Leo Pauwels Obituary
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Leo was graduated from St. Joseph's High School and Indiana University before embarking on a career that was also a passion: the railroad. In 1992 he joined the Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad, where he was still employed at the time of his death.
Leo married the former Teresa Snively later in life and made an instant family, immediately making her children his own. His greatest joy was his child Rachael, with whom he shared his unique sense of humor, love of trains, and an endless stream of memes.
Leo was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Christine Pauwels, his niece Sarah Starczewski, his nephews Jeff and Dan Pauwels, and a great-niece, Delia Grace Abaray.
Along with Teresa and Rachael, Leo is survived by his stepchildren Patrick Ball and Katie (Todd) Boruff, three grandchildren, his buddy John Kush, his goddaughter Paula Kay Horvath and godson Noah Abaray, five of his adored siblings: Ken (Marie) Pauwels, Mike (Mary) Pauwels, Larry (Vicki) Pauwels, Mary (Mike) Abaray, and Cathy Stradtner, and dozens of beloved nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews. To honor Leo's memory, do a good deed for someone who has no ability to repay you, stop worrying about being right and start worrying about being loving, wear a funny t-shirt, count the cars on a passing freight train, or make a fart joke. All of these would bring him great joy.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1:00 p.m. Friday, February 16, 2024 in Holy Cross Catholic Church. Burial will follow in Highland Cemetery. A visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. until 12:45 p.m. Friday in Holy Cross Church.
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John MacQueen
February 17, 2024
I met Leo through a mutual friend while we were all in college doing what else? CHASING TRAINS! Leo was quick witted, fun to be around, and a good photographer. Haven´t seen him in years, but will always remember him and his great personality. My condolences to all. Rest in Peace Leo.
Leo and crew, Deshler, OH, Dec 2007
Erick Facknitz
February 16, 2024
What Tim said. I will forever fondly remember the 'Fab Five' meeting up at Elkhart, Chesterton, Waterloo or Deshler, usually during the Christmas season, and often out in the cold for a several hours before heading in to a 'nutritious' dinner somewhere. It was always a blast, and Leo certainly provided his full share of the fuel for the fire! We'll miss ya, Buddy. Wishing Leo's family solace during this difficult time.
Tim Drake
February 15, 2024
My condolences to Leo's family. It has been awhile since we all got together, me,Mark Hinsdale, Erick Facknitz, Joe and on occasion, Dave. Railfanning and socializing at Chesterton, followed by ribs at Wagner's. Or Elkhart, with pizza at DaVinci. RIP, my friend.
Tim Drake
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Andrea Potgiesser
February 14, 2024
A time Uncle Leo made me laugh? I laughed every time he was around. Growing up for me often included visits with all my aunts, uncles and cousins, packing so much family in my parents' house, which is when I saw him most. Uncle Leo always had the whole room laughing to tears while he would laugh until his face turned many interesting colors! He never told a boring story which itself is a fine art. One Christmas he took one of my mom's infamous gift nows and wore it like a headband and the Paprazzi came out. We were fortunate to spend many Christmases with him where the photos he would let us take would include a bow. He took real pleasure in finding funny shirts for my dad to where he would spend all year searching high and low for next year's big reveal, and we all enjoyed watching my dad unwrap the art that became Leo's simple joy. Christmas will never be the same without him. Neither will a trip to Meijer on Portage Rd. Undoubtedly, I'll be looking for him by the bagged salads or in the cereal aisle.
Paula Wratten
February 14, 2024
I am very heartbroken to hear of Leo´s passing. I worked many many years with Leo, you could say he was like my 2nd husband. I could remember him saying "Yes Dear" when he was happy with me, and when he wasn´t, need I say more.
Terry, thinking of you, Rachael, Patrick, Katie, his brothers and sisters, spouses, etc., and best friend John, during this difficult time. He truly cared about all of you.
No one can ever prepare for the loss of a loved one. The memories will live in our hearts forever.
With deepest sympathy,
Paula Wratten
Paula Wratten
February 14, 2024
I am so heartbroken and shocked to hear of Leo´s passing. I worked many many years with Leo, you could say he was like my 2nd husband. I could remember him saying "Yes Dear" when he was happy with me, and when he wasn´t, need I say more.
Terry, thinking of you, Rachel, Patrick, Katie, his brothers and sisters, spouses, etc., and his best friend John, during this difficult time. Working with Leo for so many years, I knew how important his family was to him and how much he cared for all of you.
No one can ever prepare for the loss of a loved one. All we have are the memories.
With deepest sympathy,
Paula Wratten
Dan Price
February 14, 2024
My first memory of Leo was 22 years ago. Leo was stuffed in a small dingy office inside the IHB headquarters in Hammond, IN. I could barely see him behind all of his "railroad stuff". Leo was so versed on the Chicagoland railroads and loved to share it with others. He knew every connection, every route and even rail connections that others did not know existed. I will miss our interactions and our lunches at House of Pizza.
May this brief story bring a little comfort to you and your family during this trying time. I am deeply saddened but happy I was able to spend time with Leo over the past 22 years.
Sincerely,
Dan Price
Abaray Mary
February 14, 2024
Somehow, this being Valentine's Day and Ash Wednesday is curiously appropriate for aching hearts.
Rachael Pauwels
February 13, 2024
Hey, dad. I'm gonna miss you.
I love you.
Patrick Mcashane
February 13, 2024
Dear Leo,
It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we bid you farewell. Your sudden departure has left a void in our lives that can never be filled. Your presence brought light, laughter, and warmth to our workplace, and your absence will be deeply felt by all who had the privilege of knowing you.
Your kindness, generosity, and unwavering optimism touched the lives of everyone around you. You had a rare ability to uplift spirits and make even the most challenging days seem manageable. Your passing leaves behind a legacy of love, compassion, and strength that will continue to inspire us all.
Though you may no longer be with us in body, your spirit will forever live on in our memories and hearts. We will cherish the moments we shared together and hold onto the lessons you taught us about resilience, perseverance, and the importance of living life to the fullest.
As we mourn your loss. You will always be remembered as a beloved friend, colleague, mentor and confidant, and your memory will continue to guide and comfort us in the days ahead.
Rest in peace, Leo. You will be dearly missed, but never forgotten. Godspeed my friend.
With heartfelt condolences,
The McShane Family
Mary Abaray
February 12, 2024
Leo loved trains from the day he could look out the front door and see the tracks three blocks away. He joined a group of retired railroad men when he was in high school. They were enamored with him and his love of trains that matched theirs. You could drive in a car with him and cross any set of tracks and he could tell you which railroad ran their trains on them.
He was our acerbic, witty, rejoinder-master of a brother much like his father and grandfather. We are missing our dear brother, our PI06, with another hole in our hearts. Our only consolation is the smiles in Heaven for a new partner in cut throat Cherry Street Euchre.
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