Leo J. Welsh

Leo James Welsh was born on August 5, 1966, to James and Mary (Hanrahan) Welsh in Fridley, Minnesota. He was baptized and later confirmed at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Denison. He attended Denison schools and graduated with the class of 1985. Following graduation, he moved to Arnold's Park, Iowa where he worked for the summer. That fall, he enlisted in the United States Army and served as a military police officer. His first station was in Darmstadt, Germany. After three years of active-duty service, he transferred to the United States Army Reserve and served for 12 years.

Leo married Tricia Thul and two children were born to this union, Kassidy and Tanner. The couple lived in Denison and later divorced. Leo then married Sara Backhaus and they had one son, Tyler. The couple made their home in Vail and later divorced.

Leo worked as a security instructor at Denison Job Corps for many years. He also worked alongside his father in bail bond services in Denison. Leo was a member of St. Ann Catholic Church and the Vail Fire Department. Leo was a motorcycle enthusiast and joined the Soldier Valley American Legion Riders. He was also a member of the Vail American Legion.

Leo enjoyed fast cars and fishing. He was recognized as an expert shooter in his military training and he enjoyed target practice with various weapons. He was an avid Kansas City Chiefs fan. Above all, he enjoyed spending time with his family. His children could always count on seeing him in the crowd at their various activities. After school, he would pick up Kassidy and Tanner and take them to their grandpa's pawn shop, where they would sit and visit over a coke slushy. Kassidy cherishes her memories of riding on the back of his motorcycle and Tanner will always cherish the memories made at Iowa State University games. He loved taking his son, Tyler to the movies and enjoying a coke slushy, as well as riding four-wheelers.

Leo passed away due to a motorcycle accident in Vail on Sunday, July 9, 2023, at the age of 56 years, 11 months and four days.

He was preceded in death by his father, James Welsh. He is survived by his three children: Kassidy Welsh and fiancé, Christopher Siemer of Denison, Tanner Welsh (Madison Struck) of Charter Oak, and Tyler Welsh of Harlan; mother, Mary Welsh of Vail; brother, Daniel Welsh of Lincoln, Nebraska; nephew, Cory Welsh of Los Angeles, California; niece, Sydney Welsh of Los Angeles, California; aunt, Thresia Riley of Carroll; and many other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 19, 2023, at the Huebner Funeral Home in Denison. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 20, 2023, at St. Ann Catholic Church in Vail. Inurnment with military honors will follow in the St. Rose of Lima Cemetery in Denison. Memorials may be directed to the family.