Leo Gabriel Klenc

Leo Gabriel Klenc, 93, passed away in Thousand Oaks, California on 29 August, 2017. Leo is predeceased by his parents, John Joseph Klenc and Ida Hochstatter of St. Louis, his wives Vivienne Pavey and Lorraine Meicher, and his four siblings. Leo is survived by six children: son Stephen of Tulsa, OK; daughter Linda and husband John Oliver of Thousand Oaks, CA; son Larry and wife Lori of Sparta, WI; son Richard and wife Julie of Anderson, MO; son James and wife Charito of Honolulu, HI; and son John and wife Dena of Avoca, AR. He leaves behind 12 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and countless friends and loved ones in multiple countries. Leo was affectionately nicknamed by his children, and he was known as "Deeds" the rest of his life. Leo was born on October 29, 1923 in Tontitown, AR. His mother left the family when he was young, and he was raised by his father, who was a carriage maker, farmer, and lawyer. Leo grew up during the Great Depression and knew great hardships, surviving on what could be found or given to him at school and by neighbors. He had four older siblings, but they all left to make their own ways in the world. Leo worked at the family farm and helped his father at carriage making until he was drafted into the US Army in May of 1943. After basic training, he was shipped to the South Pacific and arrived at Australia in January, 1944. He was assigned to Recon Platoon, the 112th Calvary Regiment, of the Texas National Guard, and sent to New Guinea. Leo fought in 4 major battle campaigns in the Pacific during World War II. He saw heavy combat at Arawe, New Britain and Aitape, New Guinea. He was later assigned to the 32nd Infantry Division and saw combat at the Driniumor River. On October 1944, he joined General MacArthur and landed on Leyte Island, in the Philippines, where he was assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division. He was wounded in action in November, and awarded the Purple Heart. On January 5th, 1945, he landed on Luzon Island, where he fought as a light machine gunner. He was shipped to Japan and watched as the Japanese formally surrendered on the USS Missouri on September of 1945. He was honorably discharged, and upon returning home, started a career as a tile-setter in Tulsa, OK. He was called up again into service for the Korean War, but was stationed at Ft. McCoy, WI. In 1954 he married Vivienne Pavey of Iron Mountain, where they settled to raise their family. They were married for 42 years, and Leo cared for and nursed Vivienne until she succumbed to cancer. Several years later he married Lorraine "Tootsie" Meicher, and they spent 10 happy years together until her passing. Leo owned and operated "Hiawatha Tile Service" for over 40 years until he retired. Leo was an avid outdoors man and loved hunting, fishing and finding wild mushrooms, except on Sundays if the Green Bay Packers were playing! He loved old country music and polkas, and discovered later in life that he loved to dance. Leo was curious, intelligent, and enjoyed learning new things. He visited Europe several times, and even learned basic German in his 60's. He instilled in his children a strong work ethic, pride in doing a good job, and a love of the outdoors. Leo continued living in Iron Mountain, where he enjoyed dancing at the senior center and “holding court” in the mornings over coffee at McDonald’s. He wasn't afraid to embrace new technologies, and loved surfing the web, checking his emails and looking at pictures on his iPad, and even had a Facebook account. He lived in Iron Mountain until 2016, when he moved to Los Angeles to live with his daughter. He never lost his sharp mind and memory, and shared endless stories of his time in the military. Leo was a lifelong member of the Catholic Church, and looked forward to reuniting with his loved ones in heaven. He was much loved and respected, a proud member of the Greatest Generation, and he will be missed by all. Visitation will be Wed. from 4-7 pm at Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home. Funeral services will be Thurs. at 11 am at St. Mary Queen of Peace Catholic Church. Father Michael Woempner will celebrate the Mass of Christian Burial. Burial will be in Cemetery Park. Condolences to the family of Leo Gabriel Klenc may be expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with thefuneral arrangements.

Leo Gabriel Klenc

October 29, 1923 - August 29, 2017