Leo F Carolan

Leo Francis Carolan was born on September 20, 1930 to Jim and Esther Carolan in Lacrosse Wisconsin. As a child and young man, Leo was raised on the family farm in Decorah, Iowa. Leo worked in construction and concrete businesses until he was drafted by the United States Army to serve his country during the Korean conflict. After the war, Leo returned home to Iowa and married his wife of almost 55 years, Betty Reid. Leo’s family was the most important thing to him and he never stopped being a loving father and grandfather. In 1962, he moved his family to Spokane. Leo retired from Ryerson Steel. He loved the outdoors, especially hunting, fishing, and camping with his family. Many times, you could find Leo in a City Park with his metal detector searching for treasure. He was a member of the Northwest Treasure Hunters Club and also was a member of the north side Eagles. He was a talented metal and woodworker who was always giving his projects away as gifts. Leo loved and served the Lord throughout his entire life, being an active member of all the Parishes he attended. He fought a several yearlong battle with COPD bravely and with dignity, until the Lord called him home on July 18, 2012. Leo is survived by his wife, Betty; children, Gordon, Scott (Molly), Lori Oakshott (Scott) and Julie all of Spokane; six grandchildren, Krystin McCowan (Landon), Courtney and Trey Carolan, and Brad, Nichole, and Derek Oakshott; brother, Jim (Robin) Carolan; brother-in-law, Floyd Baumler; brother and sister-in-laws Bob and Patti Reid, and Bill and Irene Reid; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Visitation will be from 9:00AM – 5:00PM on Friday July 20 and Saturday, July 21 at RIPLINGER FUNERAL HOME 4305 N. Division in Spokane. Funeral Mass will begin at 1:00PM on Monday, July 23, 2012 at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 5021 N. Nelson in Spokane followed by a private family interment with military honors.