LeRoy Modine of Eureka peacefully passed from this life to his home in Heaven on July 31, 2026, at the age of 93.

LeRoy’s strong faith in Jesus showed in the kindness and generosity he shared every day. Those who knew him will remember his positivity, bright smile, and the twinkle in his beautiful blue eyes. He saw the good in life and encouraged others to do the same.

LeRoy was born in Colome, South Dakota, to Julius and Mildred Modine. He was the fifth of seven children. His childhood nickname was Peewee.  

He joined the Navy in 1951 and served aboard the battleship USS Iowa during the Korean War from 1951 to 1954. He considered his time in the Navy as an honor and was a member of the American Legion. He married his first wife, Jody, in 1956, and they moved to Eureka in 1960. They had two sons: Larry and Marty.

He spent his career at Bob’s Fine Cars in Eureka, working there from its opening in 1961 until his retirement in 1994. In the early 2000s, he returned to work for one day so he could say he had worked for all three generations of the Crivello family. 

After Jody passed away unexpectedly in 1991, LeRoy later married Ina Watson in 1995. Together, they enjoyed dancing at the Moose Lodge, traveling, tending their roses and spending time with friends and family.

LeRoy was a huge SF 49ers fan. He enjoyed working in his yard and feeding his neighbors’ chickens each morning. He always looked for ways to help others and gave to many local and national charities. 

His generosity also showed up in the everyday rhythm of his life. He was an avid walker, often walking seven to eight miles a day, picking up trash along the way. In 2012, he was awarded the City of Eureka- Keep Eureka Beautiful Award for that service. 

He was preceded in death by his wives Jody and Ina; his sons Marty and Larry; four brothers, Dale, Harold, Pete and Vern; and one sister, Donna. He is survived by his sister Shirley of Newcastle, Wyoming, and many other family members. He leaves behind many happy memories in the hearts of his family, his many friends and neighbors.

There will be a graveside service on September 12 at 10 a.m. at Sunset Memorial Park in Eureka followed by a Celebration of Life at Hospice of Humboldt in Eureka. 

In lieu of flowers, LeRoy requested that donations be made to Hospice of Humboldt or Food for People, the food bank of Eureka.