Obituary of Marlene Leonard

Marlene Boostrom Leonard, 88, of Grand Marais, died March 3 in Duluth. She lived there with her daughter and son-in-law since late 2020, and moved to Keystone Bluffs in February.

Marlene was an extraordinary person to her family and friends alike. She expressed and radiated love in thousands of ways without getting mushy about it. She was genuinely accepting of all people and she was loved by all. Marlene had friends in every generation! She enjoyed close and special relationships with each member of her family.

Gambling was her thing, and she was good. For years the highlight of Marlene’s week was playing bingo at the Grand Portage Casino with her brother Glen, niece Gale, and others. She loved to play poker regardless of the stakes and she greatly enjoyed her poker friends both young and old. She relished her gambling travel adventures, especially trips to Laughlin, Nevada, with family.

Marlene loved playing bridge while living at Homestead Cooperative. Her bridge mentor Larry “Bear” Carlson was a wonderful coach/trainer and a fabulous friend. She savored her longtime friendships with Bear, Bobby Don Brazell, and Donny “Smasher” Wilson, meeting at the Legion every night for happy hour and shaking dice.

Marlene was the youngest of Charlie and Petra Boostrom’s ten children, and was delivered by her dad on March 28, 1933. The Boostroms were renowned Gunflint Trail wilderness pioneers who built and ran Clearwater Lodge.

Marlene married Glen “Bobby” Leonard Sept. 1, 1951. They made their home in Grand Marais, and approached every aspect of their lives with a sense of adventure.

After working as a telephone operator, she and Bobby owned and operated Linds Motor Court, then built a home at Five Mile Rock in the late 1970s. Marlene later worked as a customs broker at the Canadian border in Grand Portage, where she and Bobby lived until she retired. They eventually moved to The Homestead.

Marlene will be remembered as a lifelong cardplayer and loyal Vikings fan. She was a member of the American Legion Women’s Auxiliary. In her younger years she curled and bowled competitively.

Above all, Marlene loved being with her family, especially for Christmas. Each year she handmade beautiful and practical gifts for her loved ones. She was an accomplished knitter, crocheter, needle pointer, and seamstress. She also loved watching birds at feeders, especially chickadees.

Marlene is survived by her daughter Marianne (Kenneth) Kauma; sons Steven Leonard (Magda Krance) and Bruce Leonard (Nancy); granddaughters Lindsay (Matthew) Townsend, April Peterson, Lea Leonard, and Linnea Leonard; grandson Casimir Leonard; and five great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by Bobby, her husband of 61 years; her parents Charlie and Petra Boostrom; and nine older siblings.

Marlene was a role model and hero who meant so much to so many. She was witty, sassy, sparkling, smart, confident, and always well put together. She worked hard and was an endlessly resourceful problem-solver. Marlene was a thoughtful listener and

wise advisor, compassionate and no-nonsense. She loved hearing great family stories. She was a proud daughter, sister, wife, mom, grandma, great-grandma, friend who conveyed strength, integrity, and grace in all she did. Marlene was the mom, grandma, and friend everyone wanted.

As Marlene would say, “It’s not the cards you’re dealt, it’s how you play the game.”

At her request there will be no service. Please play a game, have a cocktail, and laugh.