Leo Edward O'Brien, 95

Leo passed away peacefully to his heavenly home on Friday, May 31, 2019.

He was the fourth child born to Lorenzo Dow and Blanche (Baillargon) O’Brien. Leo was born on Oct. 16, 1923, on his mother’s birthday. He attended school at Black Lake and two years at Lincoln County High School.

In 1943, Leo enlisted into the U.S. Army and did his basic training in Kentucky and Arkansas. He served in the U.S. Army 3rd Armoured Division under the leadership of Gen. George Patton. Leo received three battle stars, one of which was for the Battle of the Bulge. He was honorably discharged in 1946.

After his return from the service, he met Shirley Stark and they married on June 10, 1952. Together they built their first home in Rexford and had two daughters. Leo was employed with J. Neils Lumber Company where he continued on with St. Regis and Champion Lumber until his retirement in 1981 after 35 years.

Leo enjoyed snowmobiling, antiques and traveling with his family. He loved looking at new cars, which he bought many of throughout the years. What Leo loved most, was his family and spending time with them. His family was everything to him and he was everything to us.

Leo was a member of Holy Cross Lutheran and Trinity Lutheran churches. He lived in the Rexford and Eureka area all of his life until moving to Kalispell in 2015.

Leo was preceded in death by his parents, Lorenzo and Blanche O’Brien; his sister, Leona Benefield; and his brothers Fred, Frank, Louie and Richard O’Brien.

Leo is survived by his wife of 66 years, Shirley O’Brien; two daughters, Debra (Andrew) Faulstich of Sunland, California, and Paula (James) D’Arcy of Kalispell; grandson, Jason (Ruby) Thorp and great-granddaughter, Charlotte Thorp of Renton, Washington, Jared (Tina) Thorp of Portland, and granddaughter, Andie Rae Faulstich of Sunland.

Services will he held at 1 p.m., Saturday, June 8, at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Eureka. Interment will be Tobacco Valley Cemetery, with military rites.

In lieu of flowers we ask that you make a donation to the charity of your choice in remembrance of Leo.

Friends are encouraged to visit the website www.buffalohillfh.com to leave notes of condolences for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.