Leo Francis Michael

MICHAEL, MILLER, BAGGE, DRIPPS, RUEHS

Posted By: diane (email)
Date: 4/4/2017 at 19:27:25

Leo Francis Michael, 98, of Independence, Iowa died Monday, February 13, 2017 at Lexington Estates Care Center, Independence, IA.

Leo was born on December 11, 1918, in Independence, Iowa, the son of Frank L. and Rose Ann (Miller) Michael. He was a 1936 graduate of Independence High School in Independence. On October 2, 1940, he was married to Bernice E. Bagge in St. John’s Catholic Church, Independence, IA and the couple lived in Los Angeles, CA for several years. On November 2, 1942, Leo entered the US Army serving as a Staff Sergeant until his discharge on February 5, 1946 at which time he returned home to farm. Leo also became employed with the John Deere Company Waterloo, IA, in 1960 working until his retirement in 1979.

Farming was Leo’s life; he enjoyed tinkering around on the farm fixing anything he could with baling wire and twine. He loved his family; spending time with them, especially traveling to Colorado.

He is survived by two children, Sharon (Al) Dripps, Urbana, IA, and Ronald (Debbie) Michael, Independence, IA; and a son-in-law, Benny Ruehs, Fairbank, IA; seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Leo was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Bernice in 2003; a daughter, Phyllis Ruehs in 2007, and five brothers and sisters, Laurence Michael, Clarence Michael, John Michael, Mary Sand and Clara Michael.

A funeral mass was held at 10:30 AM Friday, February 17, at St. John’s Catholic Church, Independence, IA with Rev. David Beckman officiating.

Burial was in St. John’s Catholic Cemetery, Independence. Visitation was from 4 to 8 PM Thursday and from 8 to 10 AM Friday at the Reiff Funeral Home & Crematory, Independence, IA.

A Rosary was recited at 4 PM on Thursday. A Military Memorial Service was held at 7 PM followed by a Parish Vigil Service at 7:30 PM on Thursday.