the U.S. Air Force after high school and was stationed at Truax Field, in Madison as an Air Traffic Controller. It was during this time he met the love of his life, Delpha Normington on a blind date. They married on July 19, 1958, beginning their union of over 58 years before Delpha’s passing in 2017. Together, they raised six children and always had an open door for any child in need. Leon is survived by his six children Mike (Dawn) Frion, Joan Frion, Dan Frion, Randy (Wendy) Frion, Tammy (Dave) Damon, and Pam (Brian) Priegel; honorary special friend, Ed McCormick; 11 grandchildren, James Frion, Trisha Faircloth, Austin Frion, Samantha Martinez, Katrina Pierce, Andrew Frion (Dria), Marcus Frion (Katie Ostlie), Amanda Mortensen (Josh) and Ross Damon (Alyx Ribble), and Nicole (James) Immel; several great-grandchildren and had a special relationship with his two great-grandchildren Lily and Donald Mortensen; sisters, Lois Johnson and Gloria (John) Radde both of Minnesota; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Delpha, his parents, his sister, Shirley Schoon; his granddaughter, Amy Damon and her fiancé Brandon Slattery; and his infant great-grandson, Caleb. Leon was a truck driver by trade, mainly in the fuel oil business. He drove for United Parcel Service, Bulk Transport, Castle and Doyle, Rasmussen Oil, Independent Oil, JJ Transport, and retired working for Zurbaken Oil. He was a member of the Teamsters Union Local No. 344. Dad was very proud of his over 50-year tenure of driving and received several safe driving awards throughout his career. In addition, he served as a volunteer member of the Town of Madison Fire Department. He loved the outdoors and spent most of his summers enjoying his self-built cabin in Adams County, Wis. He and his wife purchased the land in 1967 and together built a family get-a-way that continues to be a place to connect to the outdoors by either way of fishing, hunting, euchre, campfires and starry skies. An annual Labor Day party would be held for many years where Leon and Delpha would play their musical instruments, the accordion and guitar. Leon would lead the crowd with a shout out of “E-I-E-I-EIO!! This was a place where many friends were made throughout the years and memories will be cherished forever. Leon was known for his gentle soul, friendly demeanor, love for his family and children, always up for a good joke and helping hand. You knew he was going to tell a good joke if he started to chuckle before he got to the punch line! He enjoyed teasing the little ones and could count on him saying “kids don’t like ice cream” every time he saw them! He especially enjoyed teaching his grandchildren how to fish, hunt, ride bikes and tie their shoes! Dementia may have taken Dad’s mobility and short-term memory, but it never took his integrity, humor or love for others. A funeral service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 13, 2019. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2019, and also from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday. We want to thank the Staff at the McFarland Villa where Dad lived the last few months. They treated Dad as their own family member, gave him care and his dignity. While he continued to meet new friends and tease the staff; their smiles and hearts grew, as well as Dads. That’s the kind of person Dad was, the giver of his heart. He was easy to Love. We were blessed to have Dad’s final months filled with such compassion. And, to Dr. Jonathan Temte, Dad and Mom’s Primary Physician for his years of care and compassion for both our parents. Dad and Mom together in Heaven – “Our promise is that your legacy of love will live through your children; you will always be in our hearts because in our hearts you will always be alive~ Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420