LARRY L. LEO

Larry L. Leo, 79, passed away at his residence due to natural causes on Tuesday, December 13, 2016. Graveside services were held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 17, 2016, in the Harlem Cemetery. Larry's family has requested that memorial donations be made to Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch, 2050 Overland Ave, Billings, MT 59102, or to the charity of the donor's choice. Holland & Bonine Funeral Home has been entrusted with services and arrangements. Please visit Larry's online memorial page and leave a message of condolence for his family at http://www.hollandbonine.com.

Larry was born on December 13, 1937, in Zurich, the youngest of 9 children born to Samuel and Elodie (Landuyt) Leo. He was raised in Zurich, attending school there. When he was 17, Larry quit school to work for the Great Northern Railroad, a job which lasted about 2 weeks before they discovered his age. When he reached the age of 18 he began his his lifetime career with the railroad as his father and brothers before him. He remained with the Railroad for over 40 years, lasting through name changes ... Great Northern, Burlington Northern, and finally the Burlington Northern Santa Fe. He started in the Harlem yard, working his way up to the position of Traveling Equipment Maintainer, which he held for many years before his retirement in 2000. On September 5, 1964, Larry married Christine Schwarz, and the couple had three children. They later divorced, but remained close friends.

Throughout his life, Larry enjoyed woodworking, playing horseshoes, and trap shooting. Over the years, he volunteered as a firefighter, was a member of the Chinook Eagles Club, and also enjoyed hunting, bowling, playing pool, baseball, and much to his children's surprise, he could whip them at a game of ping pong. He loved to watch all sports, especially the Seattle Seahawks and the Montana Griz. After retirement, Larry took up fishing, and then golfing until his shoulder wouldn't allow him to golf any longer. Larry was also a lifetime member of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way, serving as the Secretary for many years, and also as a lobbyist for the railroad just before retirement.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel and Elodie Leo; his sister Leona Woods; and his brothers James, Peter, Raymond, Frank, Christopher, Melvin, and Roy Leo.

Larry is survived by his daughter, Lori (Warren) Abrahamson of Malta; his sons, James Leo of Harlem and Tom (Kelly) Leo of Ennis; his 8 grandchildren; his one great-grandchild; his cat, Mischief; his close friend Christine Leo; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

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