Ishpeming- Leo Jordan Hebert, age 65 Ishpeming resident, passed away Wednesday, January 7, 2009 at the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor.

Leo was born on November 26, 1943 in Marquette, the son of Joyce (Gauthier) and the late Leo Thomas Hebert. Leo was married to the love of his life, Anita, on October 17, 1959 at St.Pius Catholic Church in Ishpeming, Michigan. It was here they began their family; one that would grow and expand into the large and loving family it is today.

Leo was a man of many talents and skills, but music and his guitar were his passion. Leo received his first guitar at the age of 8, and went on to form and play in many bands throughout his lifetime. A few of the more memorable bands were the "Sharp Shooters," the "Country Rebels" "Restless Country," and "100 Proof." While playing and staring as "The Sharp Shooters," they headlined for many Country and Western stars such as Tammy Wynette, Roy Clark, Jennie Frickey, and Jennie Shepard. Leo and his band also had their very own Television show in the later 60's with "Al Sieg and the Sharp Shooters" in Milwaukee Wisconsin. Whether headlining for some of Country and Westerns main attractions, playing at St. Joseph's for special occasions, or entertaining at many wedding receptions or local nursing homes for the residents in the later years, or just playing for family and friends, Leo's beautiful guitar music will forever be remembered by all that had the opportunity to be enriched by it. Leo joins the rest of his cherished band mates that have gone before him, and if you listen closely to the wind, you can still hear him play.

Leo had many other hobbies and passions, and was also a Black Powder enthusiast. He loved going to Rendezvous, and excelled at Black Powder shooting contests and competitions, many of which included his grandchildren and other family members. Often dressed in period clothing at these rendezvous, and emulating the life of pioneers past, Leo embraced the lifestyle of his ancestors, and passed this all along to all those close to him. Leo absolutely loved to study and discover what it was like to live in his ancestral past, and especially life on the early western frontier.

In later years, Leo enjoyed spending time at their camp and land with his sons Tom and Jerry, along with other close family members and friends. Trips to Florida were always a highlight of his life, where Walt Disney World, along with his grandchildren enriched his life beyond words. Leo would be so happy just to be going to Florida with his family that he would proudly retell how he would "drive straight through," from Michigan to Florida without stopping. He looked forward to this summer when the entire family would make the trip once again with family to celebrate Anita's and his 50TH Wedding Anniversary.

Throughout the years, Leo was also smiling and grinning as he hammered down from coast to coast as a Semi-Truck Driver, often times taking family members along for the ride. Going up one side of the Rocky Mountains was one thing, but coming down the other was ALWAYS another story! Ask his son Tom! Leo worked with, and provided for; the Ishpeming Senior Center, and also with Holli Forestry. Leo was also employed by Ishpeming Steel for a time, and Robbins Flooring Mill. A stint in the U.S. Army preceded all of this. Leo was a very proud member of the U.P. Muzzleloaders Association, the Quinesec Falls Muzzle Loaders, and the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter # 380.

Leo loved his wife Anita of close to 50 plus years; he loved his children, and especially his cherished grandchildren… He lived life to the fullest. He was a VERY proud man of his loving and close family. Leo loved life, and this was taken and stolen from him way to soon…. No one wanted to let him go… We were all there with him… We will all meet again someday… God bless everyone who had the opportunity of knowing this great man who made such a difference in every life he touched.

Leo is survived by his wife of 50 years: Anita Hebert, mother: Joyce Hebert of Kaukauna, WI, children: Cindy DeRocha of Ishpeming, Janet (Tony Kozel) Nelson of Three Lakes, Barbara and Jerry Potvin of Palmer, Darlene and Jeff Stampee of Ishpeming, Tom and Cathy Hebert of Ishpeming, and Jerry (Tammy LaCosse) Hebert of Ishpeming, grandchildren: Jeremy (Erica) Hallum of Ishpeming, Bradley (Melanie) Hallum Jr. of North Pole, Alaska, Daniel (Sherry) Hallum of Fort Worth, Texas, Timothy DeRocha of Ishpeming, Nathan (Tonya) Nelson of Ishpeming, Brandon (fiancé Ashley) Nelson of Ishpeming, Jason (Jessica) Potvin of Palmer, Gerald Potvin (fiancé Crystal) of Palmer, Jeffrey and Ashley Stampee of Ishpeming, Jessica (Dustin) Veiht of Ishpeming, Josh (fiancé Whitney) Hebert of Ishpeming, Ryan Harper of Ishpeming, Gabrielle and Jordan Hebert of Ishpeming, 25 great grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild, brothers and sisters: Ann and Don Fitzgerald of Milwaukee, WI, Lyle and Joy Hebert of Ishpeming, Shamon and Chris Hebert of Kaukauna, WI, Raema and Dean Schmid of Little Chute, WI, sister-in-law: Sandra Hebert of Ishpeming, sister and brother-in-law: Doreen and Michael Nelson, and a special nephew Jerome Bilkey.

Leo is preceded in death by his father Leo Hebert, brothers: Blaine and Joseph Hebert, Grandparents: Eva and Louis Hebert, and Eva and James Gauthier, In-Laws: Pearl and Joseph Nora, Sister-in Law: Sharon Lawer, and a niece: Kim Bilkey.

Pallbearers will be his grandsons: Jeremy, Brad, Daniel, Tim, Nathan, Brandon, Jason, Gerald, Jeffrey, Josh, Ryan, Jordan, his nephew Jerome, sons: Tom and Jerry and Leo's brothers Lyle and Shamon. Honorary pallbearers will be Leo's granddaughters: Jessica, Ashley and Gabrielle.

Funeral services will be held at 6:00pm Monday, January 12, 2009 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Ishpeming with Rev. Fr. James Challancin officiating. A visitation will be held at the church on Monday from 3:30pm until the time of service. The Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter#380 will be holding a flag presentation following the service. Interment will take place at the Ishpeming Cemetery.