Carolan, Leo Francis 1930 – 2012

CAROLAN, REID, OAKSHOTT, MCCOWAN, BAUMLER

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 3/10/2013 at 15:29:12

Source: Decorah Public Opinion July 31, 2012, Page A-6

Leo Carolan

Leo Francis Carolan, 81, was called home by the Lord July 18, 2012, after fighting a several-year-long battle with COPD bravely and with dignity. A funeral Mass was Monday, July 23, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Spokane, following a private family interment with military honors. Online guestbook at www.riplingers.com.

Leo Francis Carolan, 81, was born Sept. 20, 1930, to Jim and Esther Carolan in La Crosse, Wis. As a child and young man, Leo was raised on the family farm in Decorah. Leo worked in construction and concrete businesses until he was drafted by the United State Army to serve his country during the Korean conflict. After the war, Leo returned home to Iowa and married his wife of almost 55 years, Betty Reid. Leo’s family was the most important thing to him and he never stopped being a loving father and grandfather. In 1962, he moved his family to Spokane.

Leo retired from Ryerson Steel. He loved the outdoors, especially hunting, fishing and camping with his family. Many times, you could find Leo in a city park with his metal detector searching for treasure. He was a member of the Northwest Treasure Hunters Club and also was a member of the north side Elks Lodge. He was a talented metal and woodworker who was always giving his projects away as gifts.

Leo loved and served the Lord throughout his entire life, being an active member of all the parishes he attended.

Leo is survived by his wife, Betty; children: Gordon, Scott (Molly), Lori Oakshott (Scott) and Julie all of Spokane; six grandchildren: Krystin McCowan (Landon), Courtney and Trey Carolan and Brad, Nichole, and Derek Oakshott; brother, Jim (Robin) Carolan; brother-in-law, Floyd Baumler; brothers- and sisters-in-law, Bob and Patti Reid, and Bill and Irene Reid; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Transcribed from a newspaper clipping submitted by Janice Sowers.