Leo Edward Fitzgibbons, 1915-2005

FITZGIBBONS, STRUB, KENNEDY, WEEM, ANDERSON

Posted By: Merllene Andre Bendixen (email)
Date: 6/22/2011 at 00:23:00

Leo Fitzgibbons, 89
Fitzgibbons
ROSARY AND VIGIL SERVICE: March 17, 2005.
MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Estherville, Iowa, 11:00 a.m., Friday, March 18, 2005, Father Jerry Cosgrove, Celebrant.
INTERMENT: St. Patrick's Catholic Cemetery, Estherville, Iowa.

Leo Edward Fitzgibbons, the son of David and Julia (Kennedy) Fitzgibbons, was born December 26, 1915, in Swea City, Iowa. He passed away Tuesday, March 15, 2005, at his home in Estherville, Iowa, due to complications from chronic lymphocytic leukemia and congestive heart failure at the age of 89 years.

He was a graduate of Armstrong High School. Leo graduated from the University of Iowa in 1937 (Phi Beta Kappa) and the University of Iowa College of Law in 1939 (with distinction). Following his graduation from law school, Leo served as law clerk to the Iowa Supreme Court.

Leo was united in marriage to Jean A. Strub on June 15, 1942 in Iowa City, Iowa. During World War II Leo served in the Judge Advocate General's Office in Washington, D.C. He received an honorable discharge from the U. S. Army and the Army Commendation Ribbons with Oak Leaf Cluster.

Following World War II, Leo moved to Estherville and began practicing law. His brothers Francis and David later joined him and the Fitzgibbons Brothers Law Office was formed.

A 60+ year member of the Iowa Bar Association, Leo was very active in many legal organizations and societies. He was admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court in 1944. Memberships included: Iowa Supreme Court Judicial Nominating Commission; Trustee, University of Iowa Law School Foundation; Iowa Scholarship Fund Inc.; Emmet County and Iowa State Bar Associations; Board of Governors; Grievance Committee; Iowa Academy of Trial Lawyers; The Iowa Trial Lawyers Association; a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation; The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel; and International Association of Barristers.

Leo was a member of St. Patrick's Parish in Estherville where he served as trustee, he was a member of the Knights of Malta and a Knight of St. Gregory. He was instrumental in building Holy Family Hospital and St. Patrick's Catholic Church and School in Estherville. He also served on the University of Iowa Board in Control of Athletics, and he was a member of the University of Iowa President's Club and the University of Iowa Honorary Letterman. Leo was Director and President of Midwestern Casualty and Surety Company, served as President of the Board of Directors of Holy Family Hospital, Vice President and Director of First Bank and Trust of Armstrong, and board member of the Iowa Trust and Savings Bank in Estherville.

Leo is survived by his wife of 62 years, Jean Strub Fitzgibbons of Estherville; two daughters, Jean Fitzgibbons Weem and husband, Kerry of Clifton, Virginia; Patricia Fitzgibbons Anderson and husband, John of Long Lake, Minnesota; three grandchildren, Peter, Claire and Anna Weems of Clifton; and many other beloved family members and friends.

Leo was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Robert, Francis and David Fitzgibbons. (Online obituary)