On July 11 of 1941, he voluntarily enlisted in the U.S. Army, which later resulted in deployment to the Pacific theater of World War II after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. His experiences involved landing the same day as the Marines as the armed forces worked across the Pacific islands to Japan. Leo rose to the rank of staff sergeant and was in charge of construction work on hospitals, roads, and airfields. His deployment ended on October 21, 1945, shortly after the surrender of Japan. He returned to the Dodge Center area and began farming near West Concord, where he resided until the age of 92.
Leo was united in marriage to Elizabeth M. Staloch on July 15, 1947, at St. Francis De Sales Catholic Church in Claremont. Leo had a keen interest in farming, hands-on skills in many trades and loved to take rides checking out the crops in later years. He was an avid reader, a proponent of education for his children, and a good friend to many who came into contact with him over the years. He was a regular at auctions in the area, and he loved to discuss the politics of the day. Leo was a proud father and grandfather.
He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Elizabeth of Rochester MN; a son Zachary, of Los Angeles CA; daughters Teresa (Randy) Klement of Rochester MN, Rita Chicos (Jordan Cruz) of Ft. Lauderdale FL, and Marie Sexton of Medford, MN; five grandchildren: Julie Sexton (Scott Springman) of St. Anthony, MN, Jonathan Sexton, Jacqueline (Cary) Berg, Jeffrey Sexton, and Daniel Sexton, all of Medford, MN. Also surviving are seven great grandchildren: Mariah, Brody, and Jenna Berg of Medford, MN; Taya Sexton of Medford, MN; and Leo, Elise, and Charlie Springman of St. Anthony, MN. A sister, Loretta Mohr also survives in Culver City, OR. Many nieces and nephews also survive.
Leo was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Jerry Sexton, six sisters: Gertrude, Helen, Caroline, Mary Ann, Anne, and Julia; and four brothers: Peter Jr., Andrew, Raymond, and John.
Funeral services will be held at St. John’s Catholic Church in Dodge Center at 10 a.m. on Thursday, October 15, 2015, with a gathering time for family and friends beginning at 9 a.m. at the church. Interment will be at Fort Snelling later in the day. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the American Legions in West Concord and Dodge Center, for masses, or to the donor’s choice. Czaplewski Family Funeral Home, 25 South St. in Dodge Center is in charge of arrangements. Blessed be his memory.
