Leo Stiers

Leo was the son of John Henry and Anna Marie Stiers, German immigrants from the Volga River Region in Russia. In 1912, his grandparents, mother and father immigrated to Saginaw, Mi., and engaged in sharecropping. Both parents and grandparents moved to Fresno, Ca. and worked in various packinghouses.

During World War II, Leo joined the United States Marine Corps in 1942, serving in the South Pacific including Hawaii, the Philippines and Okinawa as a member of the Pacfleet 111. As a Tech Sergeant, Leo was NCO in charge of recreation. While serving in Okinawa, Leo was notified that within 24 hours their platoon would strike mainland Japan, but when the United States bombed Nagasaki and Hiroshima, the Japanese surrendered.

After the war, Leo worked as a pasteurizer for Golden State Dairy. Later, he worked at Libby McNeil and Libby in the area of sales. He moved on to work at The Fresno Bee, Leo served as National Advertising Manager for 11 years. After leaving The Fresno Bee, Leo and Chic Brooks formed Hapyco Equipment Company. His final career move was with United Grocers Ltd. as a Member Services Representative.

An avid homing pigeon flyer, Leo was a long standing member of the Fresno Racing Pigeon Club. He was known for his successful breeding and racing of Janssen Pigeons. Serving as President of the California State Racing Pigeon Association, he was well respected for his expertise in pigeon breeding. In addition, Leo was also a member of the International Association of Lions Clubs.

Leo is preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Alex Stiers, John Henry Stiers; and sisters, Alma Story and Lydia Renitz.

Leo leaves numerous treasured memories of family celebrations and dedicated attendance at his grandchildren's sporting events.

Leo's greatest accomplishment in life was his family.

He is survived by Clara, his loving wife, of 65 years; his daughter, Terri Stephenson and her husband, Kyle; son, Brad Stiers and his wife, Darlene, all of Fresno; and what Leo regarded as his four precious grandchildren, Kelly Stephenson, Corinne Holland and husband Justin, Hailey Stiers, and Trustin Stiers.

A Funeral Service will be held at Stephens & Bean on Friday, July 13, 2012, at 10:00 a.m. Interment to follow at Mt. View Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, Remembrances may be made to Hinds Hospice, 1616 W. Shaw Ave, Suite A-5, Fresno, Ca. 93711.