Leo P. Bedard, age 78, of Burnsville passed sudde nly of heart failure on May 3, 2019. His spirit soared to Heaven while on a walk in the great outdoors.

Leo was born on February 2, 1941 in Crookston MN. He attended St. Rose Catholic School and graduated from Argyle High School in 1959. He earned his Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from the University of North Dakota in 1963 and a Master's Degree in Music Education from VanderCook College of Music in Chicago, IL in 1969.

Leo married his high school sweetheart, Gloria in 1961. They moved to Larimore, ND where Leo began his career as a music teacher. In 1966 the young family moved to Bur nsville, MN where Leo was hired as the first band director at Metcalf Jr. High . Leo was a beloved teacher who inspire d hundreds of students , some who went on to pursue their own careers in music. He was awarded many prestigious honors and recognitions during his 36-year career; including being Burnsville Teacher of the Year and nominated twice for Minnesota Teacher of the Year. Leo retired from teaching in 1999 , but continued to work as a handyman where he was able to put his gift of perfectionism to good use.

Leo was a generous man with his time and resources. He was known by many as; "The Energizer Bunny," always happy to lend a helping hand and took a special joy in sharing samples of his turkey jerky and smoked Alaskan salmon. He was an active member of his community in Burnsville and his retirement community in Florida. He served his church, Knights of Columbus, Habitat for Humanity, was a 20-year member of the Burnsville Lions Club and volunteered for many community events.

Leo lived life to its fullest in retirement. He and Gloria loved to travel and en joyed exploring many places around the world from Europe to the Caribbean to Alaska. Leo loved the active lifestyle their winter home in Florida offered, enjo ying pickle ball, shuffleboard, riding his 3-wheel bike and fishing with his buddies . Leo was an avid outdoorsman and shared many wonderful hunting and fishing adventures around the world with his brothers, sons & buddies.

Most of all, Leo loved spend ing time with family and friends. Leo will be remembered for his zest for life, his spirit of giving and the way he lived his faith in God. He i s survived by his beloved wife Gloria of 58 years; three c hildren: Randy (Dianne Lapham) Bedard, Renae (David) Bottem and Michael (Joni) Bedard . Grandchildren: Blake and Brooke Bedard; Katelyn (Justin) Marschall and Thomas Bottem. Leo is also survived by his mother, Aurore Bedard, and siblings; Emil "Buck" (Linda) Bedard, Dale (Betty) Be dard, and Alice (Rick) Voorhees; also by other extended family and many friends. Preceeding him in death were his dad Philip and infant brother.

Mass of Christian Burial, 11 am Saturday, May 11, 2019 at Church of the Risen S avior (1501 CR 42) Burnsville. Memorial visitation one hour prior to the service.

Donations in memory of Leo may be offered to : Church of the Risen Savior- Please write : " Habitat for Humanity Fund " in the memo line.