Leo was a man who lived life fully and never knew how to sit still for long. Even in high school, he stood out as a star basketball player, known especially for his remarkable free-throw shooting.
After high school, Leo proudly joined the United States Air Force. While serving in Germany, he med Hedy Loos, the love of his life. Finding Hedy was one of the greatest blessings of Leo’s life. Their meeting began a lifelong love story filled with devotion, companionship, and family. Leo remained deeply devoted to Hedy throughout their life together. In her later years, her care and wellbeing were always his first priority. He was thoughtful and meticulous in caring for her, making sure she was comfortable and well cared for. His devotion to Hedy was a beautiful reflection of the love they shared throughout their many years together.
Leo had a lifelong passion for hunting. He was an avid hunter and took great pride in raising champion hunting dogs. His love of the outdoors eventually took him to Wyoming, where he hunted bears and bobcats. After retiring from General Motors following 30 years of dedicated work, Leo decided that hunting was becoming a little too dangerous. So, naturally, he found another way to spend his time outdoors—fishing.
Leo became a champion bass fisherman and spent the last 34 winters of his life fishing in Texas. This past winter was his final season on the water, doing something he truly loved.
Leo was also a man who could fix almost anything. He was handy with tools, loved remodeling and repairing things, and was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed it. Helping others was simply part of who he was.
And Leo never really retired from working. Even just a few months ago, he was still installing overhead lights, painting, making repairs, and finding projects around the house. If something needed to be done, Leo was usually the one figuring out how to do it.
Leo leaves behind a lifetime of memories filled with family, love, adventure, hard work, and countless stories from the outdoors. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Leo, AKA “Pop”, was a husband, a father, a grandfather, a friend, and a man who never stopped living life on his own terms. Leo was preceded in death by his wife of over 70 years, Hedy; his daughter, Christina Naething; two brothers, Robert and Richard; and his sister, Mary Jane.
He is survived by his children, Leo Michael Ormesher, Edna Stinehour, Margrit Bautz, Patricia Merrill (Rick), and Richard Ormesher (Lori), as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and a brother, David.
The family will receive friends from 1:00-2:00 pm on Friday, August 21, 2026, at Wappner Funeral Directors and Crematory-Ontario, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Road. The funeral service will follow at 2:00 pm. He will be laid to rest in Lantz Cemetery with military honors presented by the Richland County Joint Veterans Burial Detail. Memorial contributions may be made to the Apostolic Christian Church, 3106 South Highway 83, Zapata, TX 78076.
The family wishes to send a special thank you to Gentiva Hospice and Cornerstone Caregiving for the excellent care of Leo and his family.
Rest peacefully, Leo. Your work here is done.
