Leon J. Viger Jr.'s Obituary
Leon J. Viger, Jr. passed away on April 25, 2026. He was born August 13, 1935 in Algonac to Leon and Gladys Viger.
He graduated from Algonac High School and attended Port Huron Community College. In 1958 he joined the U.S. Army where he became a supply sergeant and was honorably discharged in 1960.
In 1962 he married Thelma I. Long of Harbor Beach and lived in Port Huron.
After working for Acme Quality Paint Co. for several years he joined the St. Clair County Sheriff Department working for Sheriff William J. Pettengill.
In 1965 he joined the Algonac Police Department where he rose to the rank of Sergeant and then Chief of Police. In 1994 he retired from the then merged Clay Township and Algonac Police Departments.
He was appointed City Historian, and head of the Algonac Historical Commission at which time he organized the Algonac-Clay Township Historical Society. Leon organized and founded the Robert J. Christy Lodge No. 185 of the Fraternal Order of Police. He was a former member of the Lions Club and the Masons.
He had a love a dogs and truly believed they were a man’s best friend.
He is survived by his wife; Thelma and children; Leon III, Noel (Diane) and Renee Darga.
He is also survived by his grandchildren; Colleen (Corey) Adams, Julie (Joe) Gorniak, Daniel Viger, Jennifer Darga, Ronald Darga and his great-grandchildren; Stella and Colton Gorniak and Evelyn and Vivienne Adams and his sister; Sarah “Sally” Appelman.
Leon was preceded in death by his son; Clinton Viger, his parents; Leon Viger and Gladys Lucille Jackson Viger Koranda, and sisters; Mary L. Viger Lewis, Lois G. Viger Abbey Meyers, and Charlotte L. Viger Taylor.
Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to Young-Gilbert Funeral Home, Algonac. A memorial service will take place at a later date. To leave the family a message of comfort please visit: https://www.younggilbertfuneralhome.com
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