LEO DONALD ELLER

A Mass of Christian Burial for Leo Donald Eller, 77, will be May 19, 2010, at 11 a.m. with a visitation beginning at 10 a.m. at St. Michaels Catholic Church in Palmer with Father Nelson Marilag officiating. Burial will follow at 2:30 p.m. at Fort Richardson National Cemetery with military honors. Pallbearers will be Michael, Thomas, William, Robert, David and Wayne Eller.

Leo died May 11 at his Butte residence of natural causes.

He was born July 15, 1932, in St. Cloud, Minn. He served honorably from 1953 to 1957 as a sergeant in the Marine Corps and 1957 to 1974 as a technical sergeant in the Air Force. He received many military service awards as well as a citation from the Civil Reserve Air Fleet in “Support of Operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm.”

After retiring from military service, Leo was employed as an A&P mechanic and instructor for many national and international air carriers at the Anchorage International Airport.

He was a member of the American Legion, Disabled American Vets and St. Michaels Catholic Church.

According to his family, Leo “Butch” was a loving husband, father and grandfather known for his loyalty and devotion to his country through his 21-plus years of military service. He had a strong work ethic and enjoyed many activities with his family; fishing, hunting, bowling, playing golf. He was an avid sports fan and served his community as a highly respected instructor, coach and umpire for many years. He would regularly tinker around his property making improvements while teaching his family the value of teamwork and perseverance. The greatest guy we knew passed away unexpectedly. He will be missed and remembered by all for the example he set of love, devotion and unconditional support.

Leo is survived by his wife, Gloria of Anchorage; two daughters, Renie of Anchorage and Laurie of Palmer; five sons and daughters-in-law, Mike of Phoenix, Ariz., Tom and Dawn of Seattle, Wash., Bill and Tawnya of Yakima, Wash., Bob Eller of Anchorage and David and Terisha of Palmer; grandson and granddaughter-in-law, Danny and Mariah Scott of Iowa; four grandsons, Justin of Seattle, Wayne, Chris and Jon, all of Palmer; two granddaughters, Jaidyn and Jozi, both of Yakima; and great-grandson, Taylan Scott of Iowa.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Marie Eller, father, Joseph Eller and his sister, Margaret Graham.

The family has requested that memorial contributions be directed to: Leo D. Eller Memorial Fund at Wells Fargo Bank, Account No. 3879893919.

Arrangements by Alaskan Heritage Memorial Chapel and Crematory, Wasilla Chapel.