In loving memory of

Leo Ochoa
May 21, 1962 - June 7, 2009

GARNER - Leo Ochoa, 47, of Garner died Sunday (June 7, 2009) at Mercy Medical Center - North Iowa in Mason City.

Funeral services will be held 10 A.M., Thursday at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Garner with Fr. Henry Huber officiating. Inurnment will be in Concord Township Cemetery in Garner.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 P.M., Wednesday at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Garner and will continue one hour prior to services on Thursday. Cataldo Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Leo C. Ochoa, the son of Hilario and Salome (Calderone) Ochoa, was born May 21, 1962 at Britt. He grew up in Garner and graduated from Garner-Hayfield High School in 1981. Following graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves. Leo served as a translator for Cuban refugees in Florida for a time. He later returned to Garner and was employed at the Globe-Gazette, Clear Lake Bakery and most recently Opportunity Village. Leo enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.

He is survived by his son, Emory, of Garner; daughter, Celia Ochoa of Hampton; parents, Hilario and Salome Ochoa of Garner; his children's mother, Crystal Carpenter of Hampton; six brothers, Larry (Margaret) Ochoa of Boca Raton, FL, Everardo Ochoa (special friend, Anna)of Garner, Maurio (Jean) Ochoa of Mason City, Carlos (Sally) Ochoa of Corona, CA, Richard (Echo) Ochoa of Mason City and Jose Luise (Donna) Ochoa of Ankeny; many nieces and nephews; and special friends, Marsha Thayer of Clear Lake , Claudia Heusinkveld of Clear Lake and Nick Chambers of Garner.

Leo was preceded in death by his brother, Nievus Ochoa.

Tributes

jeffrey w wilcke/friend wrote on Jun 10, 2009:

"leo my friend...may u rest in peace away from the pain...i will always remember your laugh & talk we had plus the pool games we had..rip leo"

jeffrey w wilcke/friend wrote on Jun 10, 2009:

"here to offer u my condolences... have known leo for a very long time ..he will be greatlty missed"

Steve Dodd, Friend wrote on Jun 10, 2009:

"Leo always had that huge smile and wonderful laugh. I never saw Leo in a bad mood. I saw Leo last about two years ago and nothing had changed except his health. The smile was still there. Leo, you are in a better place my friend....adios until we meet again."

Brenda Swaim, classmate and friend, wrote on Jun 9, 2009:

"Leo, my friend, you were one of a kind! Never a stranger, Often joking, ALWAYS smiling. Homeroom wouldn't have been the same without you. There's no doubt in my mind you'll be missed by many."

Nancie Dobyns wrote on Jun 9, 2009:

"We smiled as we passed and this is what I will remember most...Peace be with you and prayers for your family"

David Dieter classmate and friend wrote on Jun 9, 2009:

"Leo, you were a wonderful high school friend who had a very special and loving personality. The times we spent together have always brought me much joy when I reflect upon them. They also bring me a chuckle or two when I think of you. You will be truely missed by family and friends for one cannot have the laughter and personality that you had without touching those around you. I am sure that your sense of humor and laughter are ringing throughout heaven right now and that GOD is enjoying you as much as I did. May God Bless your children and family while they adjust to your not being right there but may they find comfort in all that you said and did for them during your short life."

Nanette Ochoa-Shaw/Niece wrote on Jun 9, 2009:

"Although we did not see each other often or talk often you have always been in my thoughts and prayers. I will never forget your craziness or your laughter! May you rest in peace now! "

Andrea Nelson-Lowe co-worker at Opportunity Vill wrote on Jun 8, 2009:

"Leo... Your laugh will never b forgotten.. andrea"

Lori (Chirpich) Winter, classmate and friend wrote on Jun 8, 2009:

"Leo, You are my dear dear friend now and forever. I have very few friends that I can honestly say I love dearly but you fit that friend. I will miss you so very much but I know that you are out of pain and in a better place. Keep that smile and giggle it is totally you. Love you forever!!! "

tim , nevaeh, max, dietrich wrote on Jun 8, 2009:

"will miss watching the packer games he was a great man.he will be missed. "

Laurence Cropley friend wrote on Jun 8, 2009:

"I will always remember your laugh and the good times we had back in school. You never had a bad word about anything. I know you are in a better place. Rest in peace my friend."

Tim Kern Friend wrote on Jun 8, 2009:

"To my dearest and oldest friend, Over then last few years we haven't seen each other, but I will always remember you and all the memoires we shared together. I know you are in a better place and be without the illness that you had for many years. You where a good father to your son and daughter and a good son. You will always be remember my friend."