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Leo De La Cruz Obituary
Services are today at Fort Richardson National Cemetery with full military honors.
He was born Nov. 17, 1925, in San Diego, Calif., to Jose and Mauricia De La Cruz. Leo enjoyed the beaches, Old Town and played an active roll with the youth enrichment programs in his community. Leo enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1943 and served for 20 years. His tours included WWII and Korea in which he received many medals and badges. These included the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart.
During his tour in Germany, Leo met and married his beloved wife, Irma, in 1955. In 1958, Leo and his family moved to Eagle River and he was stationed at Fort Richardson. He retired from the military in 1964.
Leo belonged to the Eagle River Volunteer Fire Department and was awarded the Fireman of the Year Award in 1971, while working full time for Far North Services. From 1974-1994 he worked for Quality Cleaners/Snow White Cleaners as a production manager.
After Irma's passing in 1995 he moved to San Diego and resided with his brother and sister-in-law. In May 2009 after their passing he moved back to Eagle River to be with his family and enjoyed the things he loved to do.
Leo loved fishing, camping, gardening, carpentry and most of all, his family.
His family wrote: "He was a wonderful husband, father and friend to all who knew him. We will always remember him as a generous and giving man. Leo will be loved and missed by many."
Leo is survived by his children, Sandy and Michael Roderick; Leo and Claudette De La Cruz; grandchildren, Shara De La Cruz and Jonathan Wright; Shani and Issac Worley; Michael Roderick; and great-grandchildren, Alexis De La Cruz, Issac Jr., Jade and Gauge Worley.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Irma De La Cruz.
In lieu of flowers send donations to: The Alaska Kidney Patients Association, 325 E 3rd Ave, Suite 201, Anchorage, 99501.
Arrangements are with Janssen's Evergreen Memorial Chapel. www.janssenfuneralhomes.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Leo De La Cruz
Colleen Houser
January 3, 2010
Leo and Sandy,
Sorry to hear about the passing of my long time friend, your father. We shaired a lot of times at the cleaners. He will be missed
Jim & Delinda Cain
January 3, 2010
Leo and Sandy,
Sorry to hear about the passing of your dad. Our prayers are with you and the rest of your family. I remember your "All in the Family" team back in the 80's.
Kathe Kale
January 2, 2010
Dear Leo and Claudette, Sandy and Mike,
We are sorry to hear of your father's passing. Know that Bernie and I are praying for each of your families that God would comfort you during this time in your lives. Your dad was such an energetic man who always had a smile on his face. Bernie loved to work for him at Far North and also at the cleaners. Bernie is in Iraq now and due to come home shortly.
January 2, 2010
Dear Leo and Claudette, Sandy and Mike,
We are sorry to hear of your father's passing. Know that Bernie and I are praying for each of your families that God would comfort you during this time in your lives. Your dad was such an energetic man who always had a smile on his face. Bernie loved to work for him at Far North and also at the cleaners. Bernie is in Iraq now and due to come home shortly.
Bernie Kale
January 2, 2010
Sandy and Leo, I have some great memories working one my first jobs with your Dad as the boss. I don't think that I've ever had a better mentor or a boss that had the work ethics that he had or the patience to put up with a lot of us Eagle River "youth" employees. His passion for life was evident each time we met with a great smile and a genuine interest in others! He will be missed by many. God Bless you both,
Bernie & Kathe
Eric Sundt
January 1, 2010
Leo and Sandy - I'm so sorry to hear about your father. I remember him from when he worked at Far North Service. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families during this difficult time.
Franco & Kristie Belk
December 31, 2009
Sandy, Leo & families,
Our deepest sympathy to each of you. There were few fathers who had the kind of positive impact on the lives of so many young people in his community as did Leo De La Cruz; you are not alone in your grief. May you each find comfort in your own special memories.
Dennis De Loose
December 31, 2009
Leo, Sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. My prayers are with you and your family.
sam cotten
December 31, 2009
everyone liked Leo- friendly, honest, funny. Leo took the time and made the effort to listen and show he really cared about people. As a teenager in eagle river in the 60's I remebmer Leo's big smile and friendly nature.
Dale Edin
December 31, 2009
Sandy, Leo, sorry to hear of the loss of your dad. He is a great guy. I remember him as great supporter of our little league teams. Not to mention that he assisted a few of us in our early days on (work ethics)pulling studs out of tires at the station for hours.His love of his family was always evident, and treated others as if they were family also.
Patti (Rust) Lamson
December 30, 2009
Sandy, Leo & Families,
I am so sorry to hear about your Dad. Leo was always smiling. I wish I would have seen him when he moved back to Alaska. Didn't know he was back. I am sure he is having a most joyous reunion with your Mom.
Keep your precious memories close. God bless.
December 30, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Rick Doggett
December 30, 2009
Sandy and family,
What a nice man your father was! I remember him as a young kid when he worked for Far North. He always had a smile and friendly words for me.
Rick Doggett
Dorothy Underwood
December 30, 2009
Sandy and Leo; I am so sorry for the loss of your father. I haven't seen him since we were all in high school, but he was always such a nice man to be around.
Jeff Muetz
December 30, 2009
Leo and Sandy, I'm so sad to hear your Dad passed away. He was one of the nicest guys that I've had the privilege to know. Back in high school he treated me like I was one of his kids, and I'll always remember him in my heart
Marc McNab
December 30, 2009
My condolences to the De La Cruz family in their loss.
EUGENE T PLATT
December 30, 2009
LEO WAS A DELIGHTFUL PERSON TO HAVE KNOWN. I REMEMBER HIS POSITIVE ATTITUDE AND HONESTY. IT WAS A
JOY TO DEAL WITH HIM AT SNOW WHITE LAUNDRY & CLEANERS, BECAUSE OF THESE TWO TRAITS. HE CARED ABOUT HIS FELLOW WORKERS, THEIR NEEDS AND WELFARE.
THANKS LEO FOR BEING A NICE PERSON.
EUGENE T. PLATT, ANCHORAGE, AK.
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