Leo Martin Sponder 1921 - 2014

SPONDER, LASKA, SANTANGELO

Posted By: Connie Swearingen-Volunteer (email)
Date: 10/22/2014 at 11:05:38

Sioux City Journal
15 October 2014

SIOUX CITY | Leo M. Sponder, 93, of Sioux City died Saturday, Oct. 11, 2014, at a local care facility.

Per his wishes, no services will be held. Arrangements are under the direction of Waterbury Funeral Service of Sioux City, 4125 Orleans Avenue.

Leo Martin Sponder was born on April 10, 1921, in Sioux City, the son of Joseph and Mary (Laska) Sponder. Leo was a World War II U.S. Army veteran, serving as a medical technician with the 409 Infantry Regiment and fought in the Northern African, European and Middle Eastern Theaters. He received many decorations, including the Purple Heart. The French government awarded him the Knight of the Legion of Honor, the highest honor bestowed by France. Leo received the medal just days prior to his death.

Leo was united in marriage to Helen Santangelo on May 18, 1946, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Sioux City. Leo worked at Amour Packing Plant after returning from the service. During the years, he also worked at Pacific Adhesives Company and later with the Sioux City School Board in the maintenance department. In 1971, he began working with the US Postal Service in their maintenance department, retiring in 1986.

Leo enjoyed playing cribbage, gardening and in his younger days, bowling. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church.

Leo is survived by his wife, Helen; his brother, Stanley Sponder of Council Bluffs, Iowa; his sister, Josephine Prather of Sioux City; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; six brothers, Roman, Charles, John, Henry "Pete", Steven and Joseph; and two sisters, Annie Cook and Pauline Ostrihonsky.