Leo O'Donnell
February 5, 1923 ~ May 4, 2008
Leo O’Donnell, 85, of Miller, passed away surrounded by his family on Sunday, May 4, 2008 at the Miller Good Samaritan Center.
Funeral service were held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, May 8, 2008 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Miller with Rev. Robert Ohnstad officiating. Burial was in the Faulkton Cemetery. Visitation was held from 5:00-8:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 7 at the Reck Funeral Home, Miller.
John Leo was born to Thomas and Minnie (Martschinske) O’Donnell on February 5, 1923 in rural Faulk County. He received his formal education at the Maloney Country School. Following the 8th grade he went to work at the Hemp Ranch owned by John P. Shirk for six years.
Leo was united in marriage to Dorothy Marie Schroeder on December 1, 1943 in Pierre. Following their marriage, the couple lived and worked at the Lincoln Ranch northeast of Aberdeen until they saved enough money to purchase a farm southwest of Rockham. In 1950 they sold their farm and purchased another farm northeast of Orient where they raised their four children: Lyle, Gail, LeAnn and Jim. The couple resided on the farm until 2004 when they moved to Miller.
Leo was a member of the Orient Lutheran Church for 54 years where he served on the church board. He was a member of the Arcade Township Board and the Faulkton School Board. He also served as the 4-H Barn Superintendent for the Faulk County Achievement Days for many years. Leo’s hobbies included fishing, hunting, carpentry and breaking horses.
Leo is survived by his wife, Dorothy; sons: Lyle (Jamie) of Viborg, Gail of Redfield, and Jim of Rapid City; two grandsons and four great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; infant son Lavern in 1948; and his daughter, LeAnn in 1976.
Reck Funeral Home of Miller has been entrusted with his arrangements.
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He and LeeAnn can catch up on all the time they have been apart and can see Harold Brown or what she called him (grandpa) again. They can talk and remonice and wont have to worry about the time they now have forever. I cant wait till I get to meet them all someday. I really miss dad. I will be thinking of you at this time.
Denise brown
Dear Dorothy & Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We have memories we will always cherish. Leo was a special friend of our family and will be missed by many. God grant you comfort and strength in your time of need.
Love & Prayers,
Lorne & Pat
Dorothy; Lyle, Gail, Jim, Grandsons, Great-grandchildren, Family and Friend’s. Sorry to hear about your loss. Its hard to lose someone you love. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. May you find peace and comfort in your memories. Leo was a wonderful Man and will be missed by all who knew him. ” All who have been touched by beauty are touched by sorrow at its passing” Your loved one has left a beautiful legacy that will always live on in you and your family. We will always remember the smiles and good memories of the times we’ve had with Leo. May it help in your time of sadness to know that others are thinking of you and share your sorrow . He will be missed. With Sympathy Jerry Denise Rocky Tony Ruzicka
Dorthy and families Leo is finally at peace. I have lots of good memories of coming to your farm and playing with the kids we never no what we will end up doing or where we will be just so glad that we can keep in touch with email. Take care and our thoughts and prayers are with you all . Karen Mulford & Frances Jensen Sends her love too
Thinking about you during this difficult time. Peace be with you.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Dorothy, Lyle and family, Gail, and Jim. After viewing the pictures online tonight it brought back so many wonderful memories of the times our families spent together. Also, the many days and nights that LeAnn and I shared also. She was a special friend and I think of her so often. Your family was like a second family to me and I will always treasure the time and love you gave the Ruzicka family. We wish we were able to share tomorrow with all of you. Unfortunately, family commitments here have made that impossible. Please know you will be on my mind at the time of services tomorrow. The Lord has just received a special person in his heavenly kingdom and I know that LeAnn is rejoicing to be rejoined with her dad. Our love and prayers.
Sorry we couldn’t make it to the funeral, but will try to get to the grave yard.
Our thoughts and Prayers go out to you and your family
hugs
gerry
Thinking of you in your loss.
Dear Dorothy and family:
The paper just reached Arkansas. You are remembered in my prayers, and I send blessings of fond memories.
Bro. Bill
Dear Dorothy, Lyle and family, Gail and Jim:
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We will always cherish the wonderful memories of the times our families got together. Some day we will all be together again in Heaven with Leo, Leann, my dad and Carl.
Helen