Manfred Joseph Leu

My dad answered to many names and wore many hats throughout his incredible 97.5 year lifespan. “Manny”, “MJ”, “Leu” and Manfred were the ones he liked the most, and often immortalized with wood-burned or gold embossed plaques adorning the walls of his office and workshop. He was proud of the name he had built for himself after coming from modest beginnings growing up in NE Portland where his father opened one of Portland's first butcher shop's serving, among others, the newly established Fred Meyer Supermarket; attending Kennedy Grade School and Jefferson High School; serving a stint in the Navy as a Seabee during World War II; and excelling in a 47 year self-employed house painting career that served Portland residents, the Lloyd Corporation and the likes of many founding dignitaries in our great Rose City. He supplemented his work with a rise to the ranks of an accomplished father, husband, friend and citizen. He was an active member of the Moose and the Elks, and a coach of our little league baseball teams sponsored by Portland landmarks that included Elmer's Pancake House, Binford and Mort Publishing and Ross Hollywood Chapel.

Although my father's life was focused on an insatiable need to work, he always made time for recreation which included an abundance of golf, bowling, dancing, fishing, boating, Pinochle, and travel. He balanced a perfect life of work, recreation, and family; and lived far beyond his wildest dreams. We should all be so lucky to live such a long and prosperous life. He always said, “If it's worth doing; it's worth doing right,” and that's exactly what he did. Wherever you are dear father, may you rest in peace and thanks for the memories. - Daryl B. Leu, D.V.M.

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With proud Swiss-German heritage, Manfred Joseph Leu, 97, was born on May 20, 1914 in Elkhorn, NE and died after an interesting and bountiful life on November 30, 2011 in Portland, OR. He was dearly loved and is survived by his wife Vera [Berger] of 40 years, his birth children; Darlene Lostrom [husband Charles], Daryl Leu, Debaree Leu, his grandchildren; Christopher Lostrom, Heather Lostrom-Johnson, Shaun Joseph Leu, his first great-grandchild Keira Lostrom as well as many others from the Lostrom and Carpenter families. Mr. Leu was preceded in death by his parents Fred Adam Leu and Louise Mockelmann Leu, first wife Ruth Patton Leu, and sister Fern Leu Mellinger.

During the war, Mr. Leu served in the Navy Sea Bees to reach rank of Painter Second Class, therefore to honor his life, with devotion to family and service to country; all are welcome to attend the outdoor Military Honors on Monday, January 9, 2012 at 3 PM at Willamette National Cemetery. For further details on the memorable and long life of Manfred J. Leu, plus, online condolences, please visit GatewayLittleChapel.com.

Published in the Sunday December 25, 2011 Oregonian:

Manfred passed away having lived an interesting and bountiful life in Portland, OR. An obituary was published in the Sunday December 18 Oregonian listing the survivors and loved ones of Manfred. Manfred was loved by many and will be dearly missed by all. Military honors will be held at Willamette National Cemetery January 9, 2012 at 3pm. Please see www.gatewaylittlechapel.com for more information.

Arrangements under the direction of Gateway Little Chapel of the Chimes, Portland, OR.