LeRoy P. McCann

LeRoy P. McCann age 81 of Grafton, ND passed away on Tuesday, November 5, 2024 at the Lutheran Sunset Home of Grafton.
LeRoy P. McCann was born December 14, 1942 in Grafton, ND the son of the late Patrick and Mildred (Burris) McCann. He grew up and attended schools in Minto, ND, graduating from Minto High School in 1960. LeRoy attended the North Dakota State School of Science in Wahpeton, ND for two years. Following his education he worked for the Kittson County Enterprise in Hallock, MN. He also worked at the Missile Site for a time.   LeRoy enlisted in the North Dakota National Guard in 1964 and served until 1990. While in the guard he served as Sgt 1C and Retention Officer. He received the Soldier of the Year Award in 1968 and the Minute Man Award for dedication supporting men and women of the Army National Guard who served to defend freedom.   In 1973 LeRoy moved to Grafton and began his career with the Grafton Police Department. He married Karen Stark on April 25, 1975 in Grafton. The couple made their home here.  He attended the Criminal Investigation Training program in Bismarck. He served as Patrolman, SGT, Detective, Assistant Chief and Chief of Police from 1979-2003, the longest serving chief in the department’s history. He served as the city’s emergency manager for several years. He received North Dakota’s highest award in Law Enforcement, the Lone Eagle and the Quilt of Valor.  LeRoy moved to the Lutheran Sunset Home in February of 2021.
LeRoy was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church where he served on the church council and taught religious education. He was a member of the Grafton American Legion and  Valley Ambulance. He served as the local chairman for the Salvation Army. He served on the board of directors for United Givers, Grafton Chemical Depedenancy Task Force and Domestic Violence. He was a member of the North Dakota Peace Officers Association, North Valley Vo-Tech Board and taught Hunters Safety for 25 years.  He enjoyed wood working, sports and spending time with his family. LeRoy loved doing projects with his dad and always had a father/daughter weekend with Katie and her dog Piper. He was truly a family man who provided Love, Guidance and Protection for his family. He will be missed!
LeRoy is survived by his wife, Karen, Grafton, ND; daughter, Katie McCann,  West Fargo, ND; grand dog, Piper, brother, Michael McCann, Grand Forks, ND; niece, Tracy (Greg) Meagher and great nieces, Paige, Reese and Drew all of Grand Forks, ND; brother and sister-in-law, Mike and Jane Stark, East Grand Forks, MN; godson, Ryan Mohagen, Grand Forks, ND. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers: Robert, Terrance and Loren, father and mother-in-law, George and Geri Stark and sister-in-law, Lynn Stark. 
Funeral services will be Tuesday, November 12, 2024 at 11:00 AM at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church of Grafton. Visitation will be Tuesday from 9:30-11:00 AM at the church. Inurnment will be at St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery of Minto. Military rites will be provided by the Grafton American Legion and North Dakota National Guard Honor Guard. The service will be live streamed on the Tollefson Funeral Home Website.
The family would like to extend a special Thank You to Dr. Marquardt, Dr. Potti, Sarah Matcha, APRNCNP, and the Lutheran Sunset Home Station 2 for all the loving care given to LeRoy over the last several years. 
“1435 End of Watch”

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