John Arthur O'Leary, Jr., 98
By:
Jay Schneider
John Arthur O'Leary, Jr. age 98 of Waterville died on Thursday, July 26, 2018 at Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato. Born on April 19, 1920 in Morristown, Minnesota, he was the son of John A. and Theressa (Hamele) O’Leary, Sr. He graduated from Waterville High School in 1938 and went on to attend business college in Mankato. John served in the U.S. Army from 1942 until his honorable discharge in 1946. He married Teresa Yerhart on September 21, 1948 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Waterville. Following his time in the service, John returned to Waterville where he operated O’Leary’s Station and Resort up until the past year. He also sold bait and tackle and serviced Evinrude motors. He was proud of his military service and was an active member of the VFW having served as past commander and coordinated the Memorial Day program for years. John was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Waterville and served on the Calvary Cemetery board for many years. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Teresa; three children, Colleen O’Leary and her husband, Marlo Skurdal of Courtland, Tom O’Leary of Waterville, and Paul O’Leary of Northfield; five grandchildren, Gwendolyn O’Leary, Brian O’Leary, Amanda McBride, KariAnna Ulrich, and Eirika Johanna; and six great grandchildren. He is also survived by one sister, Bernadine Hildebrant of Waterville; sisters-in-law, Agnes Brisbane of Waseca and Irene Lynaugh of Mankato; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Carroll McBride; and many other extended family. Visitation will be held at Dennis Funeral & Cremation Services in Waterville on Friday, August 3, 2018 from 4-7 PM and continue on Saturday, one hour before services at the church. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 4, 2018 at 10:30 AM at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Waterville. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Waterville. dennisfuneralhomes.com