Search by Name

Search by Name

FUNERAL HOME

Feeney-Hornak Keystone Mortuary

2126 East 71st Street

Indianapolis, Indiana

Howard Leuer Obituary

Howard Paul Leuer

Indianapolis - Howard Leuer, a.k.a. "Papa Carolla" died at home with his family on June 21, 2020. He was 87 years old. Howard was born and raised on a farm near Chicago, Illinois where he learned how to do just about everything, including love the Cubs. He attended the seminary after high school and served as a Catholic priest for sixteen years before leaving to pursue a secular life. He worked for a number of corporations, including Avis Rent-A-Car where he met his wife and life-long companion Carole (Mama Carolla) in the early 70s. They moved to northside of Indianapolis and began raising a family.

In the mid-80s, Howard turned away from the corporate world never to look back, leaving his management position with ITT to join Carole as an entrepreneur, opening and running a number of restaurants including Diggity's Hot Dog Parlor, Yogurt Crossing, Mama Carolla's and Good Morning Mamas. Throughout the years, Howard could be seen driving one form of red truck or another, starting with a used 1967 Chevy, up to his most recent red Toyota Tacoma. Always a truck. Always red.

Those who were fortunate enough to have known Howard, even briefly, encountered a man who treated each person as an individual, and always saw the good in people. Money was never a driving force in Howard's life. He gave his time and money to anyone in need - family, friends, employees, and even strangers who might happen upon his doorstep. He will be deeply missed by all those whose lives he touched.

Howard is survived by his wife, Carole Leuer; 4 children; and 7 grandchildren.

The family is conducting a private funeral service, but plans to have a celebration of Howard's life on his birthday, July 31 at Mama Carolla's. In the meantime, in lieu of flowers, the family asks that anyone who knew Howard, please raise a glass and toast the life of a good man.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Indianapolis Star from Jun. 23 to Jun. 25, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Howard Leuer

Not sure what to say?





4 Entries

Amanda Jack

August 28, 2020

It was hard to decide what option I should choose for relationship for this post...I was only a worker at mama carolla’s for a short time and I suppose I was an acquaintance. But the thing that separated Howard and why he defined the difference between a great person and a good person is that he always made you feel like you were special. When I read these posts, it became clear to me that Howard had a wonderful gift to make everyone who ran across him feel like you were something else, not just me. Howard took every bit of the gifts and the beauty and the golden heart God gave him and respected the hell out of them. I will never forget you Howard and I will always strive to be a better human being to honor you and the life you lead by example. And I’ll thank God often that he let me cross paths with you. Thank you for your smile, you heart, and always making me feel special.

Stacey Dye

June 25, 2020

Carole, t was such a joy to take care of Howard and to get to know the two of you. He was such a sweet, kind man. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Jim Lyness

June 24, 2020

Carole and family
Howard was always the greatest of family. From the days he was the leader of cousin fun,through his stay with our family during college, and on with the rest of his life, he was a singular joy in sharing his time and conversation. I will miss the chance to engage him again.
Jim Lyness and family

Brothers Floor Covering

June 24, 2020

Carol and family I am so sorry for your loss. Howards truly was one of a kind and we will miss him dearly I always appreciated anytime we got to spend with him working together

Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results

Make a Donation
in Howard Leuer's name

Memorial Events
for Howard Leuer

Jul

31

Celebration of Life

Mama Carolla's

IN

Funeral services provided by:

Feeney-Hornak Keystone Mortuary

2126 East 71st Street, Indianapolis, IN 46220

How to support Howard's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Howard Leuer's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more