Leon DesJarlais, of Elcho, died Sunday, May 18, 2014 at Eastview. He was 90 years old. He was born on October 8, 1923 in Summit Lake, a son of Leo and Susan (Miller) DesJarlais. He married Betsy Glines on November 27, 1946 in Enterprise. She preceded him in death on November 4, 2008.
He was a graduate of Elcho High School with the class of 1941.
As a young man he served in the CCC Camp on Otter Lake in Elcho. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1943 and served in the Philippines where he attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. He was discharged in 1946.
Mr. DesJarlais worked in the woods in the Elcho area for many years and was employed for Reliance Road Construction retiring in 1985.
He was a member of the Noetzelman-Boodry American Legion Post #377, Elcho, the Northlake Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #920, Pelican Lake, and the Paul Marmes Disabled American Veterans Chapter 23, Antigo.
He enjoyed gardening, watching his birds and squirrels. Mr. DesJarlais will be remembered as the man who waived to passing traffic in front of his house on Highway 45 in Elcho.
Survivors include a daughter Kathryn Oldenberg and friend Bob of Elcho; two sons, John (Patricia) DesJarlais of Antigo, Paul DesJarlais and friend Kris of Elcho; six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife and parents, a son Peter and a daughter, Karyn DesJarlais; a son-in-law David Oldenberg, a granddaughter and a great-grandson; a sister Carol Ison; two brothers Lester and Willis DesJarlais; .
A funeral service will be held on Wednesday at 11 a.m. at Bradley Funeral Home with Rev. Wes Jedras officiating. Burial will take place in Elcho Cemetery where military rites will be conducted. Visitation will be Tuesday from 5 - 7 p.m. at Bradley Funeral Home and Wednesday from 9 a.m. until the time of services at the funeral home.
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Antigo, WI 54409
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Antigo, WI 54409
Please accept my sympathy at the loss of Leon. Although I did not know Leon long he provided me with history and very early photos of the Millers, Susie's family. I am sorry that I did not get to know Leon earlier. Susie's sister Salome Wasserman was my grandmother. Thank you Leon for you help I will always remember you. Tom Nelson
I loved seeing Leon every time I came into work; his whole face would light up and that smile-- I will really miss that smile. He was a wonderful man, and will most definitely be missed.
My husband, Rev. Jack LaMar, had a special bond with Leon. Jack and I shared many happy waves and friendly good mornings and hellos with Leon. Death brings great sadness to all who have lost someone so dear. I offer my prayers and extend my condolences to all.
I will forever remember his beautiful smile and the hugs! He was a Beautiful kind person, the world has lost a shining star but Heaven has gained a Angel. May God be with the family to ease the pain of losing such a Wonderful person. God Bless!
Leon's son Paul is a special friend of Hubert's daughter, Kristine Anderson. Paul is a wonderful man, so we expect Leon was too! Anyone who waves at passersby is okay with us! Our deepest sympathy to the entire family! It's always a more difficult situation when the second parent dies. Our prayer is the family will stay connected and be blessed with God's peace which passes all understanding.
I just gave a wave up to heaven. I waived back to him every time. It was a joy to see him out there waving. I always looked for him so I could wave back. My condolences to the family.
Leon was a wonderful man and will be sorely missed! I worked with Karyn who often relayed stories of her wonderful father and family. I often stopped to visit with Leon on my way from Antigo to the U.P. Occasionally I would run into Leon while we would both be out doing errands and we never missed a chance to chat and catch up. I know he sorely missed Betsy and Karyn and is now at peace as he is reunited with them once again.
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