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Mike Leo Obituary
Ankeny, Iowa
Michael Carl Leo was born October 9, 1947 to Alfred and Jean Leo. He graduated from North High school in 1965, served in the US Army, and graduated from Drake University in 1973. Mike taught special education at Carlisle High School for 30 years, retiring in 2003.
Mike was co-founder of the Tall Dog Bike Club along with best friend, Dwayne Barton. Together they were known as "Art and Bart". Bike riding took him all over the United States with his bike club buddies.
Mike was a gentle, fun-loving, patient, and caring man. He treasured his time with his grandchildren by cooking breakfasts, reading, playing, and watching their ball games.
Although his time with us was too short, he truly enjoyed every moment of his life, which revolved around family and friends.
Mike passed away at his home in his favorite room on September 19, 2013.
His memory will be treasured by those who survive him, including his wife, Debbie; step-son, Scott (Tredian) Hammonds; grandchildren, Manny and Mili Hammonds; mother-in-law, Darlene King and sister, Martha (Rick) Ullrich. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, brother and sister-in-laws, and a host of relatives and dear friends who will all miss him greatly.
Visitation will be held from 5-8 p.m. on Sunday, September 22, 2013 at Ankeny Funeral Home. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m., Monday, September 23, 2013 at Ankeny First United Methodist Church, 204 SW Walnut St., with burial to follow at Resthaven Cemetery in West Des Moines.
Memorials may be directed to the family for tributes to be determined at a later date.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Mike Leo
Donald Hammen
September 15, 2022
My brother,Rick Hammen, passed away July 8,2022. Mike lived down the street from my brother and me. Mike and my brother were the same age. I was three years older. Nonetheless we played together and went to school together.Life was good. Go North High Polar Bears!
Rick Hammen
September 15, 2021
Mike was a close childhood friend.
Donald Hammen
October 11, 2013
Mike was one of a core group of youth who grew up doing numerous activities together in the Oak Park neighborhood of Des Moines which included myself and my brother Rick. Oak Park elementary, Warren Harding Junior High and Des Moines North High were all part of that journey including Highland Park Little League baseball. A flood of memories all good. Rest in peace.
Robert Boos
September 25, 2013
A life well lived; he touched many lives and will be missed.
Robert & Sharon (Shuck) Boos
Cindy Pickard/O'Mahony
September 25, 2013
Rest in Peace, Mike! You were always one of the nice guys. Cindy
Valerie Pugh
September 23, 2013
I was in Mike's graduating class at North High School and he was truly a well loved, great guy. So sorry to hear of his passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers, God Bless.
Paul "Snackbar" Tunakan
September 23, 2013
Thank you Art for sharing your vacations across Iowa with me. You are truly one of the best people I know. You have had an impact in my life and I know I am a better person for it. You will be missed but there will always be great RAGBRAI stories shared between friends that will always make us smile, laugh, and even cry. You will never be forgotten. Thank you.
Alan, Cindi, Will & Reid Summers
September 23, 2013
We will miss Mike badly. It isn't the same in our neighborhood without him. Seeing him every morning without fail walking Dora and stopping to chat with the boys about baseball or school. The boys will also miss him in the classroom as their substitute teacher. Rest in peace, our dear friend, your time here was too short but we know you are no longer suffering and riding your bike to explore all heaven has to offer. Prayers to Deb and the rest of the family---we are just a few doors down when you need us for anything. Take care.
Jim Leake
September 22, 2013
My deepest and sincere condolences to Debbie, Art's family, and the hundreds of friends that grieve his untimely passing. He would agree, jokingly, that he was truly a great man. I would like to thank him for allowing me to accompany him on “his” vacations across Iowa. Without him, I would not have met so many fantastic and fun people. Ride on in peace… Who loves ya Buddy?? I do. We all do…
Claude Carlson
September 22, 2013
I graduated for NHS in 1964. I used to visit with Art on occasion back then. I remember Art as the guy that always had a smile.
jeremy hackett
September 22, 2013
i was a student of his awhile back he has insipred me so much. really gonna miss him.
September 22, 2013
I can't think about Art without smiling. What fun we had. I spent many years on vacation with Art and dozens of his closest friends.
Art had a unique talent about getting others to do things for him.
Art never passed a Casey's (when biking) without stopping for a 'day old' (donut)
Art was a fabulous organizer in planning all those wonderful bike trips. We will all miss him.
Kitty & Daryl 'Tedd' Metzger, Johnston
Sylvia King
September 22, 2013
There's a hole in the world now that will never be filled. I will miss my brother (in law) so and will be forever touched by having him in my life while seeing how much he enriched my sister's. Rest easy, & here's to you.
The Peterson's
September 21, 2013
What a great man!!! If you were lucky enough to meet and know Mike, you were blessed!
JoAnnn Schwartz-Sampson
September 21, 2013
A gentle man with a big, warm smile. He will be missed by NHS '65 classmates.
Libby Tourte
September 21, 2013
So sorry to hear about Mike's passing. He was so positive throughout his battle. A good man who will be missed. My love and prayers go out to his family.
carrie anderson
September 21, 2013
Mr. Leo will be greatly missed... He was my teacher... There are so many things to say, but I know he touched so many of us in alot if different ways... Mr.Leo was a kind,gentle,understand,patient,funny, a wonderful teacher and a giving soul... I used to go visit him when every I was in town and just remember all the fun and good times we had.. The one thing I still remember till this day, was when my first child was born, he sent a very special gift... That is the Mr. Leo I know, very down to earth and giving man... He will be greatly missed.. My and my family's prayers are with everyone in his family...
Linda & Ed Beebe
September 21, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers go out to entire Leo family.
Mindy Feldman
September 21, 2013
My thoughts go out to mike's family. So sorry for your loss. Mike was my special education teacher.
Lindsay Bartholomew
September 21, 2013
U were a great teacher gonna miss ya
September 21, 2013
You were at Carlisle High School for as long as I can remember. I know you as a very kind and loving teacher. I also know of many students that benefited from your patient educating skills.You were a blessing to so many families. I know that there is a special 'tall dog' waiting for you in heaven!! Prayers to the family!
mari and phil mansker and kibbie
September 21, 2013
sorry for your loss debbie and scott we will see him again someday, he was our teacher also he was a kind person.each friday he would pay for a pizza for the ones who got 100 on spelling
Claradell Shedd
September 21, 2013
The halls of North High are diminished with Mike's passing. Prayers and thoughts to his family and friends. Mike's 1965 North High class page:
http://www.ndmhs.com/pages/yearclass1965(2010.45).html
Claradell Shedd
Class of June, 1953
Tony Randall
September 21, 2013
Mike was one of my best friends in school and I am saddened to learn of his death. It sounds like he led a wonderful life. He was a great guy.
Krissy Champlin
September 21, 2013
You will be missed Mr Leo, you were the best teacher in the world.
Raedean Kelce
September 19, 2013
Our family is sadden by the news of Mr. Leo passing ,Our hearts go out to his family ,he was my sisters teacher and was one of a kind and such a very nice guy
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